The official Norwegian name for this archipelago including Bear Island and Jan Mayen is Svalbard. However it is usually known as Spitsbergen, which is the main island with the capital Longyearbyen.
Covering an area almost as big as the Republic of Ireland, Spitsbergen with its population of 3,500 in five settlements is still today virtually unspoilt wilderness.
The east coast is influenced by a cold sea current from Siberia and thus the resulting lower temperatures mean that frequent pack ice even in summer can make access difficult. However in contrast the west coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream and therefore can be reached by sea in summertime.
During the period of the midnight sun, especially in June and July, the sun remains above the horizon at midnight and the temperature drops only slightly at night.

The only means of transport to and from Svalbard is by plane from Oslo and Tromsø to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen. Flying time from Oslo and resp. Tromsø is approx. 2,5 hours to 1 hour and 35 minutes. Scandinavian Airlines has several daily flights in summer and winter.
There is only 45 km of roads in and around Longyearbyen. Road connections to other towns or settlements are non-existent

Travelling along the coast of Spitsbergen is only possible in the Northern summer season from June - September.
Some years it is possible to sail through the Hinlopen-Strait early in the season, while other years there can be a great deal of ice, which makes it hard to sail. We recommend the early tours for those who are keen to see large ice floes, the richest bird life and flowering plants.

For those who would rather travel further east and maybe sail around Spitsbergen, and visit Nordaustlandet, a tour later in the season is more advisable. Nordaustlandet is the second largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and it lies northeast of Spitsbergen. Most of the island is covered by two huge glaciers.

Overall Spitsbergen enjoys a very dry, almost steppe-like climate, although the skies are frequently overcast. Fog can develop very suddenly, especially in the mountains. The prevailing winds are from the north or west and storms can blow up very quickly. The main temperature varies from –14°C in the winter to +6°C in the summer. The average mean temperature in Longyearbyen is –4,8°C. Longyearbyen enjoys the midnight sun from 20 April to 20 August. From 28 October to 14 February the sun never rises above the horizon in Svalbard.
Almost everywhere the subsoil is frozen to a depth up to 400m – permafrost.
Due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, there is an amazing variety of flora on land as well as underwaer.

Flora:
Svalbard is a permafrost region, only the upper layer of soil being frost-free in the summer. Nevertheless, there are a great variety of approximately 165 speciies of wild plants on Svalbard.
You can take many photographs of the colourful flora of Svalbard as you like, but remember – all vegetation in conservation areas is protected.

Fauna:
Most of the birds on Svalbard are birds of passage or migrants that spend the winter in the Barents Sea, along the coast on the mainland or on the continent. Although the bird species are not as diverse as in other regions, the huge seabird colonies are very much an attraction.
Four species of land mammals are found on Svalbard, the Svalbard reindeer arctic fox, polar bear and short tailed vole. Other mammals rely inpart at least on the sea – Walrus, Bearded, Harp and small Ringed seal are numerous around Spitsbergen. In some fjords several hundred ringed seals can cast their pups on the ice at the head of the fjords. Several whale species are still to be found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen.

Animals and birds are especially adapted to the harsh arctic conditions of life. Please do not disturb them, especially during the breeding season. Never touch dead animals! There is rabies on Svalbard.

The animal most associated with the arctic ice is the Polar Bear. Longyearbyen is usually not visited by polar bears. Thus hiking in this area should be relatively safe, but a chance encounter should not be ruled out. On our tours the expedition team members always carry firearms.
Read more on Polar Bears...

The kind of clothing used for mountain walking on the mainland in the autumn is recommended for summer use on Svalbard. Special clothing and equipment may be bought or hired locally. The terrain in Svalbard is rough and rugged so heavy shoes are recommended. On our expeditions Wellingtons and Rubber Boots are essential ! Stepping in and out of the zodiac in the water and walking through melting snow and ice results in high rivers and streams and extensive marshy areas. By the way, it is a tradition on Svalbard to take off your shoes when going into a private home, lodging place and even some offices and shops. It could be a good idea to pack a pair of slippers or warm socks, just in case.
For a detailed packing list please check out our section Travel Resources: What to pack

Norwegian Krones is used throughout Svalbard as well as in the Russian settlements. Visa cards are excepted in most of the larger stores, restaurants and lodging places. American Express, Diners and Euro Cards can be used in some places. Euros become more accepted as well.

Svalbard is a tax- and duty-free area, some commodities come cheaper than on the mainland. Other may be more expensive due the high freight rates.