Arctic Exp

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A group of islands governed by Norway, far north of the Arctic Circle. The last real wilderness in Europe, where over 40 nationalities live alongside 4,000 polar bears.

78°N

Latitude

~2,600

Residents

~4,000

Polar Bears

40+

Nationalities

78°N — 600 miles from the North Pole

Svalbard

Explore expeditions

Experience the

Arctic wilderness

The Archipelago

Europe's last

true wilderness

Europe's last

true wilderness

Europe's last

true wilderness

Svalbard is a group of islands governed by Norway, about 600 miles from the North Pole. The largest islands are Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Barentsøya, Edgeøya, and Prins Karls Forland.

The Svalbard Treaty allows people and companies from all 45 signatory countries equal rights here. It is a visa and customs-free zone — a truly international community at the edge of the habitable world. Every season is special, the culture is unique, and it remains one of the few places where genuine wilderness still exists in Europe.

June — September

The Arctic Summer

By June, the snow melts, small flowers emerge from the wintry expanses and a rush of bird activity replaces the quiet of the polar winter. Mountains, valleys, glaciers, the ocean, and an abundance of wildlife can be experienced up close in around-the-clock sunlight.

In summer, Svalbard is best explored by boat or by hiking. The weather is unpredictable, and changed plans at the last minute are not unusual.

In summer, Svalbard is best explored by boat or by hiking. The weather is unpredictable, and changed plans at the last minute are not unusual.

+5°C

Low

+15°C

High

24h

Daylight

October — April

The Polar Night

When the sun goes down in late October, it stays away until mid-February. The polar night has its own magical beauty — sometimes moonlit mountains, sometimes intense Aurora Borealis. Everything calms down, people and animals slow down as if to conserve energy.

For active and adventurous people, the winter comes with special perks. Most of Svalbard is covered by ice and snow from November to late May. Skiing, dogsledding, and snowmobile give you the range to explore vast winter landscapes.

-30°C

Low

+5°C

High

24h

Polar Night

Treaty Territory

Governed by Norway under the Svalbard Treaty of 1920. All 45 signatory nations have equal rights to conduct commercial activities. A visa and customs-free zone with its own governor in Longyearbyen.

Extreme Seasons

The polar night begins in late October - the sun disappears until mid-February. In summer, 24-hour daylight transforms the landscape. Each season brings a different Arctic experience.

International Community

Despite its remoteness, Longyearbyen is surprisingly urban and sophisticated — with restaurants, hotels, a university, museums, art galleries, and a cinema. A small town of 2,500 people, close to the North Pole.

The Settlements

Four distinct communities, each with its own character and history, scattered across the archipelago.

Main Settlement

Longyearbyen

Russian Mining Town

Barentsburg

Research Station

Ny-Ålesund

Ghost Town

Pyramiden

Wildlife

Living Alongside
the Arctic

Svalbard is home to a remarkable concentration of Arctic wildlife. Polar bears outnumber humans, and the archipelago serves as a critical habitat for Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, seals, whales, and countless seabird species.

Polar bear safety is a fundamental part of any expedition outside the settlements. All expeditions carry trained polar bear guards and follow strict safety protocols.

In summer, Svalbard is best explored by boat or by hiking. The weather is unpredictable, and changed plans at the last minute are not unusual.

~4,000

POLAR BEARS

~2,600

HUMANS