Svalbard: An Introduction

Home to 2,000 glaciers, remote Arctic wilderness and an abundance of wildlife including polar bears, walruses, whales and an array of birds.

The name Svalbard translates as ‘cold shores’ from its origins in old Norse. It is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in their natural home.

Visit the most northerly town in the world and witness some of the Arctic’s most beautiful scenery and an abundance of rare wildlife.

An Expedition to Svalbard is a life-changing experience.

Learn more I want to Go
small ship cruises to svalbard

What Can I See in Svalbard?

polar bear photo tour in svalbard

Wildlife

Svalbard is home to a fantastic abundance of wildlife. On our expeditions we regularly see polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, Arctic foxes, reindeer and an array of birds.

glaciers in Svalbard in Norway

Glaciers

Svalbard is home to over 2,000 glaciers. If you are interested in glaciers, Svalbard is one of the best places on earth to witness their raw beauty.

zodiac-cruise-in-svalbard

Sea Ice

The sea ice to the north of Svalbard extends all the way to the North Pole. In calm conditions, it is possible to explore it by Zodiac landing craft.

spitzbergen in norway

HUMAN HISTORY AND SETTLEMENTS

Svalbard is full of interesting human history from the world’s most northerly scientific settlement to the remains of early expeditions to the North Pole.

Why Svalbard with Secret Atlas?

  • Intimate Group Experience | We believe in the value of intimate Arctic encounters. Unlike large expedition cruise ships that accommodate hundreds of passengers, we limit our groups to just 12 guests, offering you a more personal and immersive adventure.
  • World-Class Expedition Leaders & Guides I Our knowledgeable guides have a deep passion for the polar regions and bring years of exploration experience to ensure you have an exceptional trip. With the highest guide-to-guest ratio, they are dedicated to maximizing your experience.
  • Comfortable Accommodations | Our ships are designed to offer optimal comfort during your voyage. Featuring a variety of twin, double, and single ensuite cabins, along with modern amenities and spacious viewing platforms, you can relax and enjoy a comfortable journey.
  • No Single Supplement Charges | Experience the MV Vikingfjord and MV Freya voyages without the worry of additional charges for single supplements, making your solo travel hassle-free and affordable.
  • Exciting Zodiac Shore Landings | Embark on daily shore landings using our specialized vessel’s landing craft, providing you with the opportunity to explore remote beaches and immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness firsthand.
  • Witness the Marvels of Wildlife | Encounter reindeer and Arctic foxes on land, marvel at the majestic presence of whales and other marine creatures, and explore the captivating coastal areas where polar bears roam.
  • Breathtaking Natural Landscapes | Immerse yourself in the serenity of steep-sided fjords, massive glaciers, and pristine wilderness.

Explore Svalbard

How to get to Svalbard

Our departure port of Longyearbyen is connected by daily flights (2 hours 55 minutes) from Oslo, the capital of Norway. Oslo has great connections to Europe and North America making Svalbard one of the most accessible destinations in the Arctic.

See the travel guide
expedition cruise in Svalbard

2 Hr 55 M flight

from Oslo

The most northerly

airport on Earth

Easily accessible

Arctic destination

Svalbard Wildlife

Svalbard is home to diverse Arctic wildlife. It is one of the best places on Earth to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, a wide array of birds and Svalbard reindeer in their natural home.

A Guide to Viewing Polar Bears in Svalbard The Wildlife of Svalbard: Read More

Where is Svalbard?

Svalbard is an archipelago of islands located between mainland Norway and the North Pole. We are often asked is Svalbard in Norway? Svalbard is over 400 miles to the north of mainland Norway. The sovereignty of Svalbard falls under Norway but is under the terms laid out in the Svalbard Treaty.

See the travel guide
svalbard in Norway

800 miles

from North Pole

450 Miles

from Northern Norway

1167 Miles

from Oslo

Did You Know?

Svalbard is so far north it would be permanently locked in by ice without the Gulf Stream or that one night in Svalbard lasts for three months during the winter?

Learn more about Svalbard with our 50 facts about Svalbard page.

Read 50 Facts about Svalbard
svalbard north pole

Explore

Svalbard

Join Secret Atlas on an authentic expedition to Svalbard. Choose between a 12 guest Micro Cruise or a 48 guest Small Ship Expedition.

See Voyages E-mail Me Brochure

Svalbard Travel Information

Currency

Norwegian krone (NOK).

Calling Code

+47

Time Zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

Driving Side

Right

Language

Norwegian (official) English (widely spoken)

Polar bear sign in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Svalbard Visa: Do I need a visa to enter Svalbard?

Svalbard Visa Guide: Discover the visa-free status, history, passport essentials, and Norwegian visa tips for…

North Pole Expedition museum in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Ultimate Guide To Museums in Svalbard

From Longyearbyen's Svalbard Museum to Pyramiden's Soviet relics. Plan your adventure today with our Guide…

Where is Svalbard / Ny Alesund research station Svalbard
Where is Svalbard? Exploring the Arctic Archipelago’s Unique Location

Do you know where Svalbard is? Svalbard is located between Norway and the North Pole,…

Snowmobiles in Svalbard
Svalbard Holidays, Trips & Tours – Ultimate Guide To Visiting Svalbard (Spitsbergen)

Your Key to Exploring Svalbard: Uncover the best reasons to visit, the perfect seasons, and…

Radisson Blu Hotel in Longyearbyen Lounge
Svalbard Accommodation & Hotels (Ultimate Guide + Top Tips)

A guide to Svalbard Accommodation and Hotels, where to stay, all options including luxury hotels,…

Guests in front of walrus in a zodiac in Svalbard
Sarah’s Guest Story – Secret Atlas Review

'I’ve come to realise there’s only one way I want to travel - and that’s…

Longyearbyen Travel Guide Svalbard
Longyearbyen Travel Guide

Welcome to our Longyearbyen travel guide featuring everything you need to know - how to…

The Times I The new luxury travel trailblazers

Secret Atlas's Svalbard micro cruises feature in The Times - The new luxury travel trailblazers…