Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 62 travelers

A Week in Longyearbyen: Adventurous Arctic Exploration

  1. Friday August 11: Arrival in Longyearbyen
    From Longyearbyen Airport

    After settling into your hotel, start your Arctic adventure with a visit to the Svalbard Museum in the morning to learn about the history and wildlife of the region. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful wilderness on a guided hike to Mine 3, a former coal mine. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at Huset Restaurant, known for its gourmet Arctic cuisine.

    • Svalbard Museum: Entrance fee: 100 NOK, Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Guided Hike to Mine 3: Cost: 500 NOK, Duration: 3 hours
    • Huset Restaurant: Cost: 600 NOK per person, Opening hours: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  2. Saturday August 12: Polar Wildlife Encounter
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Svalbard Museum

    In the morning, embark on a thrilling boat tour to the abandoned Russian mining town of Pyramiden, where you can spot polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer. After lunch, visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a secure facility housing millions of plant seeds from around the world. In the evening, unwind with a refreshing drink at the Coal Miner's Bar.

    • Boat Tour to Pyramiden: Cost: 1500 NOK, Duration: 6 hours
    • Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Entrance fee: Free, Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Coal Miner's Bar: Cost: Varies, Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
  3. Sunday August 13: Glacial Expedition
    20 minutes (6 miles) from Svalbard Global Seed Vault

    Embark on a full-day adventure to the stunning Nordenskiold Glacier. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through icy fjords and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier up close. In the afternoon, try your hand at dog sledding, an iconic Arctic activity. Wrap up the day with a cozy dinner at Gruvelageret, a restaurant housed in a historic coal storage building.

    • Nordenskiold Glacier Tour: Cost: 2500 NOK, Duration: 8 hours
    • Dog Sledding: Cost: 2000 NOK, Duration: 2 hours
    • Gruvelageret: Cost: 800 NOK per person, Opening hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  4. Monday August 14: Arctic Wildlife Safari
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Gruvelageret

    Join a thrilling wildlife safari to spot polar bears, walruses, and seabirds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the historic Svalbard Church, known for its unique architecture. As the day comes to an end, indulge in a delicious dinner at Funktionærmessen Restaurant, offering a blend of Arctic and international flavors.

    • Arctic Wildlife Safari: Cost: 3500 NOK, Duration: 7 hours
    • Svalbard Church Tour: Entrance fee: Free, Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Funktionærmessen Restaurant: Cost: 700 NOK per person, Opening hours: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
  5. Tuesday August 15: Ice Cave Exploration
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Funktionærmessen Restaurant

    Embark on an unforgettable ice cave exploration adventure deep beneath the glaciers. Marvel at the translucent blue ice formations and learn about the fascinating glacial landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the University Centre in Svalbard and discover their research projects. For dinner, head to Kroa, a popular local restaurant known for its hearty meals and vibrant atmosphere.

    • Ice Cave Exploration: Cost: 3000 NOK, Duration: 6 hours
    • University Centre in Svalbard: Entrance fee: Free, Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Kroa: Cost: 400 NOK per person, Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  6. Wednesday August 16: Dog Sledding Adventure
    15 minutes (4 miles) from Kroa

    Experience the thrill of mushing your own dog sled team through the Arctic tundra. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and learn about the fascinating history of dog sledding in Svalbard. In the afternoon, visit the North Pole Expedition Museum to delve into the tales of polar explorers. For dinner, try Restaurant Nansen, known for its gourmet reindeer and Arctic fish dishes.

    • Dog Sledding Adventure: Cost: 2500 NOK, Duration: 4 hours
    • North Pole Expedition Museum: Entrance fee: 150 NOK, Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Restaurant Nansen: Cost: 900 NOK per person, Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  7. Thursday August 17: Farewell to Longyearbyen
    From your hotel

    Spend your final day in Longyearbyen exploring the local shops and galleries, picking up unique Arctic souvenirs to cherish. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the picturesque views of the fjords. In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Hugges Restaurant, savoring their modern Scandinavian cuisine. Bid farewell to Longyearbyen and cherish the memories of your Arctic adventure.

    • Shopping and Galleries: Cost: Varies, Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Hugges Restaurant: Cost: 800 NOK per person, Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to Barentsburg, a Russian settlement known for its colorful architecture and rich cultural heritage. You can also join a boat tour to explore the majestic fjords and spot more Arctic wildlife. To make the most of your money, consider purchasing a Longyearbyen Activity Pass, which offers discounted access to multiple attractions and activities. Don't forget to pack warm clothing, as the Arctic weather can be unpredictable but always breathtaking.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version