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Of all the wild and remote parts of the world, few can compare to Norway’s Svalbard. As the last stop before the North Pole, this Arctic archipelago is one of the world’s last remaining frontiers. It’s a land of extreme climate, unbound adventure, and dramatic, desolate beauty.
Alien-like ice formations glimmer in the sun, snow-swathed mountains loom over inky seas, and seals and walruses bask in the sun. Svalbard is also home to the polar bear, and one of the coldest, harshest, yet most magical places on the planet. While getting to this frozen wilderness isn’t easy, part of its appeal lies in the distance, and if you enjoy an adventure, you might want to think about taking a cruise.
To help make this a reality, we’ve partnered with Swan Hellenic, a British heritage cruise company known for its bold cultural expeditions. As the highest-rated cruise company on Cruise Critic and over 70 years of experience under their belt, Swan Hellenic combine intriguing journeys and intrepid adventure with sophisticated onboard comfort, guaranteeing guests an experience like no other. Cruises are intimate and inspirational, and you’ll return home with memories to cherish forever.
Happily, there’s never been a better time to book a Swan Hellenic cruise. Book any eligible 2026 sailing between 15th July and 15th September 2025, and you’ll enjoy a free Balcony Stateroom upgrade, a free Gold WiFi upgrade, and $250 onboard credit to spend on drinks, excursions, and spa treatments.
If you need further convincing, here are seven reasons to visit Svalbard.
1. Visit the world’s northernmost town
Svalbard might be one of the world’s most inhospitable places, but that doesn’t mean it’s uninhabited. Home to around 2,400 people, Longyearbyen is Svalbard’s capital, and the world’s most northerly town. While it’s not exactly bustling, it offers a surprising amount of arts and culture; there are restaurants, a wide selection of shops, several museums, a gallery, a cinema, and even a brewery and chocolatier.
But of course, you don’t come to Longyearbyen for the amenities…you come for the landscape and wildlife. The town’s waters are populated by many whale types, and walruses are often seen dragging themselves along the ice. Polar bears can sometimes be sighted, too, and Svalbard law mandates groups can’t leave town without a licensed member of their party carrying a rifle…
2. Spot polar bears
As one of the world’s rarest predators, seeing a polar bear is at the top of most people’s Svalbard bucket list. Luckily, there are more polar bears than people here, giving you a decent chance of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. But polar bears follow sea ice to hunt their prey, and, because the ice moves away from land at certain times of year, spotting a bear can be difficult.
On a boutique expedition ship, however, you have a much better chance of a sighting, as ships can take you right up to the ice while minimising disturbance to the animals. Plus, while they may be elusive, polar bears can also be aggressive, particularly towards humans, so this keeps you safe…and removes the need for anyone to carry the aforementioned gun! A peaceful, stress-free sighting of a polar bear ambling across the ice is something you’ll remember forever.
3. Observe other unique wildlife
It isn’t just polar bears that draw animal lovers to Svalbard. Svalbard reindeer can be seen grazing around Longyearbyen or in the surrounding mountains, while Arctic foxes are also native to Svalbard; in winter, their long white fur blends into the snow, while in summer, their short brown coat camouflages them against the rocks.
You can also often see walruses and seals basking in the sun, while in the waters. Keep an eye out for pods of blue, beluga, and humpback whales. Many of the best sightings will be from the deck of your ship, when you can watch them breaching, spouting, and spy-hopping around the icebergs. Svalbard’s skies are equally filled with life, and the area is a breeding ground for millions of seabirds. Puffins, guillemots, and kittiwake all raise their young here.
4. Experience the midnight sun
If you’re visiting Svalbard in summer, you won’t see the Northern Lights, but you’ll experience another, equally magical phenomenon: the midnight sun. Just as the sun never rises in winter, so it never sets in summer, and watching it hover on the horizon, refusing to set, is a bizarre-yet-beautiful experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Plus, having 24 hours of daylight means even more opportunities to explore.
