day tours in svalbard

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Svalbard Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Svalbard. We've got 72 trips going to Svalbard, starting from just 6 days in length, and the longest tour is 25 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the most tour departures.

72 Svalbard tour packages

• Christmas & New Year

Svalbard, Longyerbyen and Oslo - 7 days

• Ocean Cruise

Around Spitsbergen

In polar bear country

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic (2024), Operated by Quark

Introduction to Spitsbergen, Operated by Quark

Circumnavigating Spitsbergen | In the Realm of the Polar Bear | 2024 (MS Spitsbergen)

West Svalbard and the Polar Ice Edge

The Ultimate Expedition | Circumnavigating Svalbard (MS Spitsbergen)

Svalbard In Depth - Land, Sea And Ice

Polar Bear Express - Southeast Svalbard

10 Days Natural Wonders Of Svalbard Expedition Micro Cruise on MV Vikingfjord - 12 Guests Only

Svalbard Explorer Photography Expedition Micro Cruise with Paul Goldstein - 12 Guests Only

Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth

West Svalbard

Svalbard tours starting in:.

• Longyearbyen (26)
• Helsinki (5)
• Fully Guided (67)
• Explorer (51)
• Ocean Cruise (43)
• Family (35)
• Personalized (14)
• Small Group (18)
• 10 Day Tours (22)
• 2 Week Tours (21)
• 3 Week Tours (7)
• Spring 2024 (8)
• Summer 2024 (34)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (8)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (1)
• Spring 2025 (6)
• Summer 2025 (21)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (2)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1)
• April 2024 (3)
• May 2024 (11)
• June 2024 (21)
• July 2024 (19)
• August 2024 (8)
• September 2024 (8)
• October 2024 (1)
• November 2024 (1)
• December 2024 (1)
• January 2025 (1)
• February 2025 (1)
• March 2025 (1)
• April 2025 (2)
• May 2025 (7)
• June 2025 (12)
• July 2025 (11)
• August 2025 (8)
• September 2025 (2)
• October 2025 (1)
• November 2025 (1)

Travel Styles

• Seniors (17)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Spitzbergen Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits en Svalbard
• Español: Circuitos por Svalbard
• Nederlands: Svalbard Rondreizen

Natural magic in magical nature

Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

Ice Cave - Climb into the Frozen World

Frozen Summit - Hike to Trollsteinen and ice cave

Sarkofagen - Wildlife Hike to the Glacier

Blomsterdalen - Wildlife Hike to Global Seed Vault

Ice Cave - One Wildlife Night

Ice Cave - Hike into the Frozen World

Platåfjellet - Wildlife Hike to Panorama View

Hiorthhamn - Hike to Frozen Fjord

Foxfonna - Wildlife Hike from Coal Mine 7

Trollsteinen - Wildlife Hike to the Rock

Wildlife Ski Tour 850 msl - Trollsteinen

Wildlife Ski Tour 1050 msl - Nordenskiold

Nordenskiold - Wildlife Hike to the top

Fuglefjella - Wildlife Hike at the Coast

Wildlife Kayak - Morning and Evening tour

Wildlife Kayak - From Shore to Shore

Arctic Challenge - Hike and Kayak

Wildlife Hike - Private guide

Wildlife Ski - Private ski guide

Snowmobile Safari - One Wild Day

Snowmobile Safari to East Coast - One Wild Night

Snowmobile Safari to East Coast - Two Wild Nights

Snowmobile Safari to East Coast - Three Wild Nights

Wildlife Trugetur Camp - Into the Wild

Wildlife Topptur Camp - Ski to the Top

Wildlife Ski Expedition - Nordenskiold Land

Spitsbergen Ski Expedition - Oscar II Land

Svalbard Ski and Sail

Billefjorden Kayak Expedition - Nordenskiold

Spitsbergen Kayaking Expedition - Isfjorden

Into the wild adventure

With our guides in Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions, you get to experience the natural magic through the use of your own body and energy with the smallest possible footprint . We are a sustainable company with activities on foot, in kayak, on skis and snowshoes, and further into the wilderness at camp in front of a glacier. We also arrange trips on snowmobiles in collaboration with local suppliers to cover a larger area towards the East Coast and the polar bear's kingdom.

Join us for a hike with a panorama view of Longyearbyen, walk across glaciers and mountains, past the Global Seed Vault and experience a real wilderness camp in Ymerbukta. Or maybe you'd rather explore the magical underworld of meltwater channels and crystalized chandeliers deep within the ice cave, with narrow passage ways and grand halls waiting in a world of ice.

Great tour, great weather and great view!

We booked the ski touring with Svalbard Wildlife Expedition, and had a great day with our guide Philipp. We couldn't catch the connecting flight to LYR due to the weather in Oslo on Saturday, so we arrived at LYR airport on Monday morning. Our guide was so kind to postpone the tour to a later hour，and even offered to pick us up from the airport, so we did not miss out this great fun in Longyearbyen. The view on the mountain was so so stunning. Our guide was very cute, patient and knowledgeable. We had a very splashed day in LYR. Hopefully I will visit the city again!

THE 10 BEST Svalbard Tours & Excursions

Tours in svalbard.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Private Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Green Dog Svalbard

2. Poli Arctici

3. Hurtigruten Svalbard

4. Better Moments

5. Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

6. Husky Travellers

7. Svalbard Adventures

8. Spitzbergen Adventures

9. Polar Dream Travel

10. Svalbard Husky

11. Arctic Adventures

12. Henningsen Transport & Guiding

13. Svalbard Villmarkssenter - Day Tours

14. Backyard Svalbard

15. Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

16. Longyearbyen Guiding

17. Discover Svalbard

18. Escales Polaires

19. Secret Atlas

20. Grumant Arctic Travel Company

21. Spitzbergen Outdoor Activities

22. Polar Permaculture Solutions

23. See & Explore

24. Svalbard Trekking - Day Tours

25. Better Moments Svalbard

26. Svalbard Adventure Group Fjordsafari RIB Boat

27. FatBike Spitsbergen

28. Svalbard Bus and Taxi

29. Svalbard Kayak

30. Arctic Explore

What travellers are saying

• Poli Arctici
• Green Dog Svalbard
• Polar Dream Travel
• Husky Travellers
• Arctic Adventures
• Svalbard Husky
• Polar Permaculture Solutions
• Spitzbergen Outdoor Activities
• Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions
• Better Moments
• Hurtigruten Svalbard

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Svalbard Tour Packages

An escape to Svalbard promises to be an adventure you’ll never forget! Journey to this Arctic archipelago in winter to chase the northern lights, or travel in summer for the midnight sun. These Svalbard tours include your accommodation, guided excursions and airport transfers, all arranged by your own dedicated travel consultant.

