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    Experience a frozen no-man's land: Wild tundra rife with adventure

    Sat in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago is your only destination when it comes to exploring the fierce, arctic tundra and its inhabitants. More than half covered by glaciers, the island group supports seven national parks and 23 nature reserves protecting a largely untouched natural environment, rich in rare wildlife. Its environs are home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic fox, sea birds and whales.

    Spitsbergen with its main town Longyearbyen, is the largest and only permanently inhabited island of the archipelago. No roads connect its settlements, providing a unique opportunity for snowmobiling or traveling by boat.

    Your experience will differ depending on the season you decide to visit. In summer, animals and fauna thrive during the long stretch of constant light and it’s the best time for exploring fjords and glaciers, kayaking and trekking. The polar winter night means that the northern lights are bright and the freezing conditions are great for snowmobiling, skiing, husky sledding and visiting ice caves.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our Svalbard Islands specialists

    Set off by snowmobile

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    Spend time in Longyearbyen and head out on snowmobiles to delve into the white wilderness.

    Track wildlife through the snow

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    Head out to spot some of the islands’ incredible wildlife: reindeer, arctic foxes and polar bears.

    Explore the Monaco Glacier

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    Cruise along Liefdefjorden to marvel at the Monaco Glacier and the area’s immense bird-life.

    A word from one of our experts

    The Svalbard Islands are a great destination for adventure. When the islands are white with snow you can explore the other-worldly landscapes on snowmobiles, discovering glaciers and blue ice. Summertime (June to August) makes for wonderful sailing.

    Murray Mitchell headshot
    Murray Mitchell

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in the Svalbard Islands

    There are many incredible places to stay in the Svalbard Islands. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Trip inspiration

    Get inspired with our the Svalbard Islands example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    The Highlights of Norway and Svalbard by Sea

    12-Day Trip

    The Highlights of Norway and Svalbard by Sea

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    12-Day Trip

    The Highlights of Norway and Svalbard by Sea

    From the captivating history and culture of Norway to the natural wonders of Svalbard
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    Iceland and Arctic Norway Adventure

    13-Day Trip

    Iceland and Arctic Norway Adventure

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    13-Day Trip

    Iceland and Arctic Norway Adventure

    Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland and Norway's arctic Svalbard archipelago
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    Luxury Adventure to a Winter Wonderland: Norway's Arctic Islands

    8-Day Trip

    Luxury Adventure to a Winter Wonderland: Norway's Arctic Islands

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    8-Day Trip

    Luxury Adventure to a Winter Wonderland: Norway's Arctic Islands

    Discover the magic of winter on Norway’s Arctic islands, and visit the Arctic capital of Tromso
    From
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    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your the Svalbard Islands adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Alesund thumbnail

    Alesund

    Norway's most beautiful town, Alesund is a fantasy land of ornate architecture and winding waterways. After discovering the pretty streets and delicious seafood, go hiking in the surrounding lush green Hjorundfjord and Sunnmore Alps.

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    Bergen thumbnail

    Bergen

    Bergen is a truly beautiful little city. Surrounded by seven mountains, seven fjords, pine forests and icy waters. Colourful houses form the UNESCO heritage site of Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf with galleries and some of Norway's best restaurants.

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    Kirkenes

    A tiny frontier town with fascinating culture. It’s as far east as you get in Europe, past Saint Petersburg and Cairo and just 15 kilometres from the Russian border. Norwegian, Russian, Sami and Finnish cultures are present in markets, museums and everyday life.

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    Lyngen Alps

    Massive white peaks give way to gentle slopes and pretty lakes with the promise of exciting adventures. Lyngseidet, the main town, has a village feel with brightly coloured houses and shops to explore.

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    Norwegian Fjords

    Sail along Norway's neverending coastline where thousands of ice-age fjords will take your breath away. Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are the most well known, however, even the smaller lesser known fjords are truly spectacular.

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    Norwegian Lapland

    Norwegian Lapland, or Finnmark, is the home of Sami culture. Glide through snowy landscapes on husky-led sledges or kayak along azure rivers on action-packed adventures.

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    Oslo thumbnail

    Oslo

    Oslo is Norway's capital and cultural hub. This viking city is steeped in fascinating history, which can be explored on foot. Visit the harbours, museums, galleries, bars and restaurants that make up the eclectic and energetic atmosphere.

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    The Lofoten Islands thumbnail

    The Lofoten Islands

    Distinctive scenery, exposed to the open seas and scattered with fishing villages - not only are the Lofton islands characteristically beautiful, there’s also plenty to do. One of Norway’s premier wildlife areas; search for puffins, cormorants, otters and moose.

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    Tromso thumbnail

    Tromso

    Bustling, yet remote, set on its own island connected to the mainland by bridges - there’s a special magic about the city of Tromso. The last outpost before the arctic and a place rich with history and culture.

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    Meet your Europe team

    When to visit

    Your experience will differ depending on the season you decide to visit. In summer, animals and fauna thrive during the long stretch of constant light and it’s the best time for exploring fjords and glaciers, kayaking and trekking. The polar winter night means that the Northern Lights are bright and the freezing conditions are great for snowmobiling, skiing, husky sledding and visiting ice caves.

    Wildlife

    February–October

    Boats

    March–June

    Northern lights

    September–April

    The Best time to Visit Norway

    The Best time to Visit Norway

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    Plan your trip to the Svalbard Islands

    Whatever you want from your adventure in the Svalbard Islands, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Start Planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

    Where would you like to travel?
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline