Arctic / North Pole Tours from Longyearbyen

What our customers ask about Arctic / North Pole Tours from Longyearbyen

• What is the typical length of tours starting in Longyearbyen?

  Tours from Longyearbyen span 8-14 days with most Arctic expeditions lasting 10-12 days around the Svalbard archipelago. The Ocean Albatros runs a 10-day circuit while the Sea Spirit takes a longer 14-day route. Before boarding expedition ships guests often stay at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for guided city tours. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The 10-day circumnavigation gave us plenty of time to truly experience the Arctic wilderness and spot incredible wildlife."

• What are the best months to start a tour from Longyearbyen?

  June and July offer the best conditions for Longyearbyen departures. The midnight sun provides constant daylight making wildlife spotting easier. Ships like the Sea Spirit choose these months for better navigation and increased chances of seeing polar bears walruses and seabirds. Local hotels including the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and Funken Lodge are usually full during this period. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Visiting in June was perfect - we had constant daylight for wildlife viewing and the ice conditions were ideal for reaching remote areas."

• What wildlife can I expect to see on tours starting from Longyearbyen?

  The Arctic waters around Longyearbyen support diverse wildlife populations. Visitors regularly spot polar bears walruses seals Arctic foxes and large colonies of seabirds including guillemots and little auks. Key viewing areas include the Alkefjellet bird cliffs Kongsfjorden and the pack ice north of Svalbard where polar bears roam. Tours often begin at the Funken Lodge before heading to these wildlife hotspots. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The wildlife encounters exceeded expectations - we saw over 12 polar bears massive walrus colonies and countless seabirds from our expedition ship."

• What's the typical starting point and meeting location in Longyearbyen?

  Expedition staff meet guests at Longyearbyen Airport arranging transfers to the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel or Funken Lodge. Ships depart from the central port a brief walk from downtown. Common meeting points include the Svalbard Museum and the notable polar bear warning sign at the airport entrance. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The pickup from the airport and transfer to the Radisson was seamless - everything was well-organized from the moment we arrived."

• What activities are available right after starting the tour in Longyearbyen?

  First-day activities in Longyearbyen include visits to the Svalbard Museum the world's northernmost church and local restaurants serving Arctic specialties near the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel. Many tours offer guided town walks to spot Svalbard reindeer and explore old mining sites. From the port visitors can join Zodiac trips into Isfjorden or hike at Alkhornet. A TourRadar traveler recalled: "The first day exploring Longyearbyen was fascinating - we learned so much about Arctic history at the museum and saw reindeer right in town."

• What kind of ships depart from Longyearbyen for Arctic expeditions?

  Longyearbyen serves as a base for various expedition vessels. The MV Sea Spirit carries 114 passengers while the newer MV Hondius accommodates 167 guests. Smaller boats like the sailing vessel Noorderlicht which takes just 20 passengers offer more personal experiences. TourRadar travelers often praise "the perfect balance of comfort and expedition capability of ships departing from Longyearbyen."