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Prices per adult based on bookings for two

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About Your Svalbard Tour

Whether you’re whizzing across snow-dusted landscapes or learning to drive a dog sled, you can expect the extraordinary in Svalbard. What’s more, exciting activities like this are already included in your tour package. With insider knowledge from your local guides, you’ll get the most out of your trip to Arctic Norway.

When you book a partially guided tour of Svalbard with Nordic Visitor, you’ll get: • An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted company • A dedicated travel consultant who will arrange your entire trip • Excursions led by experienced professional guides • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 phone support during your trip for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to plan your Svalbard holiday. Begin your adventure by following these simple steps: 1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why Choose Nordic Visitor

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor has been designing tours in Northern Europe ever since. Using their insider knowledge of Svalbard, your regional travel consultant will arrange your trip for you. What’s more, you can rest easy knowing that each part of your package is quality-tested by us.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence . We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

You are in good hands

You can reach us 24/7 throughout your trip. If anything unforeseen crops up, get in touch and a travel expert will be available to assist you. This includes minimising any disruption to your itinerary. So you can explore with confidence, safe in the knowledge that support is just a call away.

Hassle-free experience

Pick any of these Nordic Visitor Svalbard trips and we’ll take care of the details for you. Your dedicated travel consultant will book your accommodation, guided excursions and airport transfers before you get there. This means that from the moment you touch down, your experience will be seamless.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Customisable tour options

These Svalbard tours already include handpicked activities, but we know that your travel wish list is unique to you. So why not personalise your itinerary with optional extras, such as guided hikes or snowmobile rides? Plus, you’ll have the option to extend your stay with additional nights.

Customer Reviews

Nordic Visitor may be a new name in Svalbard tourism, but we’ve been around for a while in the Nordic countries. In Norway and beyond, we’ve established a great reputation with our local suppliers and guests from all over the world. It won't be long until you can read new reviews here! Maybe yours will be next?

Your Svalbard Vacation Highlights

Dazzling ice caps and rugged fjords are waiting for you in this remote archipelago where the polar bear is king. Visit Svalbard and you could…

• Spend time in Longyearbyen , the most northerly town in the world
• Chase enchanting and colourful displays of the northern lights in winter
• Go wildlife-watching on Spitsbergen , home to Arctic foxes, polar bears and reindeer
• Learn about the history and culture of these islands when you tour the Svalbard Museum
• Soak up jaw-dropping scenery with endless daylight, thanks to summer’s midnight sun
• Try your hand at mushing on a dog sledding excursion to the Adventdalen Valley
• Join a guided snowmobile tour , where you’ll glide through untouched landscapes
• Immerse yourself in nature when you stay at the remote Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel
• Find out why Svalbard is a perfect place for one of the world’s Global Seed Vaults

Frequently Asked Questions About Svalbard Tour Packages

If you want to know more before planning your trip to Arctic Norway, don’t miss the answers to these frequently asked questions about visiting Svalbard. For even more information, check out this handy Svalbard Travel Guide .

To learn about our booking process, payments and more, please read these FAQs and booking terms .

1. Where is Svalbard?

You’ll find the island chain of Svalbard located around halfway between Northern Norway and the North Pole. This Norwegian archipelago lies well within the Arctic Circle.

The region’s 9 main islands are scattered between latitudes of 74° and 81° N. Spitsbergen is the largest of these islands. And its capital, Longyearbyen, sits at a latitude of 78° N, making it one of the world’s northernmost settlements.

2. Is Svalbard a country?

Svalbard isn’t a country, but it’s been part of the Kingdom of Norway since the Spitsbergen Treaty came into effect in 1925. This connection is why all flights to Svalbard are via Norway.

3. Is Svalbard worth visiting?

If you love off-the-beaten-path adventures, Svalbard’s rugged landscapes should definitely make it onto your travel wishlist. Skip one of those expedition cruises, and instead choose to have an authentic travel experience organised by local experts. On our carefully curated trips, you’ll really get to know the region.

With around just 2,600 people making their home in Svalbard, much of the island chain is pristine wilderness. Think vast glaciers, Arctic tundra and wild fjords.

The archipelago’s fauna doesn’t disappoint either. Not only is this a land where polar bears roam, but you might also glimpse Arctic foxes, seals and reindeer. Come summer, migratory birds arrive and get ready to start nesting. Plus, take to the water and you could spy some of the whale species that swim in the seas around Svalbard.

Why not combine your Arctic escape with other regions of Norway? Get inspired by these top Norwegian vacation spots .

4. Are there polar bears in Svalbard?

Yes, polar bears live in Svalbard year-round. In fact, the islands, and surrounding Barents Sea, are home to about 3,000 of these majestic creatures. This is higher than the number of people that live in the area!

It’s worth remembering that these are wild animals, so you aren’t guaranteed to spot a polar bear. Of course, their presence here also means that outdoor excursions must be with a guide who knows what to do if you come across one. Read more about the measures to protect both polar bears and visitors in this Svalbard travel guide .

Choose a Svalbard tour with Nordic Visitor, and rest easy knowing that we only use handpicked local suppliers with experienced professional guides.

5. Can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?

Absolutely! Svalbard is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Norway . Why, you ask? Well, to see the aurora borealis you need darkness, clear skies, high solar activity, and low light pollution. With its remote position in the Arctic Circle, where there’s lots of solar activity, Svalbard ticks all of these boxes.

If you want to chase the aurora, then the winter months of February and March are an ideal time to visit. This is because the long polar nights mean you’ll have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out more about hunting for the aurora in this guide to the northern lights in Norway .

6. Can you visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?

Svalbard’s Global Seed Vault is not open to visitors. But it is possible to join a sightseeing tour from Longyearbyen, which stops outside the entrance. From here, you can see how the structure is built into the permafrost. You’ll also be able to admire the art installation above the door into the vault.

7. What is there to do in Svalbard?

No matter when you visit, there’s plenty to see and do in Svalbard . But it’s worth bearing in mind that travelling in summer or winter will change the type of activities you can do during your trip.

For instance, from mid-Novermber to late-January the sun doesn’t rise, this is known as the polar night. And while this is great for spotting the northern lights, you’ll miss out on the epic views. Visit from February into spring though, and you can combine hunting for the aurora with other activities.

Come to Svalbard in winter and you could:

• • Go on a snowmobiling expedition to a remote Arctic hotel
• • Try husky sledding through snow-blanketed valleys
• • Chase breathtaking displays of the northern lights

On the other hand, travel to Svalbard between mid-April and mid-August and you’ll experience the midnight sun. This natural phenomenon is when the sun doesn’t set near the poles.

The longer days and less snowy conditions of summer are best for:

• • Taking boat trips along the rugged coastline
• • Exploring the untouched wilderness on guided hikes
• • Learning how to drive a dog sled with wheels

There are also a few things you can do year-round near Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital. Delve into the local culture when you visit Svalbard Museum or the North Pole Expedition Museum. Or take a guided day tour into the surrounding countryside to see key sights, such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

You could also grab a pint at Svalbard Bryggeri AS, the most northerly brewery in the world. And there’s Camp Barentz, a restaurant designed to look like the cabin of William Barentz, one of the first people to discover Svalbard.

Check out these other top things to do in Svalbard. And find out more about the best time to visit Norway , with tips on what to do and where to go.

8. How do I get to Svalbard?

The easiest way to get to Svalbard is by getting to Oslo or Tromsø on mainland Norway and taking a connecting flight to Svalbard.

Your travel to and from Svalbard isn’t included in these packages, but we’d be happy to assist you with organising your flights from Oslo (3 hours) or Tromsø (1.5 hours). If you’d like to split your journey with nights in either of these cities, just speak to your travel consultant.

Oslo is the nation’s capital, so you’ll find there are direct flights here from several worldwide locations. Based on the flight schedule and time of year, you could fly direct to Oslo’s airport (OSL) from the likes of:

• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Dubai (DXB)
• Dublin (DUB)
• Edinburgh (EDI)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York City (JFK)
• Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG)
• Keflavík, near Reykjavík (KEF)
• Zürich (ZRH)

Tromsø is a smaller airport, which serves fewer destinations. But it’s handy for reaching Svalbard if you’re already in Norway, or are coming from elsewhere in Northern Europe. Depending on the time of year, there are nonstop flights to Tromsø from airports such as London Gatwick (LGW), Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) and Zürich (ZRH).

9. When should I organise my flights?

We recommend checking what flights are available before booking your Svalbard tour. But it’s best to wait until after your travel consultant has finalised the arrangements for your trip to purchase your flights.

Once they’ve been in touch with your tour confirmation, you can go ahead and make plans for getting to Svalbard.

10. How many days do you need in Svalbard?

To get the most out of your time in Svalbard, you’ll want to allow at least a few days here. Around 4 to 7 days is a good length of time for exploring the area.

With 4 days, you’ll have 2 full days for venturing out into nature. Plus, you might also have time for sightseeing in Longyearbyen on your travel days.

Meanwhile, a week will allow you to head even further off the beaten path. For instance, you could go on guided multi-day excursions by boat or snowmobile, depending on the season. And when you return to Longyearbyen, you’ll have time to see the local attractions and enjoy even more activities.

11. Do I need a visa to visit Svalbard?

Depending on where you’re travelling from, you might need a visa for your trip to Svalbard. This is because, although Svalbard isn’t in the Schengen Area, it’s part of the Kingdom of Norway, which is.

This means if you’re a resident of a country with a visa requirement for the Schengen Area, and you’re travelling to Svalbard via Norway, you will need a visa. Whether or not you require a visa, a valid passport, or other accepted form of ID, are needed to enter the region.

Before you travel make sure to check the rules for entry and residence on the Governor of Svalbard’s website.

12. Can I choose the arrival date?

Yes, you can pick the start date that works for you on these partially guided Svalbard packages.

You can begin summer tours, from May through September, on any day of the week. The tours from February to April or May aren’t available to start on any day, but there are still plenty of dates to choose from.

Each package has an online calendar where you can see up-to-date availability and take your pick from possible departure dates.

13. Can I customise my tour?

Of course, these Svalbard itineraries have been designed so you can tailor your getaway to suit you. When booking online, you can customise your own trip with optional activities and extra nights.

To find out what additional excursions are available, check out the tour page for the trip you’re interested in. Or ask your travel consultant about the activities that would work best for you.

Your options include snowmobiling and dog sledding. Plus, there’s a sightseeing tour from Longyearbyen where you'll see glaciers and some of Spitsbergen’s more historical sights. And why not extend your stay by adding extra nights to your trip?

If there’s something specific you’d like to arrange in Svalbard, just ask your dedicated travel consultant.

14. How should I dress in Svalbard?

When it comes to dressing for Svalbard, it’s worth knowing that the region's name means “cold coast” in Old Norse. Svalbard’s location within the Arctic Circle means that no matter when you visit, you're likely to experience unpredictable weather. And while it can be surprisingly mild on a calm summer's day, temperatures can also drop well below freezing at any time of year.

This means you’ll want to be prepared for all seasons, whether you’re travelling in summer or winter. Layering is the best way to dress for these varied conditions. And this way you can add and remove items as you need them.

Here’s an example of a packing list for Svalbard to get you started:

• Warm and waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Warm synthetic or down insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal baselayers
• Cosy hat, scarf/neck warmer and gloves
• Thick hiking socks
• Indoor shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel adapter (type C or F)

For extra warmth, disposable hand warmers to put into your gloves are also a good idea. And if you need any special equipment for an excursion included in your tour package, it will be provided as part of the activity.

Get in touch with us and a regional travel expert will be able to answer any questions you might have about travelling to Svalbard. Now’s the time to start planning your dream Arctic getaway.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog Articles

7 top things to do in svalbard, 7 incredible things to see and do in norway, best time & place to see northern lights in norway, how to visit svalbard: layers, layers, layers.

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Discovering Svalbard: Day Tours into the Arctic Wilderness

Svalbard, an archipelago located in the arctic ocean between norway and the north pole, is a land of stark beauty and unparalleled wilderness. for travelers with limited time but a thirst for adventure, day tours offer the perfect opportunity to experience the highlights of this remote and rugged landscape. from encounters with arctic wildlife to exploration of glaciers and fjords, svalbard's day tours provide a glimpse into the wonders of the far north..

Polar Bear Safaris:

One of the most sought-after experiences in Svalbard is the chance to encounter the iconic polar bear in its natural habitat. Day tours led by experienced guides take travelers on expeditions into the Arctic wilderness, where they have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in the wild.

Equipped with specialized vehicles or boats, travelers venture into polar bear territory, scanning the horizon for signs of movement amidst the icy landscapes. With luck, sightings of polar bears hunting, playing, or resting on the sea ice provide a thrilling and unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Glacier and Fjord Cruises:

Svalbard's dramatic coastline is characterized by towering glaciers and deep, icy fjords, making it a paradise for scenic cruises. Day tours aboard comfortable vessels allow travelers to explore these breathtaking natural wonders up close, offering opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and exploration.

Cruises often navigate through narrow fjords and past towering icebergs, providing panoramic views of Svalbard's stunning landscapes. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the region's geology, history, and wildlife, enhancing the experience and deepening travelers' appreciation for the Arctic wilderness.

Arctic Wildlife Watching:

In addition to polar bears, Svalbard is home to a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, including seals, walruses, whales, and numerous bird species. Day tours focused on wildlife watching provide opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.

Boat tours along the coast offer the chance to spot seals and walruses basking on ice floes or rocky shorelines, while whale watching excursions provide opportunities to encounter minke, beluga, and even the occasional humpback or bowhead whale. Birdwatching tours to seabird colonies and nature reserves offer sightings of puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and other fascinating avian species.

