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Welcome to Svalbard!
Under the magnificent polar sky, halfway between the North Pole and mainland Norway, lies the island group of Svalbard. Longyearbyen, with its 2070 inhabitants, is the seat of local government and Norway’s main administrative centre on the island Spitsbergen. The small colourful community has developed from being a typical mining community into a community with a number of businesses and industries and a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities. The nature is powerful and unique, with a rich animal life adjusted the arctic conditions. The Arctic light is fascinating and unforgettable, whether it is midnight sun from 19 April to 23 August, or polar night in the period 26 October to 16 February.
Our tasks
The marketing and promotion company Svalbard Tourism represents 52 tourism and tourism-related companies operating in Longyearbyen and around Svalbard. Svalbard Tourism's marketing responsibilities include the production and distribution of tourist information material, web site with online booking, and the provision of information services for tourists. We also compile statistics on tourism and can help organize projects in and around the archipelago.
Activities
You can take part in a wide range of activities and trips while visiting Svalbard, both winter and summer:
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Dog sledding tours
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Snowmobile safaris
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Ice caving
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Skiing
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Glacier hikes
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Boat trips and cruises
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Fossil hunting
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Hikes
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Rubber boat tours
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Kayaking
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Dining in the wilds
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Horse back riding
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Mine visits
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Sightseeing
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Expeditions
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Camps
Culture and events
In Longyearbyen there is a active sports and cultural life. Regular annual events:
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Polarjazz: Four days at the end of January – jazz, blues and bluegrass.
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Sun Festival: Aweek-long celebration of the return of the sun, around the 8th of March.
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Svalbard Ski Maraton: Ski race. End of April – beginning of May.
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Spitsbergen Maraton: Marathon on foot, early June.
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Dark Season Blues Spitsbergen: Four days at the end of October – blues festival.
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KunstPause Svalbard: Take a break and enjoy fine arts and concerts during the first week of November.
Room and board
Svalbard takes good care of its guests. Accommodation varies from charming guesthouses via "trappers cabin" to distinctive international standard hotels. At mealtimes, you can choose from a range of highly regarded eating places, and an exciting Arctic menu.
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