The adventure awaits
Dark, dark, nothing but dark. Such is Svalbard, where from November to January the sun is only seen in a picture or on TV. It might make you weak in the knees. But the endless darkness and Svalbard's position at the top of the globe promise an exceptional and unforgettable experience. So let the sunny beaches float by and instead of sprawling out on the beach and getting toasty, try stepping out of your comfort zone and flying to the far north. You'll experience the dark, the cold, check out a coal mine and maybe even meet a reindeer.
You'll fly north today, but not quite as far as the extreme north that awaits you on this trip. Today you have a fantastic chance to walk through one of the beautiful Nordic cities, Oslo. Make the most of this time and discover the beauty of this modern giant. And if you arrive late today, don't be sad, Oslo will be waiting for you on the final day too.
After arriving in Oslo, depending on your arrival time, you can first head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. Once you're ready, set out to explore the city center. Direct train services run from the airport, taking you to the center comfortably and in a short amount of time. Thanks to the fast and simple connection, you can enjoy Oslo even if you only have a short layover here.
- Prices in this itinerary are indicative and may vary. You can customize the daily schedule to your liking.
After arriving in Svalbard, you'll likely experience a bit of a culture shock; it looks like midnight outside even though it's still daytime, plus there's an unusual silence and not a single apartment block or high-rise in sight.
Depending on your departure time, you can still stroll around Oslo in the morning before heading to the airport and off to the far north! Don't forget to get to the airport well in advance.
When you step out of the airport building, take note of the wooden signpost with the names of several famous cities, all of which are quite far away in every direction – and they all point south, after all, you are (almost) at the top of the world! Even here in the far north, they have taxis, but instead, hop on the bus that takes tourists right to the doors of their hotels. A ticket costs 110 Norwegian kroner and you can even pay by credit card. Enjoy the ride, because there are no other buses here.
You have to leave your boots in the rack at the hotel entrance. This is a local tradition that dates back to the time when coal was mined in Longyearbyen on a large scale. Fine black particles that miners carried on their boots would end up as black dust in every nook and cranny, until people got tired of it and decided that shoes should be left at the door, period. And they still do it today. So be considerate and swap your winter boots for the slippers provided.
- 👉 On this page, you can check out your options for activities in Svalbard depending on the season. I 100% recommend choosing your activities and booking them well in advance of your trip to ensure you have a spot. Always tailor your schedule to the experience you've booked. You have plenty of things to choose from!
You can spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and maybe go for a walk in the city. If the sky is cloudless, you can enjoy the afternoon starry sky.
Even in Longyearbyen you can get by with a credit card, but it doesn't hurt to go to an ATM - if only because it will be the world's northernmost ATM.
Discover the local shops, sit in a café, get lost in translation in a samosa where food packaging is described mostly in Norwegian instead of 20 languages, and soak up the unique otherness of this place in the far north.
To warm up, a cup of hot chocolate is the best way to go - go for it at Fruene café, which is also the world's northernmost chocolate shop. Their chocolate is truly delicious!
In Svalbard, there are more polar bears than people. Luckily, they tend to stay in the harsh darkness beyond the reach of the town's streetlights, and as long as people stay on the other side of that light barrier, everyone is safe. Take a stroll through town, see what it has to offer, grab a bite to eat, and head off to one of the local coal mines.
Don't be fooled by the darkness outside and set off after breakfast to explore Longyearbyen. The town may seem small, but there are shops, cafes and a library.
No pavements here, so you'll have to take the road into the centre. That's why it's a good idea to wear either a brightly coloured jacket or reflective accessories. If you're lucky, you'll meet a reindeer or two along the way. They walk between the houses like they own the place. You might even meet a polar fox in a fluffy white coat.
But please don't try to take selfies with them. These reindeer may look tame, but they are still wild animals that have antlers and hooves and are not afraid to use them.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the northernmost brewery in Spitsbergen, where they use water from glaciers to produce their golden beverage. There are also excursions with beer tasting. The price starts from NOK 475.