Hiking and Nature Walks:

For those seeking a more active adventure, day tours focused on hiking and nature walks allow travelers to explore Svalbard's pristine wilderness on foot. Guided hikes led by experienced naturalists take participants through rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and scenic valleys, providing opportunities to encounter Arctic flora and fauna and learn about the region's ecology and conservation efforts.

Popular hiking destinations include Adventdalen Valley, with its panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and glacial rivers, and the surrounding mountains of Longyearbyen, offering challenging ascents and rewarding vistas of the Arctic landscape. Nature walks along coastal trails provide opportunities to spot wildlife, observe seabird colonies, and marvel at the beauty of Svalbard's coastline.

Svalbard's day tours offer a glimpse into the wonders of the Arctic wilderness, providing travelers with unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Whether venturing into polar bear territory, cruising past glaciers and icebergs, watching wildlife in their natural habitat, or exploring the pristine landscapes on foot, day tours in Svalbard promise adventure, excitement, and a deeper appreciation for the unique beauty of the far north. So don your warmest gear, pack your camera and binoculars, and embark on a day tour into the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, where every moment brings a new discovery and an unforgettable adventure awaits.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Discovering the Mysteries of Svalbard: A Journey Through Map and Geography

Exploring the Enigmatic Wildlife of Svalbard

Preserving Biodiversity: The Global Seed Vault

Unraveling Arctic Wonders: Adventures in Svalbard

Longyearbyen: A Comprehensive Guide to the Arctic Frontier

Spitsbergen: Exploring the Arctic Wilderness

Svalbard Weather: Navigating the Arctic Climate

Arctic Icons: Exploring the World of Svalbard's Polar Bears and the Challenges of Conservation

Svalbard Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Arctic Wilderness

Unlocking the Arctic: Svalbard Deal's Gateway to Extraordinary Adventures

Do you have any questions.

Leave your phone number below so we can arrange your next trip

Vei 500 9170, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

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 Vei 500 9170, Longyearbyen

Svalbard, norway, payment methods:.

Top Tours in Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard tours.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Private Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Green Dog Svalbard

2. Poli Arctici

3. Hurtigruten Svalbard

4. Better Moments

5. Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

6. Husky Travellers

7. Svalbard Adventures

8. Spitzbergen Adventures

9. Polar Dream Travel

10. Svalbard Husky

11. Arctic Adventures

12. Henningsen Transport & Guiding

13. Svalbard Villmarkssenter - Day Tours

14. Backyard Svalbard

15. Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

16. Longyearbyen Guiding

17. Discover Svalbard

18. Escales Polaires

19. Secret Atlas

20. Grumant Arctic Travel Company

21. Spitzbergen Outdoor Activities

22. Polar Permaculture Solutions

23. See & Explore

24. Svalbard Trekking - Day Tours

25. Better Moments Svalbard

26. Svalbard Adventure Group Fjordsafari RIB Boat

27. FatBike Spitsbergen

28. Svalbard Bus and Taxi

29. Svalbard Kayak

30. Arctic Explore

What travellers are saying

• Poli Arctici
• Green Dog Svalbard
• Polar Dream Travel
• Husky Travellers
• Arctic Adventures
• Svalbard Husky
• Polar Permaculture Solutions
• Spitzbergen Outdoor Activities
• Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions
• Better Moments
• Hurtigruten Svalbard

Roam The Reaches

Travel for the Real Life Explorer

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary in Svalbard

If you want to see staggering mountains, amazing wildlife and polar bears, then you have to visit Svalbard. Despite being 60% glaciers and having only 2,900 people, there’s a shocking amount to do and see. Since you’re traveling so far north – just 500 miles south of the North Pole – it’s tempting to cram everything you can possibly do into a single trip.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible. Svalbard is so far north that it’s nighttime for nearly one half of the year, then daytime for the other half. This dramatic difference dictates both the activities you can do and the landscape you’ll see.

In our post on planning your trip to Svalbard , we detail the pros and cons of going in the light season versus the dark season. We also share the best time of year to visit so as to maximize your activity options. In this post, we’ll lay out the itinerary that best captures all Svalbard has to offer in our favorite season.

What’s Included:

Where is svalbard.

• Where should I stay in Svalbard?
• Will I see the northern lights in Svalbard?
• What tours are available in Svalbard?
• Five must-see attractions in Svalbard
• Five-day itinerary for Svalbard

How to extend your time in Svalbard

• Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Its main town, Longyearbyen, sits at 78-degrees north, making it the northernmost year-round inhabited town on earth. It’s a jurisdiction of Norway, but allows anyone of any nationality to live there so long as they can prove they have the means to support themselves. 

While Svalbard is an archipelago, most of the places you’ll visit are easily accessible by land. That being said, there are some amazing cruises you can take in the summer season if you have your heart set on birdwatching and spotting some whales. We discuss these in our article on starting to plan your trip .

The main settlement in Svalbard is Longyearbyen. With the only passenger airport in the area, you’ll definitely be stopping through there during your trip. There are a few other towns, but they are either company mining towns or research stations. Longyearbyen itself was a company mining town, but has since diversified into the base for tourism in the area.

Do be aware that Longyearbyen is a true frontier town. There are few amenities, only a couple of stores selling essentials, and most items are even more expensive than in Norway because pretty much everything is flown in from the mainland. Don’t let this daunt you. Visiting Svalbard is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that feels truly off-the-beaten track.

Where Should I Stay in Svalbard?

When you visit Svalbard, you’ll likely be staying in many different lodges. The distance between places is so vast (and conditions so unforgiving) that you’ll severely limit yourself if you choose to base yourself solely in Longyearbyen. While there are plenty of awesome day trips from Longyearbyen, to really immerse yourself in the best Svalbard has to offer you need more travel time than a day excursion can allow. 

For this reason, we recommend booking a multi-day tour that takes you outside of Longyearbyen and into the Arctic wilderness. Trust us, we’re tour-phobes as well, but a tour is essential for getting the most out of your trip. Outside of Longyearbyen all people are required to carry a gun with them at all times in case they come across a polar bear. While you could get a permit (which takes six weeks to process), booking onto a tour with a knowledgeable guide is the better, simpler option.

While many tours will pre-select your accommodation in Longyearbyen, if you have the choice we recommend Basecamp Hotel Longyearbyen . The cozy lodge-style decoration projects the charm and romance of early arctic explorations. Be sure to check out the lounge nestled in the eaves on the second floor, which has sky lights for spotting the aurora during winter or getting a bit of sun during summer. We also loved the breakfast spread (Emilia recommends the gjetost and waffles ), plus the front desk will treat you to a steaming mug of trapper’s brew (mulled cider) when you return from your trip.

However, if you prefer the clean Scandinavian aesthetic, check out Funken Lodge . Located towards the edge of the town, it has a modern bar, large library room, and excellent views over Longyearbyen. You will need to walk a little further to get to other restaurants and “downtown”, but the service and comfortably appointed rooms make up the difference.

There is one big-name hotel in Longyearbyen, the Radisson. While it offers consistent quality with other Radisson hotels, we don’t recommend staying here. You’ve come this far north, don’t waste the experience by staying somewhere that you could find down south!

Will I See the Northern Lights in Svalbard?

Although you would think that Svalbard is a great place to see the aurora, it is actually too far North for the best sightings. If the aurora is on your must-see list as part of your Svalbard trip, stop in Tromsø, Norway for the best sightings.

What Tours are Available in Svalbard?

Given that we believe going on a tour is essential for the best trip to Svalbard, we advise really taking time to dig into what you’re interested in and what you want your tour to offer.

Alex adores visiting abandoned towns, so a trip to Pyramiden (an old Soviet mining town) was a must. Emilia wanted to spend a lot of time looking at snow, so we knew that snowmobiling would match our needs.

Ultimately, we chose to do a three-day snowmobiling excursion with Basecamp Explorer . This is an awesome company that operates tours in Svalbard and the Masai Mara, all of which have a deep focus on sustainability. They offer year-round departures and itineraries (scroll down to see ours), so you’re sure to find something to fit your needs.

We also loved that they have experienced guides who know the area and are well equipped to deal with anything. Your guide will teach you how to confidently ride a snowmobile and will wake you if there’s a late night polar bear sighting so that you don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They also carry all the food you’ll need on the road, which means less worry for you!

Five Must-See Svalbard Attractions

Honestly, we struggled to pick our top sights because we loved everything! There’s not a lot of traditional sights to see in Svalbard. A trip here is really more about soaking up the atmosphere, whether that’s from a snowmobile ride or a walk through Longyearbyen. That being said, these are the experiences we think every trip should include:

• Visit the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen. Learn about the area’s history, from exploration to mining to tourism. Plus, take your photo with a taxidermied polar bear!
• Explore Pyramiden . Walk through the abandoned buildings of this old Soviet mining town, which also boasts the northernmost bust of Lenin. Having lunch in the Soviet-era cafe and hotel is also a must-do (plus, it has one of the few flushing toilets in this part of the archipelago!)
• Take a nature walk. Once you get outside of Longyearbyen, it’s empty space as far as you can see. With an experienced guide, taking a walk through this area is unbelievable. We’re still talking about our walk through an ice cave. No photo can do the luminescence you see inside justice.
• Buy a souvenir featuring a polar bear or “78 degrees north”. Cheesy? Absolutely! But you’ve made it all this way, we think it would be foolish not to commemorate it with a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Emilia still uses her polar bear-emblazoned Svalbard mug everyday.
• Take a photo with the polar bear sign. At the airport, before you jump on the bus to take you to your hotel, stop for a moment to snap a portrait with the polar bear sign. A rite of passage for the Svalbard visitor!

The Perfect Five-Day Svalbard Itinerary

Day one: arrive & tour longyearbyen.

You’ll arrive in Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromsø in the morning, usually around 11am. Grab your luggage from the conveyor belt, where you’ll spot your first polar bear sculpture watching over the suitcases. From there, you’ll find buses right outside the exit that will whisk you away to your hotel. You’ll pay about 75 NOK (about $8 USD) for a bus ticket. 

We do not advise walking to Longyearbyen. It is a three mile hike and there could be polar bears, so if you do it, you should be armed.

Once you arrive at your hotel, ask immediately if they can book your dinner reservations. We highly advise Restaurant Kroa , located in the heart of town. Longyearbyen doesn’t have many food options, and most people going to restaurants are tourists who need to eat, so booking ahead is essential. Don’t be put off by times that seem too late. If you’re visiting in our favorite season , the sun will be out for far longer than you’re used to, which will provide a needed energy jolt.

After dropping off your bags at your hotel, head down into the centre of town to grab some lunch. Food is expensive in Longyearbyen – it takes a lot to fly ingredients up from the mainland! Rather than splurge on a restaurant lunch, head to Fruene Kaffe Og Vinbar , which is located in the main shopping center. Alongside sandwiches and soups, they also make their own chocolate, which is definitely worth it for a post-lunch treat.

Once you’ve refuelled, head down to the Svalbard Museum, which is at the end of the main avenue overlooking the water. Here you’ll spend anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour learning about the history of the archipelago and how it’s using tourism to fuel future, sustainable development.

From there, it’s time to go on a walking tour of the city. We offer a photo-led itinerary in our post on the best things to do in Longyearbyen, but for a quick recap of the highlights, we advise seeing the Svalbard Kirke (church), port, colorful row houses and old mining outpost.

This is also a great time to pick up postcards and stamps to mail back home. Outdated? You’re sending a postcard from the Arctic Circle! 

Depending on when you were able to snag your reservation, either get ready for your meal, or head over to Svalbar for a pre-dinner drink. Svalbar serves locally-brewed beer, as well as basic cocktails. If you haven’t managed to snag a dinner reservation, they also have reliably good pizzas and specials.

After dinner, it’s time to head back to your hotel to slap on that sleep mask (one of our packing musts for a summertime trip). The light may still be out, but the town tends to keep to a normal schedule year-round.

Day Two: Pick Up Provisions & Head Out on a Tour

Most tours leave around 10am, giving you time in the morning to have a leisurely breakfast and swing by the supermarket on the main avenue to pick up any small snacks or drinks you’ll want with you. Your guide will also be well-equipped and bring all of the food for your group, so there’s no worry if you can’t stop. But as Alex knows, there’s nothing like a Haribo gummy snack when you get a break on your snowmobile ride.

This is also a good time to re-pack your bag if you’re going on a snowmobile tour, where you’ll likely be limited to what you can carry on the back of your snowmobile. This is usually a single small backpack, which should be able to hold all your essentials. You will also have an opportunity to repack at your tour group’s office, and they will be able to store your larger bag or suitcase while you are away. If you’re concerned, check out our comprehensive packing list for your trip to Svalbard.

When your guide picks you up from your hotel, you’ll head over to their HQ for a tour briefing, where you’ll also pick up the rest of the equipment you’ll need to complete the tour safely. We adored the giant snowmobile suits – they are loaded with pockets and extremely comfortable. You’ll also receive special snow boots and leather gloves, which are essential for protecting your extremities from the cold on a snowmobile.

This is where the fun happens! After a quick snowmobile driving lesson down Longyearbyen’s “super highway” (which is really just a frozen-over fjord), you’ll follow your guide out into the Arctic wilderness. Along the way you’ll likely see seals, reindeer and barely anyone else. When we started out driving, we were worried about being bored, but the landscape is so absorbing that hours will pass by without you noticing.

Sooner or later, your guide will spot someplace where you can stop for an al fresco lunch. This usually consists of dehydrated camping meals, saaft, and some frozen chocolate (chilled Ritter Sport bars will forever remind Emilia of this trip). After that, it’s back on your snowmobile to complete the rest of the drive out to the lodge.

