Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a local, experienced guide that will show you not only this fascinating town, but some of their favorite photography motifs as well. On this relaxing walking tour you’ll get intimate knowledge of off-the-beaten-path vistas and wind up with an unparalleled experience offered by no other services - in that ours is not just a tour of the city, but a tour based on photography. From late October to mid-February, Longyearbyen is wrapped in the magic of the polar night. Though the sun doesn’t rise, the soft blue twilight and snow-covered landscape create an unforgettable setting—perfect for capturing the northern lights and the unique Arctic atmosphere. During this period of time expect crisp, cold weather, typically between -13°C and -25°C (9°F to -13°F). The chill is part of the adventure—and with the right warm layers and sturdy winter boots, you’ll be comfortable and fully able to enjoy the serene beauty of the Arctic
Inclusions
What's included
- A guided tour of Longyearbyen
What's not
- Lunch
- Photography equipment (you must bring your own)
Itinerary
Longyearbyen was founded in 1907 by its namesake, mining company owner John Munro Longyear, and is to this day operational, the northernmost settlement in the world with more than a thousand inhabitants. The northern location has led to several unique laws, one of which renders it impossible to be buried there, as the permafrost doesn't allow for the bodies being reclaimed by the earth. A truly spectacular place to visit!
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.7
- 52
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 3 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Better Moments Photo Exploring
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
How it compares in Longyearbyen
- Its from-price is 77% below the median of the 7 experiences we list in Longyearbyen.
- By number of reviews it ranks 1 of 7.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the main settlement of Svalbard, a small Arctic town at 78 degrees north, ringed by mountains, glaciers and polar bear country.
Longyearbyen lies on the shore of Isfjorden on the island of Spitsbergen, around 1,300 kilometres from the North Pole. It grew from a coal-mining camp founded in 1906 by the American John Longyear, whose name it carries, and coal mining shaped its first century. The Svalbard Museum explains the archipelago's natural history, hunting past and mining, and the Global Seed Vault is cut into a mountain above the airport.