Coal was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, powering progress at full steam. Then, in 1901, an American industrialist named John Munro Longyear arrived in Spitsbergen. He came as a tourist, but after hearing about the local coal deposits, he grabbed the opportunity without hesitation. Soon, large-scale coal mining was underway. In 1907, Longyearbyen itself was founded, which means "Longyear's City" in Norwegian.
One coal mine, specifically Mine No. 3, is now a tourist attraction. Deep underground, you can check out the equipment and learn about the hard labor of the men who worked here. You'll be provided with a helmet, a headlamp, and miner's overalls on-site, but make sure to dress warmly—it gets cold down there. Prices start at 950 Norwegian kroner per person, which includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- You can purchase the experience here - plan your day according to the tour time.
You might not be into museums, but Svalbard is a unique place in every way, so don't be shy—go explore its history, which was written by only the toughest (or craziest) adventurers.
For example, there's the North Pole Expedition Museum, which maps more or less successful attempts to reach the North Pole.
Here you can learn something about the history of Svalbard and the people who ended up here (more or less voluntarily). One of them is the Dutch explorer Willem Barents. He sailed through here while looking for a northern route to China, because in the 16th century, long before the invention of the airplane, ships had to sail along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and India, making the voyage last an entire year – just imagine waiting that long for your package! But Barents didn't find the route and ended up stuck in the ice with his crew near Novaya Zemlya.
Visiting the museum is sure to make you hungry, so go grab some lunch. Ideally at the restaurant named after one of the adventurers you've already heard (or rather, read) about in the museum. And if you're not a vegetarian, try something Arctic-style, like reindeer meat. I had the reindeer pizza and it was delicious!
If you don't find anything on the menu, you can always try some reindeer soup in a pouch with Norwegian bread from the local grocery store.
Without the sled dogs, the aforementioned adventurers wouldn't have got very far in the landscape of snow and ice. So you can spend the day in the company of the local furries.
Maybe you've been to a cat cafe before... Well, in Svalbard they have a dog cafe, where friendly pups will keep you company.
And in the afternoon, head out for a dog sledding trip. The dogs will greet you with loud barking and howling. If it makes you nervous that there are no seatbelts on the sleds, don't worry – if you crash, you'll land in a soft pile of fluffy fur. You might also wonder why do this when it's pitch black on Svalbard, but there's plenty to see – perhaps the stars in the sky, maybe even the northern lights, but above all, the desolate and (fortunately) still untouched landscape that reminds you that, in the grand scheme of things, humans don't mean much.
The price includes the rental of a headlamp, protective overalls (in case you want to cuddle with the dogs), and transport to and from the hotel.
It's time to buy some more souvenirs, cuddle with the husky in the dog café, buy some chocolate from the local chocolate shop and then pack your bags.
The bus will take you directly to the airport again. Don't forget to be there on time!
Welcome back. You know the drill, check out what you missed or just head back to the hotel.
Even though the north can be harsh, you'll remember it with love and wonder at how something so cold and remote can leave such a warm feeling in your heart. Pack up, go through anything you didn't have time for, head to the airport, and off you go home.
Be at the airport early again, at least 2-3 hours before departure. Have a nice flight home!
Dark, dark, nothing but dark. Such is Svalbard, where from November to January the sun is only seen in a picture or on TV. It might make you weak in the knees. But the endless darkness and Svalbard's position at the top of the globe promise an exceptional and unforgettable experience. So let the sunny beaches float by and instead of sprawling out on the beach and getting toasty, try stepping out of your comfort zone and flying to the far north. You'll experience the dark, the cold, check out a coal mine and maybe even meet a reindeer.
You'll fly north today, but not quite as far as the extreme north that awaits you on this trip. Today you have a fantastic chance to walk through one of the beautiful Nordic cities, Oslo. Make the most of this time and discover the beauty of this modern giant. And if you arrive late today, don't be sad, Oslo will be waiting for you on the final day too.
After arriving in Oslo, depending on your arrival time, you can first head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. Once you're ready, set out to explore the city center. Direct train services run from the airport, taking you to the center comfortably and in a short amount of time. Thanks to the fast and simple connection, you can enjoy Oslo even if you only have a short layover here.
- Prices in this itinerary are indicative and may vary. You can customize the daily schedule to your liking.
After arriving in Svalbard, you'll likely experience a bit of a culture shock; it looks like midnight outside even though it's still daytime, plus there's an unusual silence and not a single apartment block or high-rise in sight.
Depending on your departure time, you can still stroll around Oslo in the morning before heading to the airport and off to the far north! Don't forget to get to the airport well in advance.
When you step out of the airport building, take note of the wooden signpost with the names of several famous cities, all of which are quite far away in every direction – and they all point south, after all, you are (almost) at the top of the world! Even here in the far north, they have taxis, but instead, hop on the bus that takes tourists right to the doors of their hotels. A ticket costs 110 Norwegian kroner and you can even pay by credit card. Enjoy the ride, because there are no other buses here.
You have to leave your boots in the rack at the hotel entrance. This is a local tradition that dates back to the time when coal was mined in Longyearbyen on a large scale. Fine black particles that miners carried on their boots would end up as black dust in every nook and cranny, until people got tired of it and decided that shoes should be left at the door, period. And they still do it today. So be considerate and swap your winter boots for the slippers provided.
- 👉 On this page, you can check out your options for activities in Svalbard depending on the season. I 100% recommend choosing your activities and booking them well in advance of your trip to ensure you have a spot. Always tailor your schedule to the experience you've booked. You have plenty of things to choose from!
You can spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and maybe go for a walk in the city. If the sky is cloudless, you can enjoy the afternoon starry sky.
Even in Longyearbyen you can get by with a credit card, but it doesn't hurt to go to an ATM - if only because it will be the world's northernmost ATM.
Discover the local shops, sit in a café, get lost in translation in a samosa where food packaging is described mostly in Norwegian instead of 20 languages, and soak up the unique otherness of this place in the far north.
To warm up, a cup of hot chocolate is the best way to go - go for it at Fruene café, which is also the world's northernmost chocolate shop. Their chocolate is truly delicious!
In Svalbard, there are more polar bears than people. Luckily, they tend to stay in the harsh darkness beyond the reach of the town's streetlights, and as long as people stay on the other side of that light barrier, everyone is safe. Take a stroll through town, see what it has to offer, grab a bite to eat, and head off to one of the local coal mines.
Don't be fooled by the darkness outside and set off after breakfast to explore Longyearbyen. The town may seem small, but there are shops, cafes and a library.
No pavements here, so you'll have to take the road into the centre. That's why it's a good idea to wear either a brightly coloured jacket or reflective accessories. If you're lucky, you'll meet a reindeer or two along the way. They walk between the houses like they own the place. You might even meet a polar fox in a fluffy white coat.
But please don't try to take selfies with them. These reindeer may look tame, but they are still wild animals that have antlers and hooves and are not afraid to use them.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the northernmost brewery in Spitsbergen, where they use water from glaciers to produce their golden beverage. There are also excursions with beer tasting. The price starts from NOK 475.
Coal was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, powering progress at full steam. Then, in 1901, an American industrialist named John Munro Longyear arrived in Spitsbergen. He came as a tourist, but after hearing about the local coal deposits, he grabbed the opportunity without hesitation. Soon, large-scale coal mining was underway. In 1907, Longyearbyen itself was founded, which means "Longyear's City" in Norwegian.
One coal mine, specifically Mine No. 3, is now a tourist attraction. Deep underground, you can check out the equipment and learn about the hard labor of the men who worked here. You'll be provided with a helmet, a headlamp, and miner's overalls on-site, but make sure to dress warmly—it gets cold down there. Prices start at 950 Norwegian kroner per person, which includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- You can purchase the experience here - plan your day according to the tour time.
You might not be into museums, but Svalbard is a unique place in every way, so don't be shy—go explore its history, which was written by only the toughest (or craziest) adventurers.
For example, there's the North Pole Expedition Museum, which maps more or less successful attempts to reach the North Pole.