By the time you get to your lodge, it’s likely to be later than you expect. After a day of snowmobiling, all you’ll want to do is relax! Our lodge had spectacular views for watching the light move across the snow and attempting to spot polar bears. We also had access to a sauna. 

Dinner is included, and we were lucky enough to have the lodge-keeper cook for us. Alcohol is not included, but the lodge may stock a few basics: beer, bottles of wine and one or two liquors. Try the Gammel Dansk , if you dare.

Before you go to sleep your group will agree on a set wake-up time so you can set your alarm. This is essential as the midnight sun means your body clock is a bit less reliable than usual.

Day Three: Visit Pyramiden & Explore the Wilderness

Breakfast is pretty standard, but you can expect coffee, crispbread, cheese and cured meats – that is, the same spread you’ll find most everywhere else in Norway.

After breakfast is the best time to take a walk around the area. If it’s not programmed into your itinerary, it’s time to beg your guide! We found that, although we signed up for a tour with a set itinerary, the small group format meant it was quite flexible to our desires.

For example, on our morning of day three we went out to a nearby glacier to collect water for the lodge. We then hiked through an ice cave and took a short walk around the property. In all it took about an hour and was a magical experience. The silence you’ll experience here is like no other!

Before lunch, it’s time to head out to Pyramiden. You can spot it from the lodge, but distances are deceiving in Svalbard and what looks to be a quick walk across a frozen lake is actually almost 10 mile away. The drive is very easy, so if you’re with someone who’s a hesitant snowmobile driver ( cough Emilia cough ), this is the perfect time to give them the reins while you sit back and enjoy the view.

Lunch is the first stop, which takes place in the main hotel. This is the only building in Pyramiden that’s still in operation and walking inside is like walking into a Soviet-era time capsule. The food is reasonably tasty, but we probably enjoyed the ultra-sweet chocolates at the end of the meal most of all. This is also the only time you’ll have a flushing toilet after you leave Longyearbyen – revel in the luxury!

After lunch, it’s time to take a tour of the grounds led by one of the Russians who oversees the hotel. The tour will take you around the grounds (though not into the mining zone) and inside a few buildings. The main building is the social center, which has an amazing atmosphere for taking photos. The abandoned interiors bear striking resemblance to scenes in Pripyat . Bonus: you’ll tick off another polar bear with the glittering mosaic on the second level.

Depending on when you finish, you might have time for some more exploration on snowmobile or on foot. Otherwise it’s back to the lodge to relax. This is the perfect time to go into the sauna, or mix yourself up a Gammel Dansk and soda.

Day Four: Return to Longyearbyen

After breakfast, it’s time to head back to Longyearbyen. We know, we didn’t want it to end either! Depending on the weather, you may get lucky and be able to take an alternate route back. We were fortunate enough to. Of course, if by fortunate enough you mean that we drove on top of a glacier that was so bumpy Emilia yelped out loud at one point, causing Alex to suddenly stop the snowmobile and see if everything is okay… (Emilia swears this was her favorite part of the journey).

It will be late afternoon by the time you are back outside Longyearbyen. If the trip went faster than anticipated, ask your guide to take you up the mountains that face the town (across Adventfjorden). The area is only accessible by snowmobile and offers amazing views over the town and across the fjord. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to see miles in both directions. Look towards the airport and see if you can spot the iconic entrance to the Global Seed Repository, nestled back against the mountains.

Once you return your gear, it’s time to head back to the hotel to relax. Again, remember to ask your hotel about dinner reservations. We weren’t able to snag any and opted for Svalbar. Pizza and beer was the perfect post-snowmobile tour replenishment.

Day Five: Departure 

Now, it’s time to get ready to leave Svalbard. Spend your morning tying up loose ends such as repacking and buying those polar bear or “78 degrees north” souvenirs. While we wouldn’t advocate for such cheesy souvenirs under normal circumstances (we’re all about those one-of-a-kind finds), going on such a one-of-a-kind adventure deserves being commemorated.

There’s usually only one flight per day out of Longyearbyen, and be sure to ask the front desk when the bus to the airport leaves. If you haven’t gotten a photo with the polar bear sign, now’s the time.

If you are budgeting more than 5 days in Svalbard and want to plan back to back tours or some additional activities there are several options worth considering:

• Visit Barentsburg , the second largest settlement in Svalbard. Note the differences between this historically Soviet company town and Longyearbyen, a historically Norweigian company town. Be sure to check out the museum, the bust of Lenin (the second most Northern after Pyramiden, in case you are counting), and the local ArtArctic gallery.
• Travel beyond Barentsburg to Isfjord Radio , a coastal radio and weather station in the far west of Svalbard. Stay in the Basecamp Explorer-run hotel and keep your eyes peeled for polar bears against the massive mountains. Stop in the sauna which has floor to ceiling windows over the rocky ocean coastline.
• Learn to mush on a dog sled ride, either as a day trip from Longyearbyen or as a multi-day tour to one of the nearby settlements or camps.

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You are here: Things to Do > Activities > Boat trips

If you want to see and experience as much of the wild, raw and untouched Arctic nature as possible, you need to go on a boat trip or a combined cruise and fishing trip. 

From early spring until late November or early December, you have many options to depart the quayside in Longyearbyen by boat to explore beautiful Svalbard. Many different types of trips are available so you need to decide what really interests you. Does a short trip by rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to the spectacular bird cliffs tempt you, or does a glacier safari perhaps sound exciting? There is no shortage of options. The menu often consists of large glacier termini, exciting Arctic wildlife and a tasty lunch straight from the barbecue. 

Unique wildlife at sea

Svalbard’s unique animal life is well worth experiencing. If you have dreamt of having a close-up encounter with a walrus or experiencing the world’s largest mammal – the majestic whale – then we recommend a walrus and whale safari during the Polar Summer. You can see, smell and photograph the walruses laying and rolling on the beach while enjoying the panoramic view from the boat.

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"Catch of the day" - Better Moments

With a closed rib the possibilities are endless. When the other smaller open boats have to stay home because of hard weather conditions, we can still head out and experience the fjord. Comfortable, warm and fast, we'll travel to where the action is.…

• 1 - Suitable for all
• Closed boat
• Handicap-friendly

Basecamp Summer Circuit - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

Explore our basecamps situated in the wild Arctic. Without road access they can only reached by boat safari during summertime.

• 3 - Average physical fitness
• Bed accomodation
• Environmentally-friendly company

Walrus safari to Borebukta - Hurtigruten Svalbard

On this trip to Borebukta we might see the walruses in the water, hunting for food or on land, where they normally lay close together – or even on top of each other!

