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Experience a frozen no-man's land: Wild tundra rife with adventure

Sat in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago is your only destination when it comes to exploring the fierce, arctic tundra and its inhabitants. More than half covered by glaciers, the island group supports seven national parks and 23 nature reserves protecting a largely untouched natural environment, rich in rare wildlife. Its environs are home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic fox, sea birds and whales.

Spitsbergen with its main town Longyearbyen, is the largest and only permanently inhabited island of the archipelago. No roads connect its settlements, providing a unique opportunity for snowmobiling or traveling by boat.

Your experience will differ depending on the season you decide to visit. In summer, animals and fauna thrive during the long stretch of constant light and it’s the best time for exploring fjords and glaciers, kayaking and trekking. The polar winter night means that the northern lights are bright and the freezing conditions are great for snowmobiling, skiing, husky sledding and visiting ice caves.

Highlights

Spend time in Longyearbyen and head out on snowmobiles to delve into the white wilderness.

Head out to spot some of the islands’ incredible wildlife: reindeer, arctic foxes and polar bears.

Cruise along Liefdefjorden to marvel at the Monaco Glacier and the area’s immense bird-life.

The Svalbard Islands are a great destination for adventure. When the islands are white with snow you can explore the other-worldly landscapes on snowmobiles, discovering glaciers and blue ice. Summertime (June to August) makes for wonderful sailing.

Murray Mitchell headshot

Murray Mitchell

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in the Svalbard Islands

There are many incredible places to stay in the Svalbard Islands. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your the Svalbard Islands adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

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Alesund

Norway's most beautiful town, Alesund is a fantasy land of ornate architecture and winding waterways. After discovering the pretty streets and delicious seafood, go hiking in the surrounding lush green Hjorundfjord and Sunnmore Alps.

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Bergen

Bergen is a truly beautiful little city. Surrounded by seven mountains, seven fjords, pine forests and icy waters. Colourful houses form the UNESCO heritage site of Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf with galleries and some of Norway's best restaurants.

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Kirkenes

A tiny frontier town with fascinating culture. It’s as far east as you get in Europe, past Saint Petersburg and Cairo and just 15 kilometres from the Russian border. Norwegian, Russian, Sami and Finnish cultures are present in markets, museums and everyday life.

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Lyngen Alps

Massive white peaks give way to gentle slopes and pretty lakes with the promise of exciting adventures. Lyngseidet, the main town, has a village feel with brightly coloured houses and shops to explore.

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Norwegian Fjords

Sail along Norway's neverending coastline where thousands of ice-age fjords will take your breath away. Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are the most well known, however, even the smaller lesser known fjords are truly spectacular.

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Norwegian Lapland

Norwegian Lapland, or Finnmark, is the home of Sami culture. Glide through snowy landscapes on husky-led sledges or kayak along azure rivers on action-packed adventures.

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Oslo

Oslo is Norway's capital and cultural hub. This viking city is steeped in fascinating history, which can be explored on foot. Visit the harbours, museums, galleries, bars and restaurants that make up the eclectic and energetic atmosphere.

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The Lofoten Islands

Distinctive scenery, exposed to the open seas and scattered with fishing villages - not only are the Lofton islands characteristically beautiful, there’s also plenty to do. One of Norway’s premier wildlife areas; search for puffins, cormorants, otters and moose.

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Tromso

Bustling, yet remote, set on its own island connected to the mainland by bridges - there’s a special magic about the city of Tromso. The last outpost before the arctic and a place rich with history and culture.

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Meet your Europe team

When to visit

Your experience will differ depending on the season you decide to visit. In summer, animals and fauna thrive during the long stretch of constant light and it’s the best time for exploring fjords and glaciers, kayaking and trekking. The polar winter night means that the Northern Lights are bright and the freezing conditions are great for snowmobiling, skiing, husky sledding and visiting ice caves.

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Wildlife

February - October

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Boats

March - June

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Northern lights

September - April

Best time to visit Norway

Best time to visit Norway

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Plan your trip to the Svalbard Islands

Whatever you want from your adventure in the Svalbard Islands, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline