Norway · Bucket List

Custom tours to Svalbard

High-Arctic archipelago of polar bears, glaciers, and 24-hour sun.

From 9,800/person·Best: June–August (midnight sun), March–April (aurora)
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels

What is a custom tour to Svalbard?

A custom tour to Svalbard is a private, fully personalized itinerary built around your dates, interests, and budget. Instead of following a fixed group schedule, you work with a local expert to choose experiences like Small-ship Svalbard expedition, Glacier front kayak, and Dog sledding (winter). Travelers typically spend 7–10 days in Svalbard, visiting in June–August (midnight sun), March–April (aurora), with custom tours starting from around €9,800 per person.

A custom tour to Svalbard is not the same trip as a package. It's designed around you — your pace, your interests, your dates — with a local partner who lives there and knows which streets are worth the walk and which are worth skipping. A custom Svalbard tour sails a small expedition ship from Longyearbyen, books zodiac landings with a polar-bear guard, and times May–August for the midnight sun and August–September for the last aurora before winter.

Svalbard sits in Norway, and rewards travelers who go beyond the highlights. Our custom itineraries start with the icons — Small-ship Svalbard expedition and Polar bear zodiac sighting — then pivot to the kind of local moments that make a trip memorable: a morning with a private guide, a quiet hour at Pyramiden ghost town before the crowds arrive, and an evening chosen just for you.

Plan for June–August (midnight sun), March–April (aurora) as the best window to visit. A one-week custom trip starts from €9,800 per person, including private guides, curated hotels, and flexible transport — peak weeks cost more, shoulder months less. Svalbard is a premium destination — expect upper-mid-range pricing and book early.

When is the best time to visit Svalbard?

Our recommended months are June–August (midnight sun), March–April (aurora). Here's a month-by-month view with planning notes.

Jan
Low season — best availability and value.
Feb
Low season; quiet and often cheaper.
Mar
Recommended
Shoulder; weather improves.
Apr
Recommended
Shoulder; ideal weather begins.
May
High shoulder; book early.
Jun
Recommended
Peak; great weather, higher prices.
Jul
Peak; crowded but vibrant.
Aug
Recommended
Peak; holiday month in much of Europe.
Sep
High shoulder; our favorite month.
Oct
Shoulder; lovely light and smaller crowds.
Nov
Low shoulder; quiet and atmospheric.
Dec
Low season except Christmas and NYE.

Top experiences in Svalbard

Hand-picked moments from our local operators. Every custom tour includes a selection of these, or something better if we find it.

Experience 1
Small-ship Svalbard expedition
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Svalbard. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 2
Polar bear zodiac sighting
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Svalbard. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 3
Glacier front kayak
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Svalbard. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 4
Pyramiden ghost town visit
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Svalbard. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 5
Dog sledding (winter)
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Svalbard. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 6
Longyearbyen seed vault exterior
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Svalbard. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.

Sample itineraries

Two starting points — your real itinerary is custom. We build from here.

7-day classic

  1. 1
    Arrive in Svalbard
    Airport meet-and-greet, check-in, and a relaxed orientation walk in the evening. Welcome dinner at a local favourite.
  2. 2
    Small-ship Svalbard expedition
    Morning focus: Small-ship Svalbard expedition. Afternoon free — we'll suggest the best coffee spots, bookshops, or a spa slot nearby.
  3. 3
    Polar bear zodiac sighting
    A half-day on Polar bear zodiac sighting, with a long lunch stop built in and the rest of the afternoon yours.
  4. 4
    Glacier front kayak
    Full-day experience: Glacier front kayak. Evening at leisure — or we can arrange an off-menu dinner.
  5. 5
    Pyramiden ghost town visit
    Pyramiden ghost town visit — often the highlight day for most travelers. Private guide and transport throughout.
  6. 6
    Dog sledding (winter)
    Dog sledding (winter), with an optional food- or culture-focused evening to round things off.
  7. 7
    Departure
    Late check-out, farewell breakfast, and a private transfer to the airport.

14-day deep dive

  1. 1
    Arrive in Svalbard
    Private airport transfer, check-in, welcome dinner at a curated restaurant.
  2. 2
    Small-ship Svalbard expedition
    Half-day on Small-ship Svalbard expedition. Afternoon free to settle in.
  3. 3
    Polar bear zodiac sighting
    Full day: Polar bear zodiac sighting, with a long lunch in a neighbourhood you'd never have found alone.
  4. 4
    Local pace day
    A slower day — coffee, markets, a cooking class, or a spa afternoon. Your call.
  5. 5
    Glacier front kayak
    Glacier front kayak, with time built in for photos and a leisurely stop.
  6. 6
    Half-day leisure
    Sleep in, breakfast slowly, and pick one short activity in the afternoon.
  7. 7
    Pyramiden ghost town visit
    A full day centred on Pyramiden ghost town visit.
  8. 8
    Regional extension — travel day
    Transfer to a nearby area chosen for your interests (coast, countryside, or another city).
  9. 9
    Regional extension — highlight
    The signature experience of your extension, with a local guide.
  10. 10
    Regional extension — free
    An open day in the extension — beach, hike, market, or just rest.
  11. 11
    Return to base
    Travel back to Svalbard. Afternoon free.
  12. 12
    Dog sledding (winter)
    Dog sledding (winter) — saved for later in the trip, now that you know the city.
  13. 13
    Longyearbyen seed vault exterior
    Longyearbyen seed vault exterior on your last full day, with a farewell dinner to match.
  14. 14
    Departure
    Private transfer to the airport. We stay in touch after you return.

Practical information

Visa
Schengen rules apply; Svalbard itself visa-free
Currency
Norwegian krone (NOK)
Language
Norwegian, English
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Svalbard?+

The best time to visit Svalbard is June–August (midnight sun), March–April (aurora). These months offer the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing. Peak holiday weeks cost more and get crowded; shoulder months are often our favorite.

How many days do I need in Svalbard?+

Most travelers spend 5–8 days in Svalbard as a single destination, or 10–14 days when combining with nearby regions. A custom tour lets you stretch or compress based on what you want to see.

Do I need a visa to visit Svalbard?+

Schengen rules apply; Svalbard itself visa-free. Requirements change — always check with the local consulate or your country's travel advisory before booking flights.

How much does a custom tour to Svalbard cost?+

Mid-range custom tours to Svalbard start from around €9,800 per person for a 7-day trip including accommodation, private guides, and transport. Luxury and adventure packages scale from there.

What should I pack for Svalbard?+

Packing depends on season and activities, but always include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature shifts, a universal adapter, and respectful clothing for religious sites. Your custom itinerary comes with a tailored packing list.

People also ask

  • Is Svalbard safe for tourists?
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  • What is the local language in Svalbard?
  • What are the top things to do in Svalbard?
  • How do I get around in Svalbard?
  • What is the time difference with Svalbard?
  • Can I combine Svalbard with another destination?

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