Into the Heart of Ice and Fire: 5 Unique Experiences in Svalbard

Author : Unwild Planet

Nestled between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard, an Arctic wonderland, offers travellers unique, extraordinary experiences. As a remote Arctic archipelago located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, it is a unique and pristine wilderness experience that is not easily accessible elsewhere.

Its untouched landscapes, glaciers, and polar wildlife put the glory of a perfectly curated Instagram grid to shame—a destination for nature & wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers designed right out of a book.

Beyond the usual breathtaking sights of Polar bears, Arctic foxes, Reindeer, and the unforgettable Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Svalbard is home to some of the most exceptional encounters. Here are five experiences why Svalbard should matter to you as a traveller:

1. Midnight Sun Adventures:

Should you be travelling to Svalbard during the summer months, the continuous daylight for weeks makes you feel like you’re living in a painting. Known as the ‘Midnight Sun,’ a phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set for several weeks, it allows for round-the-clock exploration and activities such as hiking, kayaking, and even golfing in the surreal Arctic sunshine.

2. Ice Cave Exploration:

The glaciers of Svalbard conceal a world of ice caves waiting to be explored by you. Guided tours bestow the opportunity to venture deep within these frozen formations, making it a genuinely otherworldly adventure. Svalbard's ice cave explorations are typically guided tours, providing visitors with a safe and informative experience.

For an ultimate Unwild Planet experience, we recommend trying out the following:

Longyearbyen, Adventdalen Valley, Barentsberg, and/ or the Sassendalen Valley.

3. A Visit to The Research Stations:

A hub for polar scientific research, Svalbard allows you and your family to visit research stations and treat the scientists in you. You could learn about ongoing climate, geology, and wildlife projects. Some research stations offer visitor programs, allowing you to tour the facilities, interact with scientists, and learn about ongoing research projects.

An Unwild Planet experience includes Polish Polar Station Hornsund, Koldewey Station, and/ or Ny-Ålesund.

4. Gastronomic Delight:

While the culinary scene may not be as diverse as in more temperate regions, Svalbard sure offers unique and distinctive experiences on a plate. Influenced by the Arctic environment and local traditions, you can savour Arctic herbs like thyme, crowberry, and more.

Indulge in seafood abundance caught from the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean - king crab, cod, and shrimp, all of which are prepared to perfection. King Crab safaris are also popular, where you can catch and cook your crab.

For vegetarians:

Svalbard's remote location and Arctic climate can present challenges regarding the availability of fresh produce and diverse food options. Still, conscious efforts are made to cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan choices. In Longyearbyen, the main settlement, you can find various dining options that accommodate different dietary needs across cafes, bakeries, and humble accommodations. These include - Vegetable wraps, Arctic herbs, and plant-based pastries.

Unwild Planet recommends vegetarian and vegan travellers turn to - Gruvelageret, Fruene Kaffe Og Vinbar, and Restaurant Polfareren in Longyearbyen.

5. Arctic Nightlife:

If you can convince yourself to divide your attention between the picturesque locations of Svalbard during the day in the small towns, the Arctic-themed cafes will hold you dear with their warm coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, cakes, and local desserts.

By night, Svalbard’s pubs pride themselves on their fuzzy and unique ambiance, where the city’s vibe comes to life. Located in Longyearbyen, the Svalbard Brewery is the world’s northernmost brewery. They produce a range of craft beers, including those with unique Arctic ingredients like juniper, crowberries, and seaweed. A visit to this should be on your bucket list.

It’s hard to restrict Svalbard to just these five experiences. A place like Svalbard guarantees unforgettable abstract memories along with it. It seals its love for you with adorable, tangible, and unique souvenirs you may not find in other places, such as reindeer pelts, Arctic handicrafts, and the chance to send adorable postcards with the iconic polar bear postmark. An awe-inspiring destination like Svalbard should be on your list of places to go ASAP!

A visit to this remote, pristine archipelago where each experience is a rare and unforgettable encounter with the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Whether you seek wildlife escapades, natural wonders, or a taste of life at the top of the world, Svalbard promises a journey like no other.