Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen), Norway

Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago - and home to one of the most exotic landscapes on earth. These islands are polar deserts - windswept, treeless, mountainous. Spitsbergen is generally ice free during the long polar winter, but icebergs and pack ice lurk offshore. Other than man, the only mammals inhabiting the island year-round are Arctic fox, reindeer and polar bear. During summer months, migratory birds flock to the island, and Spitsbergen is covered in a lush carpet of wildflowers.

The largest settlement on Spitsbergen is Longyearbyen. Named after an American mining engineer, this town of 2,100 people is the administrative capital of the islands.

Read More about Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen), Norway description

Points of Interest

  • Global Seed Vault
  • Svalbard's Mines
  • Svalbard Museum
  • Galleri Svalbard
  • Bird Mountain
  • Longyear Glacier
  • Unique Adventures
  • Nordenskiöld Glacier

More about Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen), Norway Points of Interest

  • Global Seed Vault

    Constructed 393 feet inside a sandstone mountain and 426 feet above sea level, this "doomsday" bank holds seed samples of thousands of crop varieties from all over the world.

  • Svalbard's Mines

    Gruve 3 and Gruve 4 are just two of the many coalmines that were established around Longyearbyen when northern Norway became a center for foreign mining companies during the 19th and 20th centuries.

  • Svalbard Museum

    The museum now shares the building with the Science Center. Exhibits, videos and displays showcase 400 years of Svalbard's history and connection with the sea.

  • Galleri Svalbard

    The gallery's permanent art and culture collections include works by noted painter and illustrator Kare Tveter and local artist Olav Storo, as well as reproductions of antique maps and historical drawings of Svalbard.

  • Bird Mountain

    The weather-beaten 1,540-foot-high cliffs of Fuglefjella is home to thousands of migratory birds such as Arctic terns, guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins and are recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

  • Longyear Glacier

    Sitting at the top of Longyear valley the glacier's bedrock has eroded over thousands of years to reveal 40 to 60-million-year-old fascinating fossils. Search for these ancient artifacts and bring them home as souvenirs.

  • Unique Adventures

    From dog sledding and brewery tours to fjord safaris and mining expeditions, Longyearbyen beckons with immersive and intriguing activities that will stay with you for a lifetime.

  • Nordenskiöld Glacier

    The massive Nordenskiöld Glacier impresses with walls of calving ice. It lies at the foot of the Billefjorden and is named for the pyramid-shaped mountain adjacent to the town.

13 EXCURSIONS

Already Booked Your Cruise? Reserve excursions in Cruise Personalizer
Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.
Display as:

Longyearbyen On Your Own

3.25 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 1 8 5

Enjoy an introductory tour of Longyearbyen. Not only is the world's northernmost town, but it's the largest settlement in the Svalbard Archipelago. Your guide will point out areas of interest and later, you'll have free time to explore the town center on your own.

Read More about Longyearbyen On Your Own description

Easy Activity

From

$89.95

Average Guest Rating

Hike To Blomsterdalshogda & The Global Seed Vault

3.5 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 4 0 0
  • Global Seed Vault

Take a rugged hike up Blomsterdalshogda for a bird's eye view of Longyearbyen, the Adventfjorden and an incredible natural landscape of barren peaks and flower-dotted tundra.There will also be a stop near the Global Seed Vault, where you will hear the history of this impressive locked construction, and the thousands of seeds hidden within.

Read More about Hike To Blomsterdalshogda & The Global Seed Vault description

Strenuous Activity

From

$129.95

Average Guest Rating

Taste Of Svalbard - Brewery Tour

2 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 3 0 0
  • Unique Adventures

Enjoy a sampling of beers made with pure 2,000-year-old glacier water, and the local hero who worked for years to make it possible! First, set out on a walking tour of Longyearbyen to learn how the world's northernmost town has survived through World War II and changing economic environments, with a focus of local and imported produce. Then, visit the Svalbard Brewery for a taste of their specialty beers, and to learn why this was illegal until 2015.

Read More about Taste Of Svalbard - Brewery Tour description

Moderate Activity

From

$139.95

Average Guest Rating

Fossils, Huskies & Wildlife Ramble

2.75 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 4 0 5

Go into the wild and explore Svalbard's untouched wilderness on an interesting guided ramble in Bolterdalen. Keep your camera ready for exceptional wildlife views, the Svalbard reindeer and grouse, and the breathtaking mountainous scenery. You'll also visit with husky puppies and conclude with a snack of traditional waffles and a warm beverage.