• 2 - Suitable for most

Glacier Safari - Afternoon/Evening Cruise - HTG

Write a new entry in your travel diary and join us on one of the world’s northernmost Glacier Safaris The cruise includes a warm meal, a unique chance to experience a possibly calving glacier and Arctic wildlife, maybe even a Polar Bear, the real…

Spot the dot - Wildlife and glacier safari with RIB-boat - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

Join us on an open RIB boat fjord safari through the bright summer in Svalbard. Summer light revealing the treasures of the mountains, glaciers and Arctic ocean. We must keep our eyes open for wildlife in the fjord.

Fjord Safari to Nordenskiöld Glacier - Svalbard Adventures

We drive out with a closed RIB to Billefjorden and the Nordenskiöld glacier in scenic and historic surroundings on Svalbard.

Dinner cruise in the sunset - Hurtigruten Svalbard

The midnight sun officially leaves Svalbard in late August. The following weeks are characterized by magical sunsets during the evenings, that cast golden colors over the wild landscapes. Enjoy this scenery with a dinner on board MS Bard.

Boat Trip to the Bird Cliffs - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard’s rich cultural history.

Ice Fjord safari - A taste of Svalbard - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Join us on a tour in Isfjorden with an open, steady Polarcirkel boat. Visit places with cultural monuments and experience the vivid bird life.

Sail & Explore expedition: Discovering the bewildering Arctic landscape - Backyard Svalbard

Welcome to an incredible sailing experience with our Varuna. Departing from Longyearbyen, where you will be embarking into an Arctic sailing expedition with an experienced team, onboard a sturdy, adapted and very comfortable sailboat.

Walrus Safari - Svalbard Adventures

Enjoy the golden glow of the sun and explore the best of Svalbard: the sight of glaciers, dramatic landscapes and the graceful walruses that lies in colonies on the beach. An unforgettable day in the Arctic fjords awaits!

Glacier Safari to Tempelfjorden and Tunabreen - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Join us on an exciting boat trip to the impressive Tuna and Von Post glaciers in the middle of Tempelfjorden. We sail with our new closed hybrid boat Kvitbjørn on this trip.

RIB Safari Along the Ice Edge - Svalbard Adventures

A long and cold winter is coming to an end. The midnight sun shines high on northern sky. It's May, and spring has come to the Arctic. This is the month of the return of the birds to Svalbard. The Spitsbergen's fjords are ready for a new boat season.

Fjord Safari with Glacier Hike - Svalbard Adventures

Boat trip, wildlife, and glaciers! This is the tour for those who want a bit of everything Svalbard has to offer. Sail across Isfjorden in a comfortable Redbay Stormforce RIB. The highlight is glacier hiking on Harrietbreen.

• 4 - Demands good physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (steep, slippery and uneven terrain)

One of natures great events - The bird jumping in Trygghamna - Better Moments

Better Moments will offer you a chance to see Svalbard’s biggest bird event during the summer – The bird jumping. For just a few days in July, the chicks will jump from their nests on the huge bird cliff Alkhorne and we will be there to see them…

Walrus safari - Two tons of happiness - Better Moments

Svalbard’s wildlife is unique and fascinating. Join us on our day trip to experience it from up close! Every day we use our closed and comfortable RIB boats to go to a well-known walrus colony.

Ny-Ålesund - The northernmost town in the world - Better Moments

Join us on a trip to Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and gateway to the Arctic. This was the starting point for famous explorers’ race to the North pole. Roald Amundsen, known as the first person, to reach both to the South- and North pole, used…

Speedboat to Billefjorden and Nordenskiöld Glacier - Poli Arctici

Experience the stunning coastline of Billefjord, Skansbukta’s famous castle-like peaks, and the massive front of Nordenskiöld glacier — all in one day!

Dinner cruise under the Northern Lights - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Join us for a unique dinner experience with our hybrid electric catamaran out on the fjords of Svalbard. With some luck, you might spot the northern lights – far away from the city's light pollution.

Glacier safari - Svalbard Adventures

Welcome to the heart of the fjords surrounded by a ton of jaw-droppingly beautiful attractions you will not find anywhere else. Travel by RIB boat and experience the huge expanses of glaciers, unique wildlife, and fast-paced joy.

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Polar Bear Tour

A number of our Svalbard cruises afford you the possibility of spotting a polar bear. Experience these living emblems of the Arctic for yourself, check out our wide selection of polar bear tours.

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Svalbard

Where to see polar bears

Seal’s dread, whale’s bane, ever-wandering one – all of these are names for the sometimes terrifying, often elusive, always majestic polar bear .

But where is the best place to see these amazing apex predators?

Svalbard, otherwise known as Spitsbergen, is among the top locations for spotting polar bears. In fact, polar bears are one of the primary reasons thousands of tourists embark on voyages to the Arctic, especially the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.

Though nobody can guarantee you will spot a polar bear, there are a number of Svalbard cruises devoted almost exclusively to finding and viewing these magnificent animals.

Polar bear tour basics

Though polar bears can be found all over the circumpolar north, our polar bear tours focus on northern Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard island group.

But polar bears can be as dangerous as they are beautiful, so expedition guides armed with powerful rifles supervise all landings. Passengers are cautioned never to approach a polar bear, and sometimes landings are canceled if a polar bear is seen close to (or approaching) the landing site.

This is because polar bears are carnivorous hunters and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Caution is paramount, as is understanding of our limitations. Nature calls the shots in the polar regions, and most polar bear tours only manage one or two sightings.

The lure of the polar bear tour

But if polar bear trips cannot ensure a sighting, why do so many people continue to book tickets? The reason, perhaps, lies in the reputation of the creature itself.

For many people, the polar bear is so linked to the Arctic that it functions virtually as a stand-in for the land itself: indomitable, exotic, deadly if not respected. Also, polar bears have fascinated and frightened humans since our earliest days.

The Saami and Laplanders would not dare speak the creature’s name, giving it a number of nicknames to avoid angering it. Inuit called polar bears “wandering ones,” Kets called them “grandfathers,” and their Latin name, Ursus maritimus , translates to “sea bear.”

In other words, polar bears have meant many different things to many different cultures. Not surprising, then, that polar bear tours continue to pack in the passengers.

What powers the polar bear

At the end of the day, however, polar bears are animals just like us – albeit at the top of the Arctic food chain. They sleep (around 20 hours a day), they mate (in the spring, like many animals), and they eat (a lot).

Indeed, eating and finding food are among their main occupations. Many pictures taken on polar bear tours capture them in the act of doing just that. If you’re still wondering where to see polar bears, start by following the food.

Polar bears prefer a diet of seals, though they are far from picky: Reindeer , musk oxen , crustaceans, caribou, walruses , birds, bird eggs, whale carcasses, plants, and even other polar bears will do. When they’re fortunate enough to catch a seal, they consume mainly the calorie-rich blubber and skin, leaving the red meat and its abundant protein to their cubs.

Polar bear range and ranges

To find enough food, polar bears spend much of their time roaming great distances. Hunting leads them all over the Arctic, though polar bears are thought to have preferred feeding areas called “home ranges.”

