Svalbard
The archipelago of Svalbard is part of Norway and lies well within the Arctic Circle. It is actually the northernmost area in the world that you can reach in a relatively easy way. The main village of the archipelago, Longyearbyen, is located at 78 degrees latitude. It is the ultimate place to experience the polar climate! We collected the most important travel information for your trip to Svalbard!
Travel Information Svalbard
The Best Travel Route for Svalbard
There is not really a travel route, since there is only one village where you can actually stay: Longyearbyen. From here, you can do daily tours to explore the island.
The 3 Best Winter Activities in Svalbard
Visa and Entry Requirements
Svalbard is part of Norway, however is not part of the Schengen area. There are actually no visa requirements for Svalbard itself, but you do need to meet the entry requirements for Norway, as you have to transfer through this country. We also had a passport check before our flight to Longyearbyen.
Travel Budget and Currency
You think Norway is an expensive country to visit? What about Svalbard? This archipelago was maybe one of our most expensive trips ever! However, maybe it was also one of the most beautiful places we ever visited. We tried to keep total costs low by planning only a short period on the island itself. As we wanted to do 3 activities, we planned only 4 nights. Regarding currency, you’ll have to use the Norwegian Kroner (NOK) in Svalbard.
Our Travel Budget for Svalbard
Norwegian Kroner Exchange Rate (NOK) | Revolut
Climate and Weather in Svalbard
Cold, colder, coldest. At 78 degrees latitude and approximately 1300 kilometres from the North Pole, Spitsbergen obviously has a polar climate. However, considering this latitude, it is not even that cold. The warm Gulf Stream brings relatively warm seawater to the area around Spitsbergen, making it quite doable even mid-winter.
Still, winter months are cold. Temperatures drop to -20 degrees easily and there is no sunlight at all during the polar night. Further, there is often a strong easterly wind, which makes it feel even colder. In the summer, it can get to around 10 degrees above zero. Anything above that is considered extremely warm! More travel information about the climate on Spitsbergen?
Climate of Svalbard | Wikipedia
Peak and Low Season
Svalbard is a destination that tends to be only visited by those few travelers seeking the most extreme environments. Hence, it probably won’t ever get extremely crowded on this archipelago. Whereas summer months are most busy, winter is also quite popular for experiencing the polar night and maybe even spotting the famous northern lights!
Popular Travel Attractions
Due to its northern location, you can experience the polar climate at the archipelago of Svalbard. Polar bears, frozen sea and the northern lights, you’re probably not going to see any of these things very often in your life. Activities are all focused on seeing the beautiful and unique landscapes of Svalbard.
Health and Safety Information
Svalbard is one of the safest places on earth, except for the polar bears that may arise suddenly. The doors of our accommodation were never locked during our stay and we even saw many cars with a running engine in front of the supermarket to save the battery a bit. As for health, you don’t have to worry too much either. Keep in mind that Svalbard does not have a hospital. In case of emergency, you have to be evacuated to the mainland of Norway, so make sure you have good travel insurance.
Culture and Traditions in Norway
There are many different nationalities represented in Longyearbyen, since there is quite an open regulation for working on Svalbard. Anyone interested in the harsh nature here is welcomed. So guides and hotel staff we saw came from far to work and experience the polar climate for themselves for a longer period of time. For example, during our activities we had a Norwegian, Canadian and Spanish guide. So you can imagine that all these people bring their own traditions with them. In the past, Spitsbergen was known for its mining industry and even now there are still visible remains. The last mine will be officially closed soon, however.
Internet and Connectivity in Norway
We only had good signal in Longyearbyen. Going on tours, the signal is lost quite soon. But then who needs connection in the amazing scenery of Svalbard!
Looking for a data package? We mostly use the Esim plan from Airalo for connectivity abroad. Use the code MEIKE4854 for a €3,- discount on your first purchase!
