Located high up in the Arctic, the enchanting archipelago of Svalbard beckons adventurous souls with its landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders or yearning for a taste of remote exploration, Svalbard offers a wealth of attractions. In this travel article, we’ll explore ten must-see sights and reveal ten off-the-beaten-track gems that will leave you with memories.
- Longyearbyen: As the largest settlement and gateway to Svalbard, Longyearbyen is a town with a surprising number of amenities. Explore its streets, visit the Svalbard Museum, and learn about the archipelago’s history.
- Isfjord Radio: Located at Kapp Linné, Isfjord Radio is a former radio station turned cozy hotel. Reachable by snowmobile or dog sled, this secluded spot offers views of the Arctic wilderness and its abundant wildlife.
- Nordenskiöld Glacier: Embark on a boat tour from Longyearbyen to witness the majesty of Nordenskiöld Glacier. Admire the towering ice formations, listen to them crackle and creak, and feel the chill in the air as you immerse yourself in one of nature’s finest spectacles.
- Pyramiden: Step back in time by visiting Pyramiden, an abandoned Soviet-era coal mining settlement frozen in time. Explore its eerie buildings, including a fully intact swimming pool and theater, and imagine what life was like during the Cold War era.
- Polar Wildlife: Encounter the kings of the Arctic as you venture out in search of polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and walruses. Explore the sea ice on a guided tour and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat—an experience you’ll never forget.
- Ny-Ålesund: Discover the world’s northernmost civilian settlement, Ny-Ålesund. This research outpost is home to scientists from around the globe and offers a glimpse into climate change research. Explore the town and learn about the Arctic’s changing environment.
- Arctic Ocean: Board a boat or join an organised excursion to explore the Arctic Ocean. Feel the serenity of the vast icy waters as you spot seals, seabirds, and even whales. This experience will remind you of the Earth’s unexplored corners.
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Located deep inside a mountain, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault safeguards millions of plant seeds from all over the world. Visit this extraordinary structure and learn about the vital role it plays in preserving global biodiversity.
- Northern Lights: Witnessing the enchanting Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky is an experience like no other. Svalbard, with its darkness and frequent clear nights, provides an ideal vantage point for this dazzling natural phenomenon.
- Dog Sledding: Embrace the spirit of the Arctic by embarking on a dog sledding adventure. Mush your own team of eager huskies through the snow-covered valleys and feel the thrill of gliding across the frozen landscape—a truly heart-pounding experience
Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems:
- Sassenfjord: Explore the remote Sassenfjord, where towering mountains meet turquoise water. Witness the bird cliffs, visit the Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park, and witness the flora and fauna residing in this untouched wilderness.
- Grumant: Travel back in time to the abandoned Russian coal mining town of Grumant. See the ghostly remnants of this once-thriving community and Admire the fjordic views that surround it—an atmospheric and offbeat destination.
- Virgohamna: Step onto the hallowed ground of Virgohamna, where the 19th-century American polar explorer, John Franklin, wintered during his doomed expedition. Explore the remains of their camp and contemplate the challenges faced by these early explorers.
- Barentsburg: Venture to Barentsburg, the only Russian settlement in Svalbard that still thrives. Immerse yourself in its culture, visit the Barentsburg Museum, and experience a taste of Russian history in the heart of the Arctic.
- Tempelfjorden: Journey through the icy waters of Tempelfjorden to catch a glimpse of glaciers, stranded icebergs, and the possibility of spotting rare wildlife like the elusive Arctic fox or the Svalbard reindeer.
- Alkhornet: Hike to Alkhornet, a spectacular bird cliff teeming with life. Witness thousands of nesting seabirds, including guillemots and puffins, against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and Arctic landscapes.