Temperatures can reach a balmy 10°C in the summer months, too, so you don’t need quite so much to keep you warm. Activities like kayaking, ice hiking, or snow-mobiling are also far more accessible, and the midnight sun can make the landscape even more beautiful. Depending on the time of day, the light can appear red, green, or blue, and vast, floating glaciers glimmer under the never-ending beams.
5. Experience thrilling outdoor adventure
If you’re looking for adventure, it’s difficult to imagine a more perfect place than Svalbard. There are all kinds of exhilarating activities to get stuck into, many of which will test your limits! The Polar Plunge, for example, involves leaping off your ship into freezing Arctic waters. You’re attached to a rope, so it’s perfectly safe, but it’s a thrilling test of mental endurance as well as physical hardiness.
On a Swan Hellenic expedition, there are daily excursions that take you closer to your surroundings; zoom over the waves on a Zodiac boat, kayak past towering icebergs, and experience the unforgettable polar plunge into icy waters. Not only do these thrilling activities allow you to channel your inner explorer, but they can also offer a new perspective on your environment.
6. Learn about the history and culture
Culture and history may not be the main lure of an Arctic expedition, though it can be an unexpected highlight. Despite its remoteness, Svalbard has a rich cultural history, and this wild archipelago has been shaped by exploration, experimentation, and diverse international influences. While most of Longyearbyen’s residents are Norwegian, for example, people from 53 different countries live here.
Once a base for whaling, hunting, and mining, today Svalbard is a hub for scientific advancement. You can learn more at the Svalbard Museum and North Pole Expedition Museum – and on a Swan Hellenic expedition, you’ll learn plenty on board, too. Guest lecturers offer fascinating insights into Svalbard’s culture, history, geology, flora, and fauna, enhancing your experience and deepening your understanding of this magical region.
7. Enjoy the eclectic cuisine
Similarly, you may not expect to eat especially well in one of the most remote places in the world…but you’d be surprised! Svalbard, particularly the capital town of Longyearbyen, boasts a unique and eclectic culinary scene, and there are plenty of restaurants serving both international and local Arctic dishes. Beer enthusiasts may also like to visit the world’s northernmost craft brewery, Svalbard Bryggeri, in Longyearbyen.
If you’d like to try local delicacies, there’s reindeer and seal meat, Arctic char, a freshwater fish, and Svalbard Ptarmigan, a type of grouse. Thanks to the abundance of fresh fish, sushi is popular here, too. On a Swan Hellenic expedition, you’ll also enjoy unforgettable dining on board. The food is focused on quality local ingredients from each destination you visit, and the glittering sea views as you dine are another bonus.
Final thoughts…
If you’re looking to discover the true Arctic, Svalbard is unrivalled. Despite the inhospitable environment, a rare and delicate ecosystem flourishes on this desolate archipelago, and there are countless unique wildlife encounters, nature experiences, and cultural activities to look forward to.
As one of the world’s last frontiers, Svalbard is best accessed by ship, and you can enjoy a rare sense of peace as you glide over these icy waters. On a Swan Hellenic expedition, you’ll be travelling with onboard experts, including historians, naturalists, meteorologists, and ornithologists, offering enriching insights to ensure your trip is as educational as it is inspirational.
And, while your surroundings may be harsh and unforgiving, it’s a different story onboard where the experience is pretty much all-inclusive. Ships boast saunas, open deck jacuzzis, infinity swimming pools, state-of-the-art gyms, and premium spa and beauty salons. Cabins are cosy yet spacious, the cuisine is world-class, and the intuitive service is five-star. You’ll also get to enjoy a pre-night stay in Copenhagen, with transfers and return charter flights to Longyearbyen all included.
Enjoy a free Balcony Stateroom upgrade, free Gold WiFi upgrade + $250 onboard credit to spend on premium drinks, excursions, and spa treatments when you book any eligible 2026 sailing between 15th July and 15th September 2025.