Svalbard isn’t an independent country, but it’s an Arctic archipelago that belongs to Norway.
However, in my opinion, this Arctic region is isolated and different enough to be considered as a country, from a traveling perspective.
Located at 78º north, this is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit in Europe.
Check our travel guide to Svalbard.
need to know for traveling in Svalbard
Quick facts
Capital: Longyearbyen
Population: 2,600
Languages: Norwegian
Area: 61,000km²
Visa
Svalbard is the only inhabited region in the world where all world citizens can travel visa free, despite belonging to Norway.
Getting in
By flight from Oslo and Tromsø (Norway).
The only airlines operating in Svalbard are Norwegian and SAS.
Travel Insurance
With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Svalbard.
Money
The official currency is Norwegian Krone
1 USD = 11 NOK
Cash is not accepted in Svalbard, only card payments.
Budget: starting at €300 a day, including budget accommodation, tours and a simple meal.
Best time to visit
Winter: Good for northern lights, polar nights, snow-related activities, snowmobile excursions.
Summer: Good for hiking, cruise expeditions, polar days and spotting wildlife.
Polar bears in Svalbard
Svalbard has one of the largest populations of polar bears in the world, and you are very likely to see one if you go on a cruise expedition.
Polar bears are also the reason why travelers can’t venture or hike around Svalbard on their own, but they must always be accompanied by a local person who is certified to carry a rifle.
Top experiences in Svalbard
Sailing to the ice pack
Sailing to 81º north, where the ocean meets the ice pack that surrounds the North Pole in the summer is a surreal experience.
Wildlife
Polar bears, walrus, seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, and a large variety of birds, are all part of Svalbard’s ecosystem.
Hiking
Svalbard has a lot of mountains surrounded by mesmerizing tundra landscapes, perfect for short half-day hikes.
Polar days
In the summer, the sun is shining for 24 hours a day, like completely bright, as long as it isn’t cloudy, of course.
tips for Svalbard
Accommodation
Longyearbyen is the capital, or main town in Svalbard. It’s well-sorted of accommodation.
Tours
For leaving Longyearbyen, you’ll have to book a tour.
You can either stay in Longyearbyen and do day trips, or book a multi-day cruise expedition.
I did both. I booked my day tours through Discover Svalbard and my cruise trip through Oceanwide Expeditions.
Packing list
In the summer, the temperature rarely goes below 0ºC but it can get windy. Just pack regular winter clothes. In winter, however, you’ll have to stock up on gear for extremely cold weather.