7 Days • 6 Nights
Svalbard Family Arctic Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A short expedition cruise among glaciers and wildlife is a thrilling highlight for the whole family. The heart of this adventure is a short, comfortable expedition cruise aboard a small ship, perfectly suited to families. Together you cruise beneath towering tidewater glaciers that calve into the sea with cracks and thunder, ride the Zodiacs, that great family favourite, to land on the tundra amid Arctic flowers and grazing reindeer, and gather on deck to scan the ice for seals, whales, walrus and polar bears. Expert guides make every landing and sighting an exciting lesson in the wild Arctic, and children earn their stripes as real polar explorers.
- Meeting huskies and learning to be a polar explorer in Longyearbyen delights children and parents alike. Longyearbyen offers wonderful, hands-on adventures for families. You visit a husky dog yard to meet and cuddle the friendly sled dogs, learn how they live and work, and, in season, ride a dog-cart or sled across the tundra, a highlight children never forget. The family learns real polar-explorer skills from the guides, from spotting wildlife to Arctic safety, and explores the fascinating exhibits on bears, whales and expeditions. The excitement and fun are infectious. Meeting and cuddling the friendly huskies at a dog yard.
- The excellent Svalbard Museum and easy town discoveries make learning fun for young explorers. Longyearbyen is a brilliant, safe base for families, and its discoveries are as educational as they are fun. At the excellent Svalbard Museum, children and parents explore superb, interactive displays on polar bears, seals, whales, birds and the history of Arctic exploration, coal mining and trapping, bringing the wilderness vividly to life. You wander the colourful town, spot the polar-bear warning signs at its edge, browse quirky shops for Arctic treasures, and enjoy hot chocolate and cake in cosy cafes. The learning and fun blend seamlessly.
- Scanning for polar bears, whales, walrus and reindeer together is an unforgettable family highlight. The wildlife of Svalbard turns every family into a team of eager spotters. Together you keep watch from the ship and shore for the great prize, the polar bear, on the ice or a distant beach, and share the thrill of spotting walrus hauled out in a snoring heap, seals resting on the floes, beluga whales near the glaciers, and Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox on the tundra. Bird cliffs alive with puffins and auks amaze young and old. Every sighting is a shared triumph.
- The endless midnight sun and safe, expert-led adventure make Svalbard perfect for families. This adventure is designed around families, safe, comfortable and led by expert guides who love sharing the Arctic with children. The pace suits all ages, with a blend of active days and relaxed time, and the endless golden midnight sun of summer means there is no rush and no dark nights, so adventures can unfold whenever suits the family. Every activity is chosen for wonder and safety, from Zodiac cruises to tundra walks, always with armed guides in bear country. The reassurance and magic are complete.
- Above all, this journey offers a safe, exciting and unforgettable real-life polar adventure for the whole family. Svalbard is one of the most thrilling family destinations on Earth, and this journey is designed to share its magic safely with all ages. Over seven days the family explores the quirky northernmost town, meets huskies, learns polar-explorer skills, and joins a short expedition cruise among glaciers, bird cliffs and the wildlife of Spitsbergen, from reindeer and puffins to seals, whales and the great polar bear, all under the endless midnight sun. The combination of wild adventure, astonishing wildlife.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your family Arctic adventure begins as your flight from Oslo or Tromso descends over glaciers and jagged peaks to land at Longyearbyen, the northernmost town on Earth, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. From the moment the family steps off the plane into this real-life polar wilderness, the wonder begins, glaciers on every horizon and polar-bear warning signs at the edge of town. Spend the rest of the day settling in and finding your feet, perhaps strolling among the colourful wooden houses, spotting your first reindeer, or browsing the outfitters for Arctic treasures. This evening, enjoy a first family dinner and the strange, endless golden light of the summer, when the sun never sets and bedtime is an adventure in itself. As the family settles in, excitement for the days ahead builds. Rest well, ready to meet the huskies and explore town tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys a fun-filled day in Longyearbyen. You visit a husky dog yard to meet and cuddle the friendly sled dogs, learn how they live and work, and, in season, ride a dog-cart or sled across the tundra, an experience the children will never forget. You explore the excellent Svalbard Museum, with its superb, interactive displays on polar bears, whales, seals, birds and the history of Arctic exploration and coal mining, bringing the wilderness vividly to life, and wander the colourful town, spotting the polar-bear signs and browsing quirky shops for Arctic keepsakes. There is time for hot chocolate and cake in a cosy cafe. The fun and learning blend seamlessly. As the day ends, enjoy a relaxed family dinner in town. Rest well, for tomorrow you embark your expedition ship and sail into the wild fjords of Spitsbergen.
This morning you have a little more time in Longyearbyen before, in the afternoon, the family embarks a small expedition ship and casts off into the vast Isfjorden, beginning the adventure among the ice. The children meet the friendly expedition team of guides and naturalists, who make the ship feel like a floating polar-explorer school, and everyone gathers on deck as the town slips astern and the glaciers gleam at the fjord heads. Seals rest on the floes, seabirds stream past, and the guides brief the family on Zodiac fun and Arctic safety for the days ahead. The comfortable ship becomes a cosy home for the family, with hearty meals and endless views. As the ship sails on under the golden midnight sun, the wonder builds. Rest well aboard, for tomorrow the family lands on the wild tundra and cruises beneath the glaciers.
