Svalbard Global Seed Vault 2025
Deep in the permafrost lies the global seed bank
Best time: June–September
Located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, 807 miles (1,300 km) from the Arctic Circle and 559 miles (900 km) from the mainland, Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the seed bank designed to preserve the world’s crops and plants in case of an event that triggers a global disaster.
Global Seed Vault is called "the most important room of the world" or the "doomsday" vault. This natural refrigerator contains 4,5 million seeds from all around the world. It is the biggest international seed vault, providing a backup for the world's plant diversity.
Although the storage, located 4 km from the city center of Longyearbyen, is closed to visitors, however it is possible to check-out its exterior and the front door. While visiting Global Seed Vault, take advantage of the incredible trekking, which provides a view of the entire Longyearbyen. The best time for visiting the Global Seed Vault is during the period from June to September. It's the warmest season in Spitsbergen that makes hiking easier.
Practical info
What is Svalbard Global Seed Vault?
Situated in the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault's mission is to preserve the world's crops and plants in case of disasters. The vault is situated 4 km from the city center of Longyearbyen and is considered a backup for the world's plant diversity. It is the largest international seed bank and contains 4.5 million seeds from around the world. The seed bank is buried deep inside a sandstone mountain to maintain a constant temperature of -18 degrees Celsius and ensure the preservation of the seeds.
Where is Svalbard Global Seed Vault located?
Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, which is 807 miles from the Arctic Circle and 559 miles from the mainland. The vault is situated inside a mountain, 4 km from the city center of Longyearbyen. It is buried deep inside a sandstone mountain to maintain a constant temperature of -18 degrees Celsius and to ensure the preservation of the seeds for future generations.
When is the best time to visit the Seed Vault?
The best time to visit the Seed Vault is from June to September, which is when Spitsbergen has a milder climate and hiking and touring the island is easier for visitors. During June and July, there is sunlight available for 24 hours a day, and from August to September, the sun can be seen for 14 to 16 hours a day. With many tourists visiting during this period, a visit to the Seed Vault promises to be a unique experience.
Can visitors enter the storage area?
Visitors are not permitted to enter the storage area of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. However, they can view the vault's exterior and front door through a tunnel leading to the main entrance. The exquisite surroundings of the Seed Vault offer trekking options that provide a panoramic view of Longyearbyen. With a focus on preservation, the Seed Vault serves as an essential symbol of global cooperation.
What is the significance of the Seed Vault for preserving plants and crops?
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is critical in safeguarding over 5,000 species of plants worldwide. The seeds are preserved in the vault and serve as a backup copy that can be used in case of natural or human-made disasters. The controlled environment and constant temperature inside the vault ensure the longevity of the seeds for future generations. Additionally, the Seed Vault symbolizes global cooperation in protecting the diversity of our crops and plants.
