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Svalbard

Polar Bear On The Pack Ice In The Arctic Ocean

Svalbard tours

Arctic Fox

Authentic Svalbard

13 Days

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Walrus

Midnight Sun Svalbard

5 Days

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$3,059

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Svalbard Polar Bears Crossing

Svalbard Sunny Winter

5 Days

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$3,699

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Travel tips

Svalbard has a polar climate with two main seasons: a long, dark winter and a short, cool summer. Svalbard experiences polar night (no sun) in winter and midnight sun in summer. 

Summer

Jun-Sep

Average temperature:

3°C to 7°C

Rainfall:

~72mm/month (mostly snow)

Winter

Oct-May

Average temperature:

-13°C - -20°C

Rainfall:

~30–60mm/month

Portrait Of Arctic Fox

Country dialing code

+47 (Norway)

Capital city

Longyearbyen

Official language

Norwegian

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK)

The best time to visit Svalbard is from May to August, during the Arctic summer. This period offers 24-hour daylight (midnight sun), relatively mild temperatures (3–7°C / 37–45°F), and the best conditions for wildlife viewing, especially polar bears, walruses and seabirds. Sea ice recedes, allowing boats and ships access to remote fjords. Winter (October to February) is ideal for northern lights, but it’s extremely cold and dark.

    Highlights

    Polar Bears

    Svalbard is one of the best places to see polar bears in the wild, particularly from May to September. Mothers emerge from dens with their cubs and the predators roam the ice and coasts, searching for food.

    Beluga Whales

    In summer, pods of white beluga whales glide through Svalbard’s icy fjords. Their social behaviour and haunting calls make them a magical sight on Arctic boat tours. 

    Walrus

    Massive, tusked walruses haul out on beaches and ice floes around Svalbard. Watching them lounge, grunt and dive is a highlight of any Arctic wildlife expedition.

    Puffins

    With their colourful beaks and comical charm, puffins nest on Svalbard’s cliffs in summer. These seabirds are a delight to watch as they dive and dart through the air. 

    Northern Lights

    Svalbard has front-row seats of the aurora borealis from late September to early April, with the best viewing from mid-November to late January. The dancing lights are a surreal Arctic spectacle. 

    Midnight Sun

    From April to August, the sun never sets in Svalbard. The endless daylight allows for experiences like midnight hikes, glacier tours and wildlife watching under the golden Arctic light.

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    Useful information

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    Communications

    Country Code for Norway (Svalbard): +47 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Norway Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Norway | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

    Fire and rescue services: Call 110. 

    Medical emergencies: Call 113. For medical emergencies, Longyearbyen Hospital's emergency number is 113. The hospital has limited capacity and may transfer patients with complex conditions to the University Hospital in Tromsø.  

    Police: Call 112. 

     

    Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Norway. You can seek emergency consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Oslo. 

     

    Canadian Embassy, Oslo 

    Wergelandsveien 7, 4th floor, 0244 Oslo, Norway
    Phone: +47 22 99 53 00 
    Email: oslo@international.gc.ca  

     

    You can also seek consular help from the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark: 

    Australian Embassy, Copenhagen 

    Dampfaergevej 26, 2nd floor, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark 
    Phone: +45 7026 3676 
    Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au   

     

    New Zealand Embassy Stockholm, Sweden 

    6 Skarpögatan, Östermalm 115 93, Stockholm, Sweden 
    Telephone: +46 8 400 172 70 
    Email: NZEmbassyStockholm@mfat.govt.nz  

    Customs

    Svalbard’s environment is fragile and home to endangered polar bears and other wildlife. Strict regulations protect the environment. You must not pick plants, disturb wildlife, or leave waste behind. Guided tours are the safest and best way to explore Svalbard. 

     

    Svalbard has a diverse population, including Norwegians, Russians and other nationalities, particularly in the scientific community. English is widely used. Locals dress for function, not fashion. Layers, thermal wear and sturdy boots are essential due to the Arctic climate. Pack with this in mind and don’t be caught short with what you need to keep yourself warm and healthy. 

    Electricity

    Plug Types: C & F 

    Voltage: 230 V 

    Frequency: 50 Hz 

    These are standard European plugs. Type F is also known as the "Schuko" plug. Norway uses Type F as the standard. Type C plugs are compatible but not typically installed in new buildings. 

    Health

    The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor website.  

     

    Medical facilities in Svalbard are limited. You may require medical evacuation for treatment. Consider the following information prior to travelling in the Arctic: Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic | Smartraveller 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Norway Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Norway | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    To reach Svalbard, you’ll need to fly via Oslo or Tromsø in mainland Norway. From there, SAS and Norwegian Air operate regular flights to Longyearbyen, the main settlement on the archipelago.  

     

    Once in Svalbard, getting around is a unique experience as there are only about 40km of roads, all within and around Longyearbyen. The airport shuttle in Longyearbyen corresponds with all scheduled arrivals and departures to and from all hotels and guesthouses.  

     

    Guided tours are the safest and most practical way to explore the wilderness due to polar bear risks. 

     

    Longyearbyen is very compact and everything within the town is within a 20-30 minute walk. During the summer, you can borrow a town bike from the Svalbard Tourist Information Office completely free of charge to get around Longyearbyen even faster. If you stay within the town limits and don’t pass the polar bear warning signs, you can walk on your own without the need for polar bear protection.  

     

    Apart from the airport shuttle in Longyearbyen, there is no ordinary public transport in Svalbard. The following taxi companies in Longyearbyen can assist with local transport: Longyearbyen Taxi (Phone: +47 79 02 13 75) and Svalbard Buss og Taxi (Phone: +47 79 02 13 05). 

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Solfestuka (Sun Festival Week) – Early March: Celebrates the return of the sun after the long polar night. Residents gather in Longyearbyen to welcome the first rays of sunlight. 
    • PolarJazz Festival – Early February: The world’s northernmost jazz festival, bringing warmth and music to the Arctic winter. 
    • Dark Season Blues – Late October: Marks the beginning of the polar night with blues music and community gatherings. 
    • Taste Svalbard – Early October: A culinary festival celebrating Arctic cuisine and Svalbard’s food culture. 
    • Christmas in Longyearbyen – December: A magical celebration with lights and traditions in the heart of the Arctic. 

    Language

    The official language of Svalbard is Norwegian. However, due to the international nature of the population, English is widely spoken. Other languages like Russian, Polish, Mandarin and various European languages may also be heard, especially in research stations and among seasonal workers. 

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    Svalbard uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). While credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in many places, cash is preferred, especially in remote areas. It’s always wise to carry some NOK, as not all places accept cards. 
     

    Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. A 10% tip is a kind gesture if you’re happy with the service you’ve received. On cruises or guided tours, tipping may be more structured depending on the company so follow their guidelines. 
     

    Longyearbyen has a few shops offering tax-free shopping, as Svalbard is outside the VAT zone. Popular souvenirs include polar bear-themed items, Arctic jewellery, local handicrafts and Svalbard-brand chocolates or spirits.

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

     

    Norway is part of the Schengen area. Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control when you first enter the Schengen area. Travellers with Australian and New Zealand passports do not need a visa if staying in Norway for 90 days or less.  

     

    The Norwegian territory of Svalbard isn't part of the Schengen area. You’ll need your passport to enter the Svalbard archipelago. Svalbard is visa-free for all nationalities, but you may need a Schengen visa to transit through mainland Norway. 

     

    The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australian and New Zealand passport holders, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area is expected to start in October 2025. 

     

    The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.  

     

    You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within three years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit. This process should only take a few minutes per person; however, you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts. 

     
    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Norway Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Norway | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

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