Today the whole family enjoys their first full day of expedition adventure among the glaciers and wildlife of Spitsbergen. You cruise beneath a towering tidewater glacier that calves into the sea with cracks and thunder, everyone gasping at its scale, then board the Zodiacs, that great family favourite, to land on the tundra with your armed guides. Ashore, the family walks amid a carpet of Arctic flowers and grazing reindeer, learns to read the wild land from the naturalists, and keeps watch together for Arctic fox and the ever-present possibility of a polar bear. Back aboard, everyone scans the ice for seals and whales. The shared adventure and wonder are magical. As the day ends, the family gathers for a hearty dinner and to share the day's sightings. Rest well aboard amid the ice, for tomorrow brings the teeming bird cliffs.
Today the family cruises deeper into the wildlife wonderland of Spitsbergen. You cruise by ship and Zodiac beneath vast cliffs where tens of thousands of little auks, guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins wheel and nest in a deafening, spectacular colony, the children amazed by the sheer numbers and noise, while Arctic fox patrol the scree below. In the surrounding fjords everyone keeps watch for beluga whales near the glaciers, walrus hauled out on remote beaches, and seals resting on the floes, with the guides turning every sighting into an exciting lesson. You may land again on the tundra for a gentle family walk amid the flowers. The abundance of life delights young and old. As the day ends, the family gathers to tally the day's wildlife over dinner. Rest well aboard under the golden light, for tomorrow you cruise back toward Longyearbyen.
This morning your expedition ship cruises back into Isfjorden and returns to Longyearbyen, where the family disembarks after fond farewells to the guides and crew and is transferred to your hotel. After the adventures among the ice, you enjoy a relaxed final day in town at your own pace. The family might revisit favourite spots, browse the shops for Arctic souvenirs and keepsakes, enjoy hot chocolate and cake in a cosy cafe, or add an optional gentle excursion such as a short boat trip or, in the right season, a fossil hunt on the tundra. There is time to rest, reflect and savour the strange, wonderful frontier atmosphere of the northernmost town on Earth. As the day ends, enjoy a celebratory family dinner, sharing memories of the polar bears, glaciers and puffins. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in Longyearbyen, perhaps a last stroll among the colourful houses or some souvenir shopping, the family is transferred to the airport for your flight south to Oslo or Tromso and your onward journey. You leave having shared a real-life polar adventure, the quirky northernmost town on Earth, the friendly huskies, the towering calving glaciers, the Zodiac landings on the wild tundra, the teeming bird cliffs, and the shared thrill of scanning for seals, whales, walrus and the great polar bear under the endless golden midnight sun. The images stay vivid long after you land, the friendly huskies, the blue wall of the glacier, the deafening puffin cliffs, and the wide-eyed wonder on every face. Svalbard offers safe, exciting and truly extraordinary adventure for families, and you depart together already dreaming of a return to the magical top of the world.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in Longyearbyen hotels and expedition ship cabins with daily breakfast in Longyearbyen and full-board dining aboard the expedition ship
- Zodiac landings, shore excursions and scenic cruising as per itinerary
- Guiding, wildlife spotting, lectures and briefings with an expert polar expedition team
- Airport and land transfers in Longyearbyen, plus loan of rubber boots and expedition gear for landings
- Return flights between Oslo or Tromso and Longyearbyen, a family town tour, a husky-yard visit, a Svalbard Museum visit, a short Spitsbergen expedition cruise, and all Zodiac landings and shore excursions
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional extra family activities and excursions
- Mandatory polar travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Svalbard sits under the unique Svalbard Treaty and is technically visa-free, open to all nationalities, but there is no direct international access, so you fly via mainland Norway, which is part of the Schengen Area; that means many travellers need onward and return transit through Schengen and must meet Norway's entry rules, and non-Schengen nationals may need a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond travel is required, and we confirm the exact, current process for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK); Svalbard, like the mainland, is almost entirely cashless, and cards, contactless and mobile payments are accepted everywhere in Longyearbyen, from hotels and restaurants to shops and outfitters, so you rarely need cash. The far north is expensive, though Longyearbyen is a duty-free zone, which makes some goods cheaper; we advise budgeting for meals, drinks and optional excursions
- Best time to visit: June to September is the summer expedition-cruise season, with the midnight sun, open fjords, calving glaciers, huge seabird colonies and the best wildlife, and late summer opens the pack ice and the chance of a full circumnavigation; February to early May is the bright winter and spring season for snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice caves and the aurora, while the deep polar night from November to January is dark, cold and quiet
- Language & etiquette: Norwegian is the official language, but English is spoken universally and fluently, so communication is effortless. Longyearbyen is a small, tight-knit, international community with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere; it is a long-standing local custom to remove your shoes when entering homes, guesthouses, the museum and many public buildings, a tradition from the coal-mining days, and tipping is modest and not expected, though appreciated for good service
- Getting around: There are only about fifty kilometres of road around Longyearbyen and no roads between settlements, so travel is by expedition ship and Zodiac in summer, and by snowmobile, dog sled or boat in winter and spring; nearly all trips beyond town are guided. Flights arrive at Longyearbyen airport via Oslo or Tromso, and we arrange all transfers, connections and the seamless logistics of your Arctic journey