Changing conditions in their home range, however, often compel polar bears to travel hundreds of miles in search of better food choices. These journeys can take some time, as polar bears are not fond of keeping up a fast pace.

Though polar bears can be elusive, their wide-ranging hunts explain why they can be found all over the Arctic. Svalbard polar bear tours, however, offer the highest probability of a sighting due to their careful search of key polar bear ranges.

See the polar bear for yourself

Reading about where to see polar bears is one thing, but seeing one in person is another. And seeing a polar bear in the Arctic rather than a zoo is best of all.

A number of our Svalbard trips give you the possibility of spotting a polar bear. To find out more about how you can experience these living emblems of the Arctic for yourself, check out our wide selection of polar bear tours.

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Polar bear spotting in Svalbard, Norway: the ultimate guide

Polar bears live in the countries bordering the Arctic Circle and while more than half the world’s polar bears can be found in Canada, they also inhabit the wilds of Greenland, Russia and the Svalbard archipelago.

These icy islands belong to Norway, but lie almost 900km to the north of the Norwegian mainland.

In winter, historically, Svalbard is nearly surrounded by sea ice that reaches down from the North Pole.

With deep snow on the mountainsides providing excellent protection for pregnant polar bears to build their dens, these desolate islands are a world-renowned denning site.

Additionally, Svalbard’s location on the edge of a continental shelf, with relatively shallow waters that readily freeze, has until now been great for bears as they rely on a platform of ice to hunt off.

The longer the ice lasts each year the better they feed. Unfortunately, due to global heating, the sea ice has been melting earlier and reforming later every decade around the globe since the 1980s.

As a result, polar bears are changing their behaviour and hunting patterns, with a few trying their luck along the shoreline instead.

In recent years, half a dozen bears have been seen around Isfjorden, Svalbard’s main fjord, not far from the capital Longyearbyen – not so long ago, bears were rare there in summer.

How likely am I to see a polar bear in Svalbard?

Around 2,650 polar bears roam the Barents Sea area surrounding Svalbard.

Andreas Umbreit, an expedition leader, says his personal sighting record is 38 bears during a 14-day cruise (his lowest is just three bears in 14 days) with an average of around 15 sightings over two weeks.

But there’s a polar bear code – you mustn’t actively chase bears, for instance, to get better pictures.

The Svalbard polar bears’ right to remain undisturbed comes first.

If you go with a local guide, active pursuit isn’t necessary, because they will know the bears’ habits and movements and will take you to places where you can see all kinds of Arctic bird- and wildlife and possibly bears too.

With patience and persistence the chances of seeing a polar bear are reasonably good, and if you go in with the mindset of soaking up the glistening fjords and perhaps seeing walrus, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and whales, along with birds such as puffins, fulmars and petrels as well, you won’t be disappointed.

When is the best time to see polar bears in Svalbard?

In Norway, early summer is the best time for spotting polar bears in the wild.

Mothers bring cubs born in spring out of dens once they’re strong enough to follow her hungry amble over the sea ice in search of food after months of hibernation.

You may, if you’re lucky, also see bears hunting, patiently waiting for seals to surface at a breathing hole in the ice.

Is polar bear tracking dangerous?

Yes and no. You must go with a guide – you can’t even leave Longyearbyen (pop. 2,100) on your own without a rifle and flare guns to scare off curious bears.

If you don’t possess a firearm licence in your home country, you’ll need to get a licence from the Svalbard Governor’s Office – for details, visit sysselmannen.no .

But cruising the slate-grey waters of the archipelago dotted with ice floes on an organised tour and perhaps spotting bears on pack ice from afar is considered low risk.

You should keep your distance, though, right?

Most definitely. Hungry bears do occasionally scavenge for food around Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town.

In summer 2020, an unlucky camper was killed by a bear. In response, the campsite is installing electric bear fencing in 2021.

Although these kind of stories hit the news and make scary headlines, only five people have died in this area from a polar bear attack since 1971.

Bears know to avoid humans at Longyearbyen and there are people who have lived there their whole lives who have never even seen a bear.

You are not going to bump into one on your way to the supermarket.

Taking a tour to see polar bears

Your best chance of seeing a bear is to take a tour led by local experts.

Our advice is to book early – ship-based tours are sometimes booked up a year in advance – and be flexible. The best tours deliberately don’t run to a specific itinerary so that they can respond to weather, ice conditions and reported wildlife sightings.

Land-based tours tend to be cheaper and are a good option for spotting a variety of wildlife and birdlife, with the small possibility of a bear sighting too.

Here are some options for operators and polar bear spotting tours that run during the summer.

Wilderness camping and cruises

Writer and expedition leader Andreas Umbreit has been organizing specialist polar travel tours since 1987 (he set up Svalbard’s first official tour operator when coal mining was the island’s main economic activity).

Now Terra Polaris runs bespoke general-interest and wildlife tours, including on small expedition cruise vessels or land-based mobile wilderness camps.

The company also runs Svalbard tours on behalf of household-name travel companies.

Glaciers and wildlife

Based in Longyearbyen, the small tour operator Poli Artici is owned and run by Stefano Poli who has lived on Svalbard since the 1990s.

Its tailor-made tours focus on areas rich in wildlife and with spectacular scenery.

Options range from a six-hour speedboat trip to visit the massive blue front of the Wahlenberg Glacier on Isfjord, to a seven- or ten-day voyage on a 62-ft vessel built for polar sailing which heads north in search of sea ice where there’s the highest likelihood of encountering polar bears.

Polar wildlife tours around Svalbard

Magnetic North is an expert in travel to Scandinavia and runs wildlife holidays in search of native species of the far North, including polar bears.

Their Circumvent Svalbard tour explores Svalbard on an ice-strengthened expedition ship with landings by Zodiac on smaller islands where possible.

Polar bear expeditions

Responsible Travel’s wildlife cruises on a small expedition ship include Zodiac missions, expeditions on dry land – with optional Arctic dips thrown in – and the chance to search for native wildlife such as walruses, seals and whales. All the company’s tours exceed the region’s environmental protocols.

Check out their Polar Bear Watching Cruise and Polar Bear Explorer accompanied by an expert naturalist; some trips include specialist-led photography expeditions.

In search of polar bears and pack ice, plus the Lofoten islands

This polar bear trip includes two nights in the Lofoten islands and one night in Tromso before a short flight to Longyearbyen to join M/V Hondius, the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, for a seven-night polar cruise with stops at the Seven Islands and the massive Monaco glacier. In previous years, departures have taken place in May and July.

Svalbard adventure

This three-night activity-packed trip includes a snowmobile safari, dog-sledding and visits to Svalbard’s unique global seed vault and its former coal mines.

Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed but you may be lucky and see some native animals en route, including reindeer and Arctic foxes.

See also: Visiting Svalbard: the ultimate guide 8 wildlife tours in Norway you just shouldn’t miss 9 amazing islands in Northern Norway

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