'Close as one can get to the North Pole': Five things you need to know about cruising Svalbard | Travel News
Tell someone you're heading to Svalbard on a cruise, and don’t be surprised if they respond with a puzzled look.
This remote Norwegian archipelago, perched in the Arctic Ocean and not far from the North Pole, remains one of the most overlooked destinations—except among true adventure seekers.
If you're considering an expedition cruise to this high Arctic outpost, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
1. Getting There Takes Time and Planning
Svalbard lies roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. If you’re traveling from the Southern Hemisphere—or even further afield—it’s important to account for travel time.
Even with a one-week itinerary, you're looking at a journey of over 20 hours to reach Oslo, where an overnight stay is usually necessary before catching a three-hour domestic flight to Longyearbyen, the archipelago’s main town.
Some flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen include a stop in Tromsø, so be sure to factor in all transit time when mapping out your trip.
2. Don’t Skip Longyearbyen
While many travelers rush to board their ships, it’s worth spending a couple of days exploring Longyearbyen.
Charming hotels like the trapper-style Basecamp Hotel or the more modern Funken Lodge offer a cozy stay. For a taste of local cuisine, make a reservation at Funktionærmessen Restaurant or Huset Restaurant. Fruene Chocolatier and Svalbard Brewery are must-stops for local treats and craft brews.
There’s also a floating sauna, fascinating museums, snowmobile and hiking tours, ATV rides, and wildlife photography excursions. Need a caffeine fix? Cafe Huskies not only offers flat whites and poke bowls—it also lets you relax next to real huskies.
3. Svalbard Is a Leader in Sustainable Travel
With Arctic cruises gaining popularity, new environmental regulations went into effect on January 1, 2025.
The Norwegian government now restricts ships with over 200 passengers from entering protected areas, including vital habitats for polar bears, walruses, and reindeer. The number of landings allowed in these zones has also been reduced.
Additionally, vessels and visitors must maintain a distance of at least 500 feet from wildlife gathering areas and are banned from breaking fast ice. These efforts ensure that this pristine environment remains unspoiled for future generations.
4. Choose a Responsible Expedition
When planning your cruise, opt for smaller, eco-conscious ships that meet the latest Arctic regulations. Many reputable cruise lines now offer state-of-the-art vessels designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort and experience.
These voyages often include expert-led lectures, guided excursions, and citizen science projects that connect you with the unique ecology and history of Svalbard. Travel packages frequently cover flights from Oslo, transfers, and at least one overnight in Longyearbyen.
5. The Wildlife Will Leave You Speechless
Here’s a surprising fact: in Svalbard, polar bears may actually outnumber people.
Though sightings aren’t guaranteed, especially depending on the time of year, you’re almost certain to encounter wildlife such as walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, whales (like blue and minke), and puffins.
Expedition routes also often include stops at Arctic research hubs like Ny-Ålesund and sail past majestic glaciers, fjords, and massive ice caps that make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
