Svalbard Tours and Travel

YPT Tours to Svalbard

The northernmost inhabited land of the world, Svalbard, in a unique territory: it officially doesn’t belong to anyone, which means that anybody is free to settle there.

Situated less than 1000 kilometres from the North Pole, it is a great destination for anyone with an adventurous spirit. In winter, you can experience the polar cold while dogsledding or riding a snowbike. In summer, you may explore the archipelago by boat or hiking, looking for Arctic animals on land, in the sea or in the air. Keep a safe distance from the polar bears, more numerous here than humans!

Despite its remoteness, the island of Spitsbergen – the biggest in the Svalbard archipelago – is well-connected with daily flights to Oslo and Tromso. But if going there is easy, organizing a trip can be tricky, due to the lack of infrastructure and the vastly different possibilities. What’s why YPT is here to help you.

Group Tours to Svalbard/Spitsbergen

YPT currently offers three tours including Svalbard. The first is our tailored-made and exclusive tour to the former Russian mining towns of Grumant, Pyramiden and Barentsburg, which are now ghost towns, perfectly preserved by the polar climate. Our second tour is a cruise leaving from Svalbard and going all the way to Iceland, following the Northern and Eastern coast of Greenland. They can be combined for a complete exploration of Svalbard. Another journey goes the opposite direction, leaving from Scotland and arriving in Svalbard after a stop on Jan Mayen.

Svalbard Soviet Frontier: Pyramiden & Barentsburg Arctic Ghost Towns, 23-28 August 2024, 3495€

Svalbard Soviet Frontier: Pyramiden & Barentsburg Arctic Ghost Towns

The Arctic Adventure: Spitsbergen & North East Greenland, 29th August – September 11th 2024, 5795€

The Arctic Adventure: Spitsbergen & North East Greenland

Across the Arctic Circle: Fair Isle, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen, May 31st-June 9th 2024, 2495€

Across the Arctic Circle: Fair Isle, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen

Independent cruises to Svalbard

If our scheduled polar group tours don’t match your travel dates or interests, we can offer independent options to cruise to and around Svalbard. Those include:

Around Spitsbergen: circumnavigate the realm of the Polar Bear

A 9 nights/10 days cruise around Svalbard, that include a full Spitsbergen circumnavigation. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sights of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear. Departure dates are from June to September.

Price: from 4490€

Available dates: 24 June-3 July 2024 ; 3-12 July 2024 ; 4-13 July 2024; 10-19 July 2024 ; 12-21 July 2024 ; 13-22 July 2024 ; 21-30 July 2024 ; 22-31 July 2024 ; 28 July-6 August 2024 ; 9-18 August 2024 ; 30 June-9 July 2025 ; 9-18 July 2025 ; 1-10 July 2025 ; 12-21 July 2025 ; 19-27 July 2025 ; 21-30 July 2025 ; 26 July-4 August 2025 ; 30 July-8 August 2025 ; 4-13 August 2025 ; 14-23 August 2025

around Spitzbergen map cruise — Map of our cruises around Spitsbergen

Northern Spitsbergen: at the doorstep of the North Pole

This 7 nights/8 days expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes.

Price: from 3390€

Available dates: 10-17 June 2024 ; 13-20 June 2024 ; 27 June-4 July 2024 ; 3-10 June 2025 ; 9-16 June 2025 ; 10-17 June 2025 ; 12-19 June 2025 ; 16-23 June 2025 ; 23-30 June 2025 ; 24 June-1 July 2025.

Map of Northern Spitsbergen cruises — Map of our cruises in northern Spitsbergen

Cruises on our three-mast schooner

Want to take it slow? Embark on a cruise to Svalbard or Greenland on our three-mast passenger sailing schooner, built in 1947. The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The two inflatable rubber crafts (Zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides and can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. It is thus perfect for a relaxing getaway, but also very popular! So don’t wait and get in touch for more information on the itineraries we offer.

Price: from 3190€ for a 7 nights/8 days cruise

Independent Tours to mainland Svalbard

Young Pioneer Tours have run group tours to Svalbard since and members of our team have been there on private tours in summer and winter. YPT can thus arrange trips that take you deep into and around Spitsbergen and link with tours to Greenland or Norway.

Below are two examples of Svalbard itinerary. They can be extended or combined with other activities.

Example of a 5-day Svalbard itinerary in summer

Day 1

Arrival into Longyearbyen which has regular and cheap flights from Oslo or Tromsø.
Longyearbyen is the main town in Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, and the northernmost settlement in the world.
Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it.

Day 2

Board a ship to Pyramiden, a well-preserved Soviet-era ghost town. This abandoned settlement, built by the USSR, is still completely intact with Soviet style architecture and a monument to Lenin! Over 1000 people used to live in the city which was considered quite a successful community with a kindergarten, school, public swimming pool, a football field and a coal mine. In 1998 the coal mine was closed for good and the citizens were asked to vacated within a very short time.

Day 3

Cruise to Barentsburg, an old Russian mining settlement still populated by about 400 people. On the way there, we’ll stop at Grumant, which was the first Russian mining town on Svalbard, founded in the beginning of 20th century. Grumant is a proper ghost town, totally abandoned. Barentsburg, on the other hand, is still inhabited but its population has decreased drastically since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Day 4

Svalbard offers multiple hiking opportunities, depending on your physical level or interest. You can experience the unique Arctic landscape from the top of Sarkofagen; hike a glacier on Harrietbreen; take the path less travelled on a day-long hike to the top of Hiorthfjellet Mountain; or take the easy hikes to the mountains around Longyearbyen. We offer offer family trips ending up with a bonfire,

Tour concludes – Airport drop-offs can be arranged

Example of a 5-day Svalbard itinerary in Winter

Day 1 – Longyearbyen

Arrival into Longyearbyen which has regular and cheap flights from Oslo or Tromsø.
Longyearbyen is the main town in Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, and the northernmost settlement in the world.
Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it.

Day 2 – Dogsledding and ice-cave visit

Join the kennel and meet the eager huskies that will take you though the beautiful snowy valleys of Svalbard. When travelling with the dogs you will get an authentic and unforgettable nature experience.
Visit an ice cave. It is a perfect way to give the dogs a well-deserved rest while you will walk inside the ice cave. The still air in the cave provides the perfect conditions for the ice to form fantastic shapes and beautiful colours.
You will get a chance to be a musher (driver) as two people generally share each sled and you can swap midway.

Day 3 – Snow-mobile tour

Everyone is Svalbard drive snowmobiles, and so should you! Snowmobiling offers an exhilarating way of exploring Spitsbergen.
Embark on a full-day guided excursion to the east coast, where you’ll encounter breathtaking sights: icebergs, historic trappers’ huts, glacier termini, and Arctic wildlife. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, there are trips tailored to your preferences, including shorter outings ideal for first-timers.
For those seeking a more extended adventure, multi-day safaris are also an option.

Day 4 – Boat trip to Pyramiden

A boat trip in Svalbard during winter offers a unique experience amidst the icy landscapes of the Arctic. Departing from Longyearbyen, you’ll board a sturdy vessel specially equipped for navigating through the winter conditions. As you set sail, you’ll be surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and frozen fjords, creating a stunning backdrop for your journey.
Depending on ice-conditions, it may be possible to land in Pyramiden, a well-preserved Soviet-era ghost town. This abandoned settlement, built by the USSR, is still completely intact with Soviet style architecture and a monument to Lenin!

Day 5 – End of tour

Tour concludes – Airport drop-offs can be arranged

Bespoke tours to Svalbard

As part of our travel packages to the Polar regions, we can offer bespoke and independent tours to Svalbard. These can be done as standalone tours to Svalbard or combined with trips to Norway or Greenland.

For more information on the following programs, simply get in touch.

Snowmobile tours of Svalbard

Snowmobiling is a way of life in Svalbard, and it’s an adventure you shouldn’t miss! When the Arctic landscape is blanketed in snow, there’s no better way to explore than by snowmobile. Svalbard offers multiple snow mobile tour opportunities, from full-day guided trips to the east coast to multi-day safaris deep into the island, or to Barentsburg or Pyramiden.

Dog sledding tours of Svalbard

Dog sledding in the Arctic landscape offers a serene and captivating experience, regardless of the season. In winter, the dogs gracefully traverse the snow-covered terrain, while in summer, they glide across specially designed wheeled sleds. On half-day or full-day excursions, you can explore valleys or visit cozy cabins. You can also embark on multi-day expeditions for a true immersion into the untamed beauty of Svalbard’s nature.

Ski trips in Svalbard

Longyearbyen is surrounded by majestic mountains. The array of skiing opportunities is diverse, catering to all skill levels, from simple rides down the slopes to challenging ski tours traversing moraines and scaling mountain peaks on randonee skis.

Boat trips in Svalbard

As well as our cruises around the archipelago, it is possible to embark on a boat trip or a combined cruise and fishing expedition. From early spring until late November or early December, Longyearbyen’s quayside offers numerous departure options, from a short journey on a Zodiac to marvel at the breathtaking bird cliffs, to multi-day trips to Pyramiden, Barentsburg, whale safaris or fishing trips.

Express tour

Almost all the main activities in Svalbard can be done as day trips from Longyearbyen. YPT can thus organize shorter trips including only what you wish to see for 2, 3 or 4 days.

Polar bears safaris and Northern lights tours

YPT doesn’t offer safaris to see polar bears, or nights trips for Northern lights, despite those activities being largely advertised by local tour operators. The reason is that we know those “polar bears safaris” are deceiving, as it is illegal to actively look for them due to the danger they represent. As for Northern lights, Svalbard is not a very good destination to see them: it’s further North than the “donut” the auroras usually create. We can help you plan a trip to more recommended places to see them: Greenland, Iceland or Lapland.

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Svalbard

Do I need a visa to visit Svalbard?

Svalbard is unique in the world as it is one of the only absolutely visa-free places. Anyone, coming from any country in the world can live and even work in Svalbard for any period of time. As such, it shouldn’t be a hassle to join the tour.

However, the only way to reach Svalbard is flying from Norway: you may need a visa to get to this country, which is not part of the EU but part of the Schengen Zone.

Is it safe to travel to Svalbard?

Svalbard is a safe place to travel to, but there is one danger that is unique to the territory: polar bears, which are more numerous than people. You can walk freely in the settlements but at every exit, you will see polar bear warning signs, making sure that everyone entering the wilderness has proper safety equipment with them. It is forbidden to wander past those signs without an experienced guide and a rifle.

Can I get a SIM card in Svalbard?

There is mobile coverage in Longyearbyen but do not expect it elsewhere. Hotels in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg have free Wi-Fi, but there is no connection at all in Pyramiden.

It is possible to buy an e-SIM before arriving in Longyearbyen. We recommend using the Airalo app, which is easy to use and offers connectivity in most destinations: https://airalo.tp.st/gbmp7zka

What is the currency in Svalbard?

The currency in Svalbard is Norwegian kroner (NOK). The shops in Longyearbyen prefer the use of cards rather than cash for payments.

Do I need travel insurance in Svalbard?

We do strongly recommend that travellers to all our destinations have travel insurance. Accidents or medical conditions can happen anywhere and it’s best to be prepared since medical facilities in Svalbard are very far apart from each other. A proper travel insurance should include coverage for (medical) evacuation/repatriation costs by helicopter, plane or ship. You should always do your own research about insurance, but we at YPT use IATI. Using our referral link below will give you a 5% discount off their usual price: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=23612524710385

Are there penguins in Svalbard?

No, Svalbard is in the Arctic region and penguins live in the Antarctic area. To see them, you can join one of our Antarctica cruises. On the contrary, there are no polar bears in Antarctic. That means polar bears and penguins can never meet, except in children’s books!

Do I need to be really fit to join an expedition cruise?

You need to be in good general health and be able to walk on the ship, get up and down the gangway, and get in and out of the Zodiacs. During activities, you can choose to stay on the vessel if you prefer. If you choose to join landings, you’ll have the choice between long and physically demanding hikes, medium hikes or short walks.

Do I need to bring special clothing to survive the polar cold?

We require you to bring a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating) for Zodiac cruises to shore. Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof, waterproof clothes that you can easily add or remove in layers. Antarctica and Greenland can be very cold, but keep in mind that we’ll be there during the summer season, where temperatures usually range from -5°C to 5°C. If you are used to skiing, mountaineering or hiking in winter, the gear you use for those activities is enough.

What kind of activities are offered on the cruise?

Our goal is to be off the vessel as much as possible, with a landing in the morning and one in the afternoon. The program usually focuses on Zodiac excursions, shoreline walks, and wildlife spotting. We also offer kayak opportunities and, in Antarctica, a camping option. Camping is not possible in Greenland due to the threat of polar bears.

Why travel to Svalbard with Young Pioneer Tours

Compared to the Antarctic regions, Svalbard is an easy and cheap country to reach, due to highly subsized flights from the Norwegian government. However, organizing a trip there can be a headache due to the lack of infrastructure, the climate and the different options available. YPT not only know some very cool places and trusted local partners, but also how to save money and make the most of a trip.