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Best time to visit

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Being one of the world's northernmost populated areas, Svalbard archipelago is extremely cold during winter. Naturally, warmer time of the year from May to early September is the best time to visit Svalbard and enjoy its beautiful glaciers, bizarre tundra landscapes, and cruise across the icy waters. Only between June and late August you can kayak past glaciers and observe polar bears—this is an experience to remember. Camping near Longyearbyen airport under the midnight sun is another unique activity available at this time. Also, stop by Alkefjellet to witness Brunnich's Guillemot bird bazaar all over the cliffs. During long and dark winter from October to February marvel at the Northern Lights and go snowmobiling and dog sledding.

18 things to do in Svalbard

Whaling Season

April–August Food

For centuries, Europeans have harvested whales for their fat and baleen

Polar Bear Watching

May–August Activity

Witness magnificent polar bears in their natural environment

North Pole Marathon

April 7, 2024 Event

World's coolest marathon

Ice-Cold Swimming

June–early September Activity

You'll never know how your body is going to respond to this kind of stress

Polar Night

November–February Nature

There is a vast number of things to see and do during this unique phenomena, just remember the further north you go, the darker and longer the Polar Nights become

Snowmobiling

November–late May Activity

It's impossible to avoid snowmobiling while you are in Svalbard

Atlantic Puffin

late May–early August Nature

Cute Arctic Puffins distinguished by beautiful beaks nest in colonies along the Northern islands of Norway

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

June–September Activity

Deep in the permafrost lies the global seed bank

Northern Lights

September–late March Nature

Nothing compares to an aurora borealis vacation in Svalbard

Cycling

June–October Activity

Enjoy Arctic landscapes while cycling on the paved and unpaved roads of a polar archipelago

Reindeer

May–August Nature

Meet Santa's furry helpers on the pastures of Svalbard

Pyramiden, a Soviet-Era Ghost Town

mid-May–September Activity

Life in Pyramiden seems to be frozen since the collapse of the Soviet Union. But when you'll get there, you'll find out, Lenin is still watching you

Ice Caving

November–May Activity

The majestic ancient ice formations of Svalbard are mind-blowing. Have you ever wondered what they look like from the inside?

Abandoned Coal Mines

March–September Activity

Although most of Svalbard's coal mining sites are now abandoned, they still hold a particular atmosphere

Kayaking by Glaciers

June–August Activity

Rowing among icy cold waters, snowy landscapes, and white bears

Barentsburg

mid-May–early October Activity

Although the time machine hasn't been invented yet, Barentsburg may become a place where you'll travel back in time to the USSR

Midnight Sun

late April–late August Nature

Few things in the world can match the feeling of sunlight warming your face in the middle of the night.

Dog Sledding

November–mid-May Activity

Northern lights, variable weather, moonlight, sunshine or a sky full of stars—this is what the Arctic can offer you on a dog sledding adventure

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