Svalbard Arctic Expedition Trip Planning

Travel Arrangements

Flights and pre/post-trip lodging can be made on your own or with a trusted travel agent. If flying from North America, we recommend the following flight schedule and pre/post-trip accommodations.  

Flights to/from Oslo-Longyearbyen

We recommend flying into Oslo, Norway and spending the night. Then flying on a direct morning departure from Oslo to Longyearbyen (Svalbard). We recommend  SAS Airlines for your flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen. Note: be sure to select a direct, non-stop flight. There are some departures which will stop in Tromsø before continuing onto Longyearbyen.

Here are a few options to consider for your arrival and departure from Oslo to Longyearbyen:

Arrival Flight - Oslo to Svalbard (Longyearbyen)

Optional Dates of Arrival: June 24 and June 25

June 24: Arrive Svalbard (one day before the trip begins)

• Recommended SAS Airline flight: Depart Oslo 7:05 - Arrive Longyearbyen 10:00

• Option #2 if you prefer a later flight: Depart Oslo 11:15 - Arrive Longyearbyen 19:35

June 25: Arrive Svalbard (the day the trip begins)

• Recommended SAS Airline flight: Depart Oslo 7:05 - Arrive Longyearbyen 10:05

Upon arrival in Svalbard Longyearbyen

A PBI representative will meet you at the Longyearbyen airport and assist with your transportation to the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen.

Departure Flight - (Longyearbyen) Svalbard to Oslo

July 2: Departure

• Recommended SAS flight: Depart Longyearbyen 16:40 - Arrive Oslo 19:35

Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Lodging

• Oslo, Norway - Airport: We recommend flying into Oslo and staying at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen, unless you want to spend a few days in Oslo. The hotel is a 5-10 minute walk from the airport. You can take a luggage cart to the hotel from the airport if needed. Signs direct you to the Radisson Blu (note there is also a Radisson Red) from the luggage collection. The exit doors are at the far end of the airport, closest to the train station.

• Oslo, Norway - Downtown: If you would like an extra day or more in Oslo, we recommend the Clarion Hotel The Hub. Downtown is about 20 minutes via Flytoget airport express train.

• Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway: If you plan to arrive a day early or stay longer in Longyearbyen, please email us at travel@pbears.org, and we will reserve a night at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen, for you.

Passport & Visa

Svalbard, Norway is part of the EU Schengen zone. All visitors to Norway need a valid passport. Your passport must have an expiration date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. A tourist visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

Travel Insurance

All guests on this trip are required to have travel insurance. There is a significant cost to emergency medical evacuation, treatment, and repatriation coverage in remote, arctic locations. It is the participant's responsibility to understand their private travel insurance. It is recommended that you confirm that your travel insurance includes evacuation coverage. We recommend a short-term membership with Global Rescue.

Travel Waiver

All guests on this trip must sign the Polar Bears International travel waiver before departure. You will receive a link to the waiver during the registration process. Please contact our team if you don’t receive it.

Currency

The currency in Svalbard is Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AmEx) are accepted in most shops in Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund. Please note, at the time of this writing, there are no possibilities to withdraw cash in Longyearbyen. Cash can be withdrawn in Oslo, Norway.

We recommend packing like an explorer. Even though you visit Svalbard in the summer, the temperatures can vary; therefore, dressing in layers is always recommended. The dress code aboard the ship is informal, so bring casual and comfortable indoor clothing.

Here is a list of items that we recommend for your Arctic adventure:

• Warm jacket (down or other)

•  Waterproof trousers and jacket

• Long thermal underwear & top

• Warm hat

• Swimwear – for a dip in the Arctic Ocean

• Scarf or neck gaiter

• Warm sweater

• Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses and safety strap

• Warm gloves and mittens

• Warm socks

• Shoes with good soles / recommended for outdoor use – waterproof hiking boots

• Good grippy shoes to wear on board

• A small waterproof backpack for landings

• Your passport and a copy of it

• Sun protection (Factor 30+)

• Lip balm with UV protection

• Medication, with extras to last through any unforeseen delays

• Your favorite snacks or chocolates

• Adapter for European (Type C) power outlets

• Money in Norwegian Krone (NOK). We also accept credit cards

  • See the “Currency section” for additional information

• Binoculars, Camera with extra batteries and memory cards

  • See the “Photography & Binoculars Guide” for other items you may wish to bring with you

Lost Luggage

Lost luggage is beyond our control. In case your luggage does not arrive in time, we recommend you take the following precautions:

• Pack your hand luggage with your essentials, such as medication and valuables.

• Fly with your jacket on/with you on board.

• Avoid travelling in light summer shoes.

• Bring a change of clothes in your hand luggage.

• If you have a travel companion, pack a few items in each other’s luggage. If your luggage goes missing, you will still have some of your items available.

What to Expect Upon Arrival in Longyearbyