Svalbard
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the high Arctic at 78°N, closer to the North Pole than to mainland Norway. Its extreme latitude means months of continuous polar night in winter, during which the Northern Lights can appear at any hour - including the middle of the day. This makes Svalbard unlike any other aurora destination, offering round-the-clock viewing opportunities in a genuinely remote Arctic environment.
Longyearbyen, the only town with regular visitor infrastructure, is the world’s northernmost settlement with a population over 1,000. Despite its isolation, it has a small but well-equipped selection of hotels, restaurants and tour operators. The surrounding landscape is stark and treeless: Glaciated mountains, frozen fjords and open tundra stretching to the horizon.
Polar bears inhabit the archipelago and venturing outside Longyearbyen requires a guide with a rifle. This adds an element of genuine Arctic adventure to any trip. Snowmobile excursions, dog sledding, glacier hikes and visits to abandoned mining settlements are the main activities. The aurora viewed above this raw, ice-bound landscape is a profoundly different experience from more southerly destinations.
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Longyearbyen
78°13'31"N, 15°37'32"E
Aurora probability in Longyearbyen: 6%
Longyearbyen, on Svalbard at 78°N, is the world’s northernmost settlement. Its extreme latitude and polar night offer unique aurora viewing conditions, with continuous darkness providing round-the-clock opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Book an amazing adventure in Svalbard
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Svalbard.
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Svalbard Discover the Mining Settlement of Pyramiden
3.7 (3)
8 hours From £897.09
What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
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Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen
4.7 (3)
3 hours From £208.33
You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a local, experienced guide that will show you not only this fascinating town, but some of their favorite photography motifs as well. On this relaxing walking tour you’ll get intimate knowledge of off-the-beaten-path vistas and wind up with an unparalleled experience offered by no other services - in that ours is not just a tour of the city, but a tour based on photography. From late October to mid-February, Longyearbyen is wrapped in the magic of the polar night. Though the sun doesn’t rise, the soft blue twilight and snow-covered landscape create an unforgettable setting—perfect for capturing the northern lights and the unique Arctic atmosphere. During this period of time expect crisp, cold weather, typically between -13°C and -25°C (9°F to -13°F). The chill is part of the adventure—and with the right warm layers and sturdy winter boots, you’ll be comfortable and fully able to enjoy the serene beauty of the Arctic
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From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg
No reviews
10 hours From £897.09
What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
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Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour
No reviews
11 days From £13902.72
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks! So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.
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Private Shore Tour: Northern Lights Chase by Snowcat
No reviews
2 hours From £672.60
Embark on a thrilling chase for the Northern Lights on this unforgettable snowcat adventure. Leaving the lights of Longyearbyen behind, your journey takes you into the vast, dark wilderness of Svalbard. As you travel over the frozen Adventdalen Valley, your guide will make several stops to hunt for the Northern Lights, offering you the best chance to witness this mesmerizing natural spectacle. While the experience of traveling through the pristine Arctic wilderness is awe-inspiring in itself, we advise dressing warmly so you can enjoy the stops and the stunning silence of Svalbard’s remote landscape.
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Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise Private 8 Day Tour
5.0 (1)
8 days From £12754.79
We are a micro cruising company. With only 12 guests on board our departures, we have the ability to go where other larger ships do not. This small presence is sustainable and limits disturbance to wildlife and the environment.
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