Here you can learn something about the history of Svalbard and the people who ended up here (more or less voluntarily). One of them is the Dutch explorer Willem Barents. He sailed through here while looking for a northern route to China, because in the 16th century, long before the invention of the airplane, ships had to sail along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and India, making the voyage last an entire year – just imagine waiting that long for your package! But Barents didn't find the route and ended up stuck in the ice with his crew near Novaya Zemlya.
Visiting the museum is sure to make you hungry, so go grab some lunch. Ideally at the restaurant named after one of the adventurers you've already heard (or rather, read) about in the museum. And if you're not a vegetarian, try something Arctic-style, like reindeer meat. I had the reindeer pizza and it was delicious!
If you don't find anything on the menu, you can always try some reindeer soup in a pouch with Norwegian bread from the local grocery store.
Without the sled dogs, the aforementioned adventurers wouldn't have got very far in the landscape of snow and ice. So you can spend the day in the company of the local furries.
Maybe you've been to a cat cafe before... Well, in Svalbard they have a dog cafe, where friendly pups will keep you company.
And in the afternoon, head out for a dog sledding trip. The dogs will greet you with loud barking and howling. If it makes you nervous that there are no seatbelts on the sleds, don't worry – if you crash, you'll land in a soft pile of fluffy fur. You might also wonder why do this when it's pitch black on Svalbard, but there's plenty to see – perhaps the stars in the sky, maybe even the northern lights, but above all, the desolate and (fortunately) still untouched landscape that reminds you that, in the grand scheme of things, humans don't mean much.
The price includes the rental of a headlamp, protective overalls (in case you want to cuddle with the dogs), and transport to and from the hotel.
It's time to buy some more souvenirs, cuddle with the husky in the dog café, buy some chocolate from the local chocolate shop and then pack your bags.
The bus will take you directly to the airport again. Don't forget to be there on time!
Welcome back. You know the drill, check out what you missed or just head back to the hotel.
Even though the north can be harsh, you'll remember it with love and wonder at how something so cold and remote can leave such a warm feeling in your heart. Pack up, go through anything you didn't have time for, head to the airport, and off you go home.
Be at the airport early again, at least 2-3 hours before departure. Have a nice flight home!
itinerary by Dominika Eliasova
The adventure awaits
Dark, dark, nothing but dark. Such is Svalbard, where from November to January the sun is only seen in a picture or on TV. It might make you weak in the knees. But the endless darkness and Svalbard's position at the top of the globe promise an exceptional and unforgettable experience. So let the sunny beaches float by and instead of sprawling out on the beach and getting toasty, try stepping out of your comfort zone and flying to the far north. You'll experience the dark, the cold, check out a coal mine and maybe even meet a reindeer.
You'll fly north today, but not quite as far as the extreme north that awaits you on this trip. Today you have a fantastic chance to walk through one of the beautiful Nordic cities, Oslo. Make the most of this time and discover the beauty of this modern giant. And if you arrive late today, don't be sad, Oslo will be waiting for you on the final day too.
After arriving in Oslo, depending on your arrival time, you can first head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. Once you're ready, set out to explore the city center. Direct train services run from the airport, taking you to the center comfortably and in a short amount of time. Thanks to the fast and simple connection, you can enjoy Oslo even if you only have a short layover here.
- Prices in this itinerary are indicative and may vary. You can customize the daily schedule to your liking.
After arriving in Svalbard, you'll likely experience a bit of a culture shock; it looks like midnight outside even though it's still daytime, plus there's an unusual silence and not a single apartment block or high-rise in sight.
Depending on your departure time, you can still stroll around Oslo in the morning before heading to the airport and off to the far north! Don't forget to get to the airport well in advance.
When you step out of the airport building, take note of the wooden signpost with the names of several famous cities, all of which are quite far away in every direction – and they all point south, after all, you are (almost) at the top of the world! Even here in the far north, they have taxis, but instead, hop on the bus that takes tourists right to the doors of their hotels. A ticket costs 110 Norwegian kroner and you can even pay by credit card. Enjoy the ride, because there are no other buses here.
You have to leave your boots in the rack at the hotel entrance. This is a local tradition that dates back to the time when coal was mined in Longyearbyen on a large scale. Fine black particles that miners carried on their boots would end up as black dust in every nook and cranny, until people got tired of it and decided that shoes should be left at the door, period. And they still do it today. So be considerate and swap your winter boots for the slippers provided.
- 👉 On this page, you can check out your options for activities in Svalbard depending on the season. I 100% recommend choosing your activities and booking them well in advance of your trip to ensure you have a spot. Always tailor your schedule to the experience you've booked. You have plenty of things to choose from!
You can spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and maybe go for a walk in the city. If the sky is cloudless, you can enjoy the afternoon starry sky.
Even in Longyearbyen you can get by with a credit card, but it doesn't hurt to go to an ATM - if only because it will be the world's northernmost ATM.
Discover the local shops, sit in a café, get lost in translation in a samosa where food packaging is described mostly in Norwegian instead of 20 languages, and soak up the unique otherness of this place in the far north.
To warm up, a cup of hot chocolate is the best way to go - go for it at Fruene café, which is also the world's northernmost chocolate shop. Their chocolate is truly delicious!
In Svalbard, there are more polar bears than people. Luckily, they tend to stay in the harsh darkness beyond the reach of the town's streetlights, and as long as people stay on the other side of that light barrier, everyone is safe. Take a stroll through town, see what it has to offer, grab a bite to eat, and head off to one of the local coal mines.
Don't be fooled by the darkness outside and set off after breakfast to explore Longyearbyen. The town may seem small, but there are shops, cafes and a library.
No pavements here, so you'll have to take the road into the centre. That's why it's a good idea to wear either a brightly coloured jacket or reflective accessories. If you're lucky, you'll meet a reindeer or two along the way. They walk between the houses like they own the place. You might even meet a polar fox in a fluffy white coat.
But please don't try to take selfies with them. These reindeer may look tame, but they are still wild animals that have antlers and hooves and are not afraid to use them.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the northernmost brewery in Spitsbergen, where they use water from glaciers to produce their golden beverage. There are also excursions with beer tasting. The price starts from NOK 475.
Coal was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, powering progress at full steam. Then, in 1901, an American industrialist named John Munro Longyear arrived in Spitsbergen. He came as a tourist, but after hearing about the local coal deposits, he grabbed the opportunity without hesitation. Soon, large-scale coal mining was underway. In 1907, Longyearbyen itself was founded, which means "Longyear's City" in Norwegian.
One coal mine, specifically Mine No. 3, is now a tourist attraction. Deep underground, you can check out the equipment and learn about the hard labor of the men who worked here. You'll be provided with a helmet, a headlamp, and miner's overalls on-site, but make sure to dress warmly—it gets cold down there. Prices start at 950 Norwegian kroner per person, which includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- You can purchase the experience here - plan your day according to the tour time.
You might not be into museums, but Svalbard is a unique place in every way, so don't be shy—go explore its history, which was written by only the toughest (or craziest) adventurers.
For example, there's the North Pole Expedition Museum, which maps more or less successful attempts to reach the North Pole.
Here you can learn something about the history of Svalbard and the people who ended up here (more or less voluntarily). One of them is the Dutch explorer Willem Barents. He sailed through here while looking for a northern route to China, because in the 16th century, long before the invention of the airplane, ships had to sail along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and India, making the voyage last an entire year – just imagine waiting that long for your package! But Barents didn't find the route and ended up stuck in the ice with his crew near Novaya Zemlya.
Visiting the museum is sure to make you hungry, so go grab some lunch. Ideally at the restaurant named after one of the adventurers you've already heard (or rather, read) about in the museum. And if you're not a vegetarian, try something Arctic-style, like reindeer meat. I had the reindeer pizza and it was delicious!
If you don't find anything on the menu, you can always try some reindeer soup in a pouch with Norwegian bread from the local grocery store.
Without the sled dogs, the aforementioned adventurers wouldn't have got very far in the landscape of snow and ice. So you can spend the day in the company of the local furries.
Maybe you've been to a cat cafe before... Well, in Svalbard they have a dog cafe, where friendly pups will keep you company.
And in the afternoon, head out for a dog sledding trip. The dogs will greet you with loud barking and howling. If it makes you nervous that there are no seatbelts on the sleds, don't worry – if you crash, you'll land in a soft pile of fluffy fur. You might also wonder why do this when it's pitch black on Svalbard, but there's plenty to see – perhaps the stars in the sky, maybe even the northern lights, but above all, the desolate and (fortunately) still untouched landscape that reminds you that, in the grand scheme of things, humans don't mean much.
The price includes the rental of a headlamp, protective overalls (in case you want to cuddle with the dogs), and transport to and from the hotel.
It's time to buy some more souvenirs, cuddle with the husky in the dog café, buy some chocolate from the local chocolate shop and then pack your bags.
The bus will take you directly to the airport again. Don't forget to be there on time!
Welcome back. You know the drill, check out what you missed or just head back to the hotel.
Even though the north can be harsh, you'll remember it with love and wonder at how something so cold and remote can leave such a warm feeling in your heart. Pack up, go through anything you didn't have time for, head to the airport, and off you go home.
Be at the airport early again, at least 2-3 hours before departure. Have a nice flight home!
Dark, dark, nothing but dark. Such is Svalbard, where from November to January the sun is only seen in a picture or on TV. It might make you weak in the knees. But the endless darkness and Svalbard's position at the top of the globe promise an exceptional and unforgettable experience. So let the sunny beaches float by and instead of sprawling out on the beach and getting toasty, try stepping out of your comfort zone and flying to the far north. You'll experience the dark, the cold, check out a coal mine and maybe even meet a reindeer.
You'll fly north today, but not quite as far as the extreme north that awaits you on this trip. Today you have a fantastic chance to walk through one of the beautiful Nordic cities, Oslo. Make the most of this time and discover the beauty of this modern giant. And if you arrive late today, don't be sad, Oslo will be waiting for you on the final day too.
After arriving in Oslo, depending on your arrival time, you can first head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. Once you're ready, set out to explore the city center. Direct train services run from the airport, taking you to the center comfortably and in a short amount of time. Thanks to the fast and simple connection, you can enjoy Oslo even if you only have a short layover here.
- Prices in this itinerary are indicative and may vary. You can customize the daily schedule to your liking.
After arriving in Svalbard, you'll likely experience a bit of a culture shock; it looks like midnight outside even though it's still daytime, plus there's an unusual silence and not a single apartment block or high-rise in sight.
Depending on your departure time, you can still stroll around Oslo in the morning before heading to the airport and off to the far north! Don't forget to get to the airport well in advance.
When you step out of the airport building, take note of the wooden signpost with the names of several famous cities, all of which are quite far away in every direction – and they all point south, after all, you are (almost) at the top of the world! Even here in the far north, they have taxis, but instead, hop on the bus that takes tourists right to the doors of their hotels. A ticket costs 110 Norwegian kroner and you can even pay by credit card. Enjoy the ride, because there are no other buses here.
You have to leave your boots in the rack at the hotel entrance. This is a local tradition that dates back to the time when coal was mined in Longyearbyen on a large scale. Fine black particles that miners carried on their boots would end up as black dust in every nook and cranny, until people got tired of it and decided that shoes should be left at the door, period. And they still do it today. So be considerate and swap your winter boots for the slippers provided.
- 👉 On this page, you can check out your options for activities in Svalbard depending on the season. I 100% recommend choosing your activities and booking them well in advance of your trip to ensure you have a spot. Always tailor your schedule to the experience you've booked. You have plenty of things to choose from!
You can spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and maybe go for a walk in the city. If the sky is cloudless, you can enjoy the afternoon starry sky.
Even in Longyearbyen you can get by with a credit card, but it doesn't hurt to go to an ATM - if only because it will be the world's northernmost ATM.
Discover the local shops, sit in a café, get lost in translation in a samosa where food packaging is described mostly in Norwegian instead of 20 languages, and soak up the unique otherness of this place in the far north.
To warm up, a cup of hot chocolate is the best way to go - go for it at Fruene café, which is also the world's northernmost chocolate shop. Their chocolate is truly delicious!
In Svalbard, there are more polar bears than people. Luckily, they tend to stay in the harsh darkness beyond the reach of the town's streetlights, and as long as people stay on the other side of that light barrier, everyone is safe. Take a stroll through town, see what it has to offer, grab a bite to eat, and head off to one of the local coal mines.
Don't be fooled by the darkness outside and set off after breakfast to explore Longyearbyen. The town may seem small, but there are shops, cafes and a library.
No pavements here, so you'll have to take the road into the centre. That's why it's a good idea to wear either a brightly coloured jacket or reflective accessories. If you're lucky, you'll meet a reindeer or two along the way. They walk between the houses like they own the place. You might even meet a polar fox in a fluffy white coat.
But please don't try to take selfies with them. These reindeer may look tame, but they are still wild animals that have antlers and hooves and are not afraid to use them.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the northernmost brewery in Spitsbergen, where they use water from glaciers to produce their golden beverage. There are also excursions with beer tasting. The price starts from NOK 475.
Coal was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, powering progress at full steam. Then, in 1901, an American industrialist named John Munro Longyear arrived in Spitsbergen. He came as a tourist, but after hearing about the local coal deposits, he grabbed the opportunity without hesitation. Soon, large-scale coal mining was underway. In 1907, Longyearbyen itself was founded, which means "Longyear's City" in Norwegian.
One coal mine, specifically Mine No. 3, is now a tourist attraction. Deep underground, you can check out the equipment and learn about the hard labor of the men who worked here. You'll be provided with a helmet, a headlamp, and miner's overalls on-site, but make sure to dress warmly—it gets cold down there. Prices start at 950 Norwegian kroner per person, which includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- You can purchase the experience here - plan your day according to the tour time.
You might not be into museums, but Svalbard is a unique place in every way, so don't be shy—go explore its history, which was written by only the toughest (or craziest) adventurers.
For example, there's the North Pole Expedition Museum, which maps more or less successful attempts to reach the North Pole.
Here you can learn something about the history of Svalbard and the people who ended up here (more or less voluntarily). One of them is the Dutch explorer Willem Barents. He sailed through here while looking for a northern route to China, because in the 16th century, long before the invention of the airplane, ships had to sail along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and India, making the voyage last an entire year – just imagine waiting that long for your package! But Barents didn't find the route and ended up stuck in the ice with his crew near Novaya Zemlya.
Visiting the museum is sure to make you hungry, so go grab some lunch. Ideally at the restaurant named after one of the adventurers you've already heard (or rather, read) about in the museum. And if you're not a vegetarian, try something Arctic-style, like reindeer meat. I had the reindeer pizza and it was delicious!
If you don't find anything on the menu, you can always try some reindeer soup in a pouch with Norwegian bread from the local grocery store.
Without the sled dogs, the aforementioned adventurers wouldn't have got very far in the landscape of snow and ice. So you can spend the day in the company of the local furries.
Maybe you've been to a cat cafe before... Well, in Svalbard they have a dog cafe, where friendly pups will keep you company.
And in the afternoon, head out for a dog sledding trip. The dogs will greet you with loud barking and howling. If it makes you nervous that there are no seatbelts on the sleds, don't worry – if you crash, you'll land in a soft pile of fluffy fur. You might also wonder why do this when it's pitch black on Svalbard, but there's plenty to see – perhaps the stars in the sky, maybe even the northern lights, but above all, the desolate and (fortunately) still untouched landscape that reminds you that, in the grand scheme of things, humans don't mean much.
The price includes the rental of a headlamp, protective overalls (in case you want to cuddle with the dogs), and transport to and from the hotel.
It's time to buy some more souvenirs, cuddle with the husky in the dog café, buy some chocolate from the local chocolate shop and then pack your bags.
The bus will take you directly to the airport again. Don't forget to be there on time!
Welcome back. You know the drill, check out what you missed or just head back to the hotel.
Even though the north can be harsh, you'll remember it with love and wonder at how something so cold and remote can leave such a warm feeling in your heart. Pack up, go through anything you didn't have time for, head to the airport, and off you go home.
Be at the airport early again, at least 2-3 hours before departure. Have a nice flight home!