Read More about Fossils, Huskies & Wildlife Ramble description

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$149.95

Average Guest Rating

Svalbard Museum & Galleri Svalbard

3 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 2 1 5
  • Svalbard Museum

Get acquainted with 400 years of Svalbard's cultural history with a visit to the awarding-winning Svalbard Museum followed by a tour of Galleri Svalbard, which showcases Arctic artworks and 19th century lithographs.

Read More about Svalbard Museum & Galleri Svalbard description

Easy Activity

From

$159.95

Average Guest Rating

Best of Longyearbyen: Svalbard Museum & Husky Farm

3 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 2 0 0
  • Svalbard Museum

Tour the Svalbard Museum and discover the islands' history and its natural resources. Enjoy a guided bus trip through Adventdalen, past the river delta where waterfowl congregate in the summer under the towering barren mountains. At the end of the road, stop in the wilderness at Camp Barentz to meet a team of sled dogs and learn more about the king of the Arctic - the polar bear.

Read More about Best of Longyearbyen: Svalbard Museum & Husky Farm description

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$179.95

Average Guest Rating

Bike & Brew

2 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 4 4 0

Get to know Longyearbyen by electric bike and a brew. Your knowledgeable local guide will lead you through town with stops at the most interesting and scenic sites. Share your experience with your fellow travelers at Svalbard Bryggeri, a microbrewery where five of their special beers await just for you.

Read More about Bike & Brew description

Moderate Activity

From

$199.95

Average Guest Rating

Isfjord Safari To Bird Mountain

2 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 5 0 0
  • Bird Mountain

Soak up the colorful sights of Longyearbyen from the seat of an Arctic speedboat. Zip through the incredible scenery of the Isfjord with the goal of reaching the rugged sea cliffs of 'Fuglefjella' - the Bird Mountain, and sail past historical sites from Svalbard's exciting history.

Read More about Isfjord Safari To Bird Mountain description

Moderate Activity

From

$209.95

Average Guest Rating

Coastal Views & Huskies

2 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 4 5 1
  • Unique Adventures

Take off on a true Norwegian adventure - a thrilling sled ride along the beautiful Svalbard coast. Breathe in the pure sea air and keep your eyes peeled for reindeer and migratory birds as the energetic canines race ahead, pulling your wagon along the coastline at a leisurely pace.

Read More about Coastal Views & Huskies description

Moderate Activity

From

$209.95

Average Guest Rating

King Crab, Bike & Sights

3 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 4 4 5

Explore Longyearbyen on an adventure that begins with a guided tour by electric bike and ends with a delicious meal. Ride past sites such as the polar bear sign, the Svalbard Church, and Longyearbyen's iconic colorful houses. Then it's on to a king crab lunch at a popular restaurant.

Read More about King Crab, Bike & Sights description

Moderate Activity

From

$219.95

Average Guest Rating

Kayaking On The Adventfjord

3.5 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 5 8 0

Feel the thrill of paddling through the Arctic by kayak. Glide through the Adventfjorden, one of Svalbard's most historical fjords. Experience the contrast as you paddle from colorful Longyearbyen onto this magical waterway surrounded by lofty mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for Arctic wildlife!

Read More about Kayaking On The Adventfjord description

Moderate Activity

From

$259.95

Average Guest Rating

Hybrid Electric Catamaran to Pyramiden

6.25 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 5 0 5

Bundle up for your journey by hybrid electric catamaran to Pyramiden on an incredible scenic cruise from Longyearbyen to this deserted Soviet mining town, inhabited by only a few local caretakers and the odd polar bear. Embark on a guided pedestrian tour, then continue your sail to the spectacular Nordenskiöld Glacier for photo opportunities. An expedition-style lunch is included.

Read More about Hybrid Electric Catamaran to Pyramiden description

Strenuous Activity

From

$299.95

Average Guest Rating

Quad Bike Safari In Advent Valley

2.25 hours | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) | L Y R - 4 6 0

Get your motor running with an exhilarating ATV quad bike adventure! Zoom your way up to Mine 7 Mountain, admire the incredible views over Advent Valley and surrounding mountains. During the trip you'll make several stops to take photographs and to appreciate the amazing local wilderness and wildlife.

Read More about Quad Bike Safari In Advent Valley description

Moderate Activity

From

$359.95

Average Guest Rating