Longyearbyen is a remote Arctic outpost in Norway where polar landscapes, midnight sun, and untamed wilderness create a truly otherworldly experience.
4.9/5 ⭐Google 600+ Reviews | A+ Better Business Bureau
Aboard
Silver Endeavour
From
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
3 Sailings
Jun 13 - Aug 2, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Silver Endeavour
From
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
6 Sailings
Jun 6, 2026 - Jul 26, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Silver Endeavour
From
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
3 Sailings
Jun 20 - Aug 2, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.
I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very much [our Cruise Expert]!
Camille G.
We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.
Linda F.
[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.
Sharon E.
I would like to mention that for many years I really appreciate to have [our Cruise Expert] taking care of my cruises in the states. So, i'm glad to give five stars for him
Rudi D.
I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I would use [our Cruise Expert] and Cruise Web again to book another cruise...thank you...
Priscilla B.
[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.
Sheralyn H.
Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!
Wendy F.
[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.
James C.
We are residents in another country, and have used [our Cruise Expert] for years as we try to cruise around the entire world. She offers great service and stellar communication.
Dave O.
[Our Cruise Expert]does a wonderful job for me. I have had no glitches and I can count on things running smoothly when [our Cruise Expert] makes my arrangements.
Barbara H.
Overview
Located on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, this tiny town is one of the world’s northernmost settlements—and it feels like the edge of the Earth. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and icy fjords, Longyearbyen offers a rare chance to step into the high Arctic, where reindeer roam the streets and the silence is profound.
Despite its isolation, the town is surprisingly vibrant, with cozy cafés, museums, and even a craft brewery. Local guides lead unforgettable excursions—whether you are dog sledding, snowmobiling, or venturing out to spot polar bears (with a trained expert, of course).
It’s also a place of extremes: endless daylight in summer, complete darkness in winter, and nature that demands your full attention. For adventurous travelers, Longyearbyen isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience like nowhere else on Earth.
Start your day by exploring the charming town of Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. Wander through the small streets, where you’ll find colorful houses, cozy cafés, and a few shops offering local Arctic goods. Learn about the town's history, which dates back to the early 1900s when it was established as a mining community.
Tip: Stop by the Svalbard Museum, which provides an excellent overview of the history, culture, and wildlife of the region.
Walk to the charming Svalbard Church (Svalbard Kirke), the northernmost church in the world. It serves as a community hub and is open 24 hours a day, offering a unique, peaceful place for reflection amidst the vast Arctic landscape.
Tip: The church's location on a small hill offers excellent views of the colorful houses in the valley below and the surrounding mountains and fjord.
Dog sledding is a quintessential Arctic experience. During the winter months, you can take a thrilling dog sledding tour just outside Longyearbyen. The snow-covered tundra and glaciers provide an incredible backdrop for this adventure. Even in the summer, many tours still offer wheeled sleds that let you experience the thrill of the ride.
Tip: Dress warmly, as even in summer, temperatures in Longyearbyen can be chilly, and the wind chill factor can be quite strong.
Snowmobiles are a popular way to explore the Arctic landscape around Longyearbyen. A snowmobile safari will take you across glaciers, past towering mountains, and through the vast tundra, offering an incredible way to experience the rugged terrain of Svalbard. You may even have a chance to see wildlife such as reindeer and Arctic foxes.
Tip: Most tours are guided, and it’s essential to dress in layers to stay warm while on the snowmobile.
For those who prefer to explore the Arctic landscape on foot, a hike to Adventdalen Valley offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and tundra. The hike is relatively easy, and you will have the chance to spot wildlife like Arctic foxes and reindeer, as well as rare birds. The valley itself is home to remnants of Svalbard's past, including old mining equipment and structures.
Tip: Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions in the Arctic.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located near Longyearbyen, is an extraordinary facility built to preserve the world’s agricultural biodiversity in case of global crises. While the vault itself is not open to the public, you can visit the area surrounding it and learn about its crucial role in preserving plant life.
Tip: Ask your guide about the best viewpoint to see the vault from, as it is situated inside a mountain and isn’t directly accessible.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months (May to September), you can take a boat tour to explore the coastline of Svalbard. These tours will bring you close to the glaciers and icebergs that line the shore, and you may even spot wildlife such as seals, whales, and seabirds. Some tours also include a visit to nearby islands, offering a different perspective of the archipelago.
Tip: If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a polar bear in the distance, though sightings are rare.
If your cruise happens to visit Longyearbyen during the winter months (October to February), you have the unique opportunity to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). While they are not guaranteed, Longyearbyen is one of the best places to witness this magical phenomenon due to its location within the Arctic Circle.
Tip: If you are visiting during the polar night, book an evening tour or simply find a dark spot away from city lights for a chance to see the lights dance across the sky.
Visit the local post office in the town center to mail a postcard stamped with the official Longyearbyen postmark. This is a favorite activity for cruise visitors to document their trip from the northernmost post office on the planet.
Tip: Pick up unique polar bear stamps or postcards in the store next to the post office for a special Arctic memento.
