Curator’s statement
Spitsbergen is not only one of the most remote places on Earth, but also one of the most magical. Its fragile ecosystem is unlike anywhere else. Life here is full of unusual rules and wonders. The main modes of transport are snowmobiles and dog sleds. Due to limited medical and burial infrastructure, you're not allowed to give birth or die on the island. Longyearbyen, the main settlement, is home to only around 2,400 residents, with just a few dozen born on Svalbard itself. There are no trees or natural vegetation. The island is famous for its otherworldly blue light during Polar Night, when the sun doesn’t rise for weeks — just as in summer, it never sets. Wildlife like reindeer and Arctic foxes roam freely, and the constant awareness of nearby polar bears adds to a thrilling sense of wilderness and wonder. Visiting this surreal, icy frontier feels like stepping into another world.
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Things to do in Svalbard
Explore the Small Town of Longyearbyen: Wander through Longyearbyen. It is the northernmost settlement of its kind. You'll find a mix of Arctic charm, cozy cafes and fascinating museums showcasing the history and culture of the island.
Visit the Ghost Towns of Pyramiden and Barentsburg: Take a trip to the abandoned Soviet-era settlement of Pyramiden or the active Russian mining town of Barentsburg. Both places offer a surreal, otherworldly experience of Arctic life.
Go on a Dog Sledding Adventure: Feel the thrill of mushing through the frozen wilderness behind a team of Arctic sled dogs. It’s an unforgettable way to see the stunning landscapes of Spitsbergen.
Chase the Northern Lights at Night: Witness the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic sky, a true highlight of a visit to Spitsbergen. The lack of light pollution makes this one of the best places to see the phenomenon.
Attend the Polar Night Festival: Celebrate the unique Arctic culture and traditions during the Polar Night Festival. Experience local music, art and food while embracing the endless dark winter days.
Go on a guided ice glacier Tour: Explore the stunning ice glaciers of Spitsbergen on a guided tour. Walk across ancient glaciers, learn about their formation and marvel at the natural beauty of the ice.
Take a snowmobile tour: Traverse the Arctic landscape on a snowmobile, covering vast stretches of snow and ice. This is an exciting way to explore the rugged beauty of Svalbard, from glaciers to remote fjords.
Wildlife watching: See Arctic Reindeer and Polar Bears: Head out on a wildlife safari to spot Arctic reindeer, seals and if you're lucky, the elusive polar bear. It’s an unforgettable experience to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Though not open to the public, you can take a guided tour near the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world’s backup for plant seeds. It’s a fascinating look at the preservation of biodiversity.
Explore the ice caves: Venture into the mesmerizing ice caves of Spitsbergen. The frozen interiors reveal unique formations of ice, perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a unique and chilling experience.
Places to eat & drink in Svalbard
Gruvelageret: A cozy and historic restaurant in an old coal mining building, offering hearty Arctic dishes. Perfect for a warm meal after a day of exploring, with a unique atmosphere full of local charm.
Restaurant Polfareren: A great spot to try local Arctic cuisine with a modern twist. Known for its seafood and reindeer dishes, this restaurant offers a cozy setting and excellent service.
Stationen: A casual but popular pub and restaurant where locals and visitors mingle. Offering a mix of traditional Norwegian and international comfort food, it's a great place to relax with a drink.
Funktionaermessen Restaurant: Located in the heart of Longyearbyen. This restaurant offers classic Nordic cuisine with fresh ingredients, making it a great spot for both lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined.
NUGA: A modern Japanese restaurant with a unique twist, combining Japanese flavors with local Svalbard ingredients. Offering fresh sushi, ramen and other traditional Japanese dishes, NUGA is a great spot for a delightful dining experience in the Arctic.
Need to know
Svalbard is a unique destination, and there are a few things travelers should keep in mind. First, Longyearbyen is one of the northernmost settlements in the world, so the weather can be extreme, especially during the winter months. Be sure to pack for cold temperatures, even in the summer. Svalbard is heavily reliant on imports since it is impossible to grow much food locally due to the harsh climate. This makes the cost of living higher, and many products are imported from mainland Norway. Additionally, always be careful of polar bears! If you're exploring outside the town, make sure to go with a guide, as these magnificent animals roam the wilderness. Finally, depending on the time of year, don't miss experiencing either the Polar Night or the Midnight Sun. Both offer unforgettable, otherworldly experiences.
Travel Advisor
Nathalie Lüttgens
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