- Health & safety: Svalbard is remote, wild and one of the safest communities anywhere in terms of crime, but the environment demands respect; polar bears range across the entire archipelago, so anyone leaving the Longyearbyen settlement must travel with an armed, trained guide, and our expeditions always do. The cold is extreme, weather changes fast, and there is limited medical care, so we insist on comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance and provide expert guides and specialist gear
- Culture & environment: Svalbard is a pristine, strictly protected Arctic wilderness, and roughly two-thirds of it is national park or nature reserve; you must never disturb wildlife, pick plants, or remove anything, even fossils, bones or historic artefacts, all of which are protected by law. Longyearbyen blends its coal-mining heritage with modern research and a warm, quirky community spirit, and respecting the fragile land, wildlife and cultural remains is central to every visit
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V with European two-pin type C and F plugs, so bring an adapter; connectivity in Longyearbyen is excellent, but there is little or no signal once you sail into the fjords and pack ice, which is part of the magic. Dress in warm layers year-round, bring windproof and waterproof outerwear, hats, gloves and sturdy boots, and we advise on and provide the specialist clothing needed for landings and winter activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Svalbard suitable for children, and what ages work best?
Svalbard is a wonderful family destination, and this adventure is designed with children in mind, blending fun town activities with a short, comfortable cruise at a family-friendly pace. It suits families with children roughly aged seven and up, who can enjoy the Zodiac landings, wildlife spotting and gentle walks, though we can advise on younger children and tailor the programme. Expert guides love sharing the Arctic with young explorers, safety is paramount, and the endless midnight sun means no dark nights and a relaxed rhythm. It is an educational, exciting and bonding experience the whole family will treasure.
Is a family adventure in Svalbard safe?
Yes. Svalbard is extremely safe in terms of crime, and every aspect of this adventure is run by seasoned polar professionals to the highest safety standards. The key considerations are the wilderness itself: all trips outside Longyearbyen travel with armed, trained guides for polar-bear safety, the ship follows careful protocols, and the cold and remoteness are managed with expert guiding, good gear and thorough briefings. We provide loan boots and equipment, advise on suitable clothing for children, and require comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance, so families can enjoy the Arctic together with complete peace of mind.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on land in Longyearbyen, and expedition voyages are full board, with all meals, snacks and hot drinks served aboard the ship, from hearty breakfasts before landings to three-course dinners as the ship cruises the fjords. Svalbard's kitchens make the most of Arctic and Nordic produce, from Arctic char and reindeer to cloudberries and freshly baked bread, and where meals in Longyearbyen are left free we recommend the town's excellent, surprisingly cosmopolitan restaurants.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Expedition cruises are small-group by nature, sailing with a limited number of guests and an expert team of guides, naturalists and lecturers, which is what makes the landings, Zodiac cruises and wildlife spotting so rich; land-based activities in Longyearbyen run as small guided groups, and private guides, charters and tailor-made arrangements can be organised throughout. Every guide is trained, armed for polar-bear safety and passionate about the Arctic, bringing its wildlife, glaciers and history vividly to life.
Do I need a visa for Svalbard?
Svalbard itself is visa-free under the Svalbard Treaty and open to all nationalities, but because you can only reach it by flying through mainland Norway, which is in the Schengen Area, your Schengen transit rules apply; some nationalities travel freely, while others need a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa to return through the mainland. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and help arrange everything so your journey is seamless.
Is Svalbard safe to visit?
Svalbard is extremely safe in terms of crime, and our expeditions are run by seasoned polar professionals to the highest safety standards. The real considerations are the wilderness itself: polar bears roam the whole archipelago, so all trips outside Longyearbyen travel with armed, trained guides; the cold is extreme and the weather changeable; and the region is remote. We provide expert guiding, thorough briefings, specialist gear and careful planning, and require comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance, so you can enjoy the Arctic safely.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you want. June to September is the summer cruise season, with the midnight sun, open fjords, calving glaciers, vast seabird cliffs and the best wildlife, and late summer offers the pack ice and a chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen. February to early May is the bright winter and spring season for snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice caves and the Northern Lights, while the deep polar night is dark and quiet. We advise on the ideal timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the length and style of your voyage, combine an expedition cruise with days in Longyearbyen, add a winter programme of dog sledding, snowmobiling and aurora hunting, arrange photography-focused departures, sea kayaking or luxury cabins, and tailor the balance of wildlife, glaciers, history and adventure. Ships, cabins and departures vary by season and sell out early, so we plan well ahead. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal Arctic journey through Svalbard.
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