Your Guide to an Unforgettable Svalbard Expedition

“Unforgettable travels” is such a relative term. A visit to a place may be “unforgettable” for one, but only average for another traveler, such as Times Square in New York, which the other tourist may have visited countless times. But, there’s a place on Earth that will probably be unforgettable no matter what kind of tourist you are. It’s Svalbard. 

Many things have been said about Svalbard:

• Lonely Planet: “Svalbard is the Arctic North as you always dreamed it existed. This wondrous archipelago is a land of dramatic snow-drowned peaks and glaciers, of vast ice fields and forbidding icebergs, an elemental place where the seemingly endless Arctic night and the perpetual sunlight of summer carry a deeper kind of magic. One of Europe's last great wildernesses, this is also the domain of more polar bears than people, a terrain rich in epic legends of polar exploration.”

• Travel + Leisure, Jennifer Billock: “On day two of my trip to the high Arctic, I sat in a kayak alongside Lilliehöökbreen, one of the longest glaciers in Svalbard, at nearly 14 miles. I was watching the glassy water when I noticed something round and steely gray pop out and quickly go back under. At first, I thought it was a rock, but the water was still and reflective — no waves to be seen that could have covered it up or moved my very steady kayak. Suddenly, it jumped up again, and I found myself staring right into the eyes of a curious ringed seal…”

• Condé Nast Traveler, Fiona Kerr interviewing photographer Cecilia Blomdahl: “...I arrived on a very dark and stormy day in November five and a half years ago. During that time of year, Svalbard has its polar night, so all I could see were the twinkly lights of the village. The first night the full moon was out, and suddenly I could see the outline of the tall, majestic mountains lining the sides of the village…”

Here’s your guide to an unforgettable expedition across Svalbard:

When’s the Best Time to Visit Svalbard?

Svalbard is generally a winter wonderland, so people head over here usually during the winter, or during summer, so they have a way to cool down. However, the best time to visit this place is literally various parts of the year. Read on for the rationale. 

While most people visit Svalbard in summer from May to September, when the snow has melted, so it’s easier to get around with the cool breeze around you, you might want to consider flying in other months, as the crowds can get really thick during those summer months. 

But, take note that summer is a time for activities like wildlife watching, such as spotting walrus, polar bears, and whales on their cruises. In August, there are 24 hours of daylight, so intense that even the midnight sun in Iceland or Canada would be cringing. 

That being said, from October to February, there are fewer morning hours, but seemingly endless polar nights. During those months, you can enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding, plus the chance to see the Northern Lights. Be sure to pack right, though. 

What Will You See and What Are the Things to Do?

You’ve previewed these things earlier in the discussion, but there’s more that meets the eye. The best are: 

1. Watching the Wildlife

From blue-white glaciers to dramatic basalt cliffs, Svalbard’s terrain is as varied as it is beautiful. Expeditions usually include polar bear sightings, and watching walrus and Arctic foxes. Along the coastline, you’ll find lounging walrus herds and, if you're lucky, the elusive Arctic fox darting across the tundra.

Moreover, here, there are over 100 bird species, including puffins and little auks, nesting along towering cliffs.

2. Glacier Hikes and Zodiac Landings

Small groups venture ashore for hikes across glacial moraines or to visit abandoned hunting cabins and ghost towns.

And, since a hike is like a workout, you must be able to pack the right stuff. First, the clothing. Layers are critical. Think moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear. Don’t skimp on gloves, beanies, and thermal socks.

Good binoculars, waterproof dry bags, and a quality camera are well worth the space in your pack. Don’t forget your travel insurance, too!

Make sure it covers Arctic travel and emergency evacuation — this is true wilderness. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and being active for several hours a day.

3. Explore the Place on a Luxury Yacht 

Midway through your adventure, you'll likely sail through ice-choked waters on a vessel designed to navigate the extremes. One such unforgettable option is the EYOS Svalbard luxury yacht. 

For solo travelers who value both comfort and exclusivity, this curated experience balances rugged Arctic exploration with the highest standard of service. Aboard, you’re not part of a crowd but part of an elite journey — one that offers flexible itineraries, expert guides, and the chance to tailor your adventure to your own pace and passions.

Ensuring You Are Safe Is Paramount

It’s more than just securing your travel insurance. Svalbard is one of the safest destinations for solo travelers. Crime is almost nonexistent, and locals are friendly and used to visitors. That said, safety in the wilderness is paramount. Polar bears are not just postcards here — they’re real threats, and any travel outside Longyearbyen requires a rifle-carrying guide.

Group-based expeditions, even aboard small vessels, offer a shared experience while still preserving the intimacy solo travelers seek. Mealtime conversations and shared awe during wildlife sightings often lead to friendships that outlast the trip.

Svalbard isn't just a destination. It's a feeling, one of humility, awe, and deep connection to Earth’s wild extremes. With no roads between its settlements and landscapes sculpted by glaciers, fjords, and frozen tundra, exploring Svalbard requires a sense of curiosity and an appetite for the unknown.