The scenery in this part of the world is simply spectacular. Sea ice, glaciers and mountain landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see on Svalbard. And in the midst of it all, the polar bear, king of the Arctic, roams in complete peace and tranquillity. Be transported to a world where man is just a spectator and nature is supreme.
The name Svalbard was given by Dutchman Willem Barentsz in 1596, when he was en route to Nova Zembla. Internationally, Svalbard is also widely used to refer to the archipelago. Svalbard is also the name of the largest island which, together with Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya, forms the largest part of the archipelago. Colossal icebergs float in deafening silence, glaciers alternate with ice floes and mountain peaks reach for the sky. They are all home to exceptional wildlife. In the waters of Svalbard, humpback whales, fin whales, narwhals, orcas and seals put on a breathtaking show. On land, observe polar bears, walruses, musk oxen, arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. In the sky, numerous bird species hover, including arctic terns, puffins, sea eagles, and gannets.
Your expedition through Svalbard will be taken care of to perfection by us. Unspoilt Spitsbergen is best explored with a small-scale expedition cruise in a season that runs roughly from May to September. Behold peerless glaciers, go ashore by zodiac and make the most beautiful hikes. Avila Travel will take care of your trip to Svalbard down to the last detail and offer you an unforgettable travel experience.
Nature's treasure in the heart of the Arctic
Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a destination like no other. Part of the Svalbard group, the island archipelago offers a dramatic landscape of glaciers, mountain peaks and frozen fjords. Nature reigns supreme here: from vast expanses of ice to quiet tundra home to Arctic foxes and reindeer, with the polar bear an iconic symbol of the area.
Polar landscape full of adventure
For adventurous travellers, Svalbard is a dream: expedition cruises take you past remote bays and glacier fronts, where you go ashore by zodiac for hikes across arctic soil. In summer, it is light 24 hours a day thanks to the midnight sun, while in winter the northern lights colour the sky. Activities such as dog sledding, snowmobile safaris and kayaking between ice formations provide a unique and intense nature experience.
Longyearbyen: small, charming and surprising
The capital Longyearbyen is small but lively, with modern restaurants, galleries and museums that make life in the far north tangible. Here, culture and nature come together: from the rich mining history to contemporary science and climate research.
Travel to Svalbard
A trip to Svalbard is no ordinary holiday, but an expedition to the far north. Whether you opt for a multi-day cruise, an active winter adventure or staying in Longyearbyen as a base, Svalbard offers an overwhelming combination of purity, silence and force of nature. A destination that will touch you deeply and stay with you for a long time.
Svalbard is a destination of extremes, with seasons that completely change the landscape and experience. The best time to travel depends on your interests, whether you want to see the northern lights, spot wildlife or experience the polar landscape in midnight sun. Here is an overview by season:
Spring (April - mid-June): The sun returns after months of darkness, and the landscape is still dominated by snow and ice. This is the time for snowmobile safaris, dog sled rides and experiencing the special transition from polar night to light. There is still a chance of seeing the northern lights until the end of April. Many animals awaken from their hibernation and it is relatively quiet.
Summer (mid-June - August): During the midnight sun, which lasts from late April to August, it is light 24 hours a day. This is the high season for expedition cruises, kayaking trips and wildlife safaris, with high chances of spotting walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer and even polar bears. Temperatures are mild (around 5-10 °C) and the landscape opens up for unique walks across tundra and along fjords.
Autumn (September - October): Summer gives way to longer nights and the landscape colours in subtle shades of autumn. The northern lights return to the sky, and a magical atmosphere hangs over the island. Activities are still possible, but conditions are rapidly becoming colder and the first snow may already be falling. Most expedition cruises end in early September.
Winter (November - March): During these months, Svalbard is shrouded in darkness, but this provides spectacular opportunities to see the northern lights. Temperatures drop considerably (often -20°C or colder), but activities like dog sledding, ice cave visits and snowmobile tours make it an adventurous period. Daylight is completely absent from late November to mid-January.
Note: Due to its northern location and arctic climate, conditions can change quickly. Summer offers the most opportunities for exploration and wildlife, while winter brings the ultimate experience of silence and darkness. Choose the season that suits your travel style.
Svalbard is a unique Arctic destination, where rugged nature, silence and extraordinary wildlife come together in one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas. From impressive glaciers to quiet fjords and rich polar life, every place exudes adventure and wonder.
Discover the highlights of Svalbard:
Whether you are looking for an active polar experience, a peaceful nature trip or an in-depth introduction to life in the far north, Svalbard offers an impressive and unforgettable travel experience in one of the last true wildernesses on earth.
1. Do I need a visa for Svalbard?
Travellers with passports from the Netherlands, Belgium and the EU do not require a visa to visit Svalbard. Most travel is via Norway, where a valid Schengen visa may be required for non-EU citizens. Always check the latest entry requirements for Norway, and bear in mind that there may be border controls when returning to the Schengen area.
2. What is the best trip duration for Svalbard?
An average trip to Svalbard takes between 5 and 10 days. This is enough to explore Longyearbyen and the surrounding nature, or join a multi-day expedition cruise along the coast and through the fjords. In winter, trips of 4 to 6 days are ideal for activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling, while summer expedition cruises often last 7 to 10 days.
3. What is the best way to travel through Svalbard?
Free travel outside Longyearbyen is limited due to the rugged landscape and the presence of polar bears. You usually explore Svalbard via organised excursions, such as snowmobiling, kayaking, hiking or expedition cruises. Flights from mainland Norway to Longyearbyen are operated from Oslo and Tromsø, among others.
4. Is Svalbard easy to combine with another destination?
Yes, Svalbard can easily be combined with Norway, for example with a trip to Tromsø, the Lofoten or Oslo. In the summer months, it is also possible to combine Svalbard with an expedition to Iceland, East Greenland or Jan Mayen.
5. Will English be all right in Svalbard?
Yes, English is spoken almost everywhere, especially in Longyearbyen and during excursions. Guides are internationally trained, and excursions are offered in English as standard. Although Norwegian is the official language, as an English-speaking traveller you can communicate without any problems.
Our travel specialists are happy to help with any questions you might have about a trip to Svalbard.
Cruises around Svalbard take you to one of the most pristine and impressive areas in the world. Spitsbergen is also a popular base for expedition cruises to Northeast Greenland, Jan Mayen and even the North Pole, making it a perfect starting point for those looking to explore the far north.
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