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Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard

A land of polar adventure

Svalbard holidays and expedition cruises

Introduction

It doesn’t get much wilder than the islands of the Svalbard archipelago, a rugged, desolate wilderness whose landscapes of snow and ice are home to more polar bears than humans. 

Longyearbyen

Svalbard is reached either by cruise ship or by a flight hop from Oslo or Tromso into the frontier town of Longyearbyen, a small but surprisingly vibrant capital on Spitsbergen, the largest and only permanently populated island in the archipelago. Despite its surroundings, this lively town has a good restaurant scene as well as a small collection of cosy, comfortable and, in the case of Funken Lodge, super-stylish hotels that provide a warm and welcome retreat from which to begin your adventures into the frozen wilderness.


Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arctic adventure

Excursions are available throughout the year, and while, during winter, most will include a team of huskies, a snowmobile or a snow cat, there are other options, including champagne tasting at the historic Det gamle Nordpolet wine store, and the chance to explore the ice caves of the Longyear Glacier. In summer there's hiking, kayaking, dogsledding on wheels and plenty of opportunities to see polar bears and walruses basking under the light of the Midnight Sun.


Meeting huskies in Svalbard

Remote lodges

Away from Longyearbyen, a small collection of far-flung lodges provide the ultimate Arctic experience. Indeed, a night at the Basecamp Isfjord Radio or the North Pole Basecamp offer the chance to indulge your inner adventurer with a full spread of adrenaline-inducing activities, while the Wilderness Camp at Barentz in the Advent Valley serves up hearty food, a crackling fire and tales of Arctic adventure under the magical spell of the Northern Lights.


Isfjord Radio, Svalbard

Expedition cruises

While the main island of Spitsbergen can be explored by land, the only way to get reach Svalbard's outer islands is on a cruise. Sailings by the likes of Silversea and Aurora Expeditions chart the archipelago's remotest corners, tracing the rugged coastline in search of wildlife and breaking through the sea ice to find spectacular fjords and mighty glaciers. Throughout each voyage, shore excursions by RIB boat and kayak afford up-close encounters led by expert naturalists, while back on board, gourmet dining and stylish cabins and suites offer the chance to relax. Speak to our cruise specialists to find out more.   


RIB boat tour, Aurora Expeditions

 

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Top itineraries in Svalbard

The polar Northern lights in Norway Svalbard in the mountains

Svalbard Polar Night Adventure

4-day tailor-made break from £1,165 pp incl. flights

Travel to the ultimate Arctic destination on this action-packed winter holiday. To make the most of your stay, we've included a Northern Lights snowcat tour and an evening at an aurora camp.

Polar bear in Svalbard

Svalbard & Tromso

6-day tailor-made holiday from £1,585 pp incl. flights

This twin-centre break is a superb introduction to the Arctic region, pairing the fun of a stay in Tromso with high adventure in Svalbard, just a short hop from the North Pole.

Top places to stay in Svalbard

Funken Lodge, Spitsbergen (credit Agurtxane Concellon)

Funken Lodge, Spitsbergen

Guide price from £1,155 pp

This ultra-chic lodge, formerly the Spitsbergen Hotel, combines sleek rooms, fine food and enviable views over Spitsbergen and the Lars glacier. Indeed, it’s the perfect base for adventures into Svalbard’s Arctic wilds.

Radisson Blu Polar, Svalbard

Radisson Blu Polar, Longyearbyen

Contemporary hotel

Situated on Longyearbyen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago (with a smidgen over 2,000 inhabitants), the Radisson Blu Polar has sweeping vistas of the dramatic Arctic coastline, including the Isfjorden and Adventdalen valley

Basecamp Trappers Hotel, Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Basecamp Trappers Hotel, Spitsbergen

Small & intimate lodge

Soak up the atmosphere of staying in the centre of the Arctic Circle, in a traditional trapper’s lodge style property

Aurora Expeditions - Greg Mortimer

Aurora Expeditions' Greg Mortimer

Luxury cruise ship

Named after Aurora Expeditions' co-founder, this brand-new expedition ship combines cutting-edge technology and eco-credentials with adventurous routes through the Arctic and beyond.

Where to go in Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen, with a population of around two thousand, is Svalbard's main town, with colourful wooden houses and a distinctly frontier feel. Accommodation is in cosy guesthouses and former trapper lodges full of furs and Arctic memorabilia, or upmarket hotels with modern comforts.

Svalbard articles

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Meet our Svalbard experts

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0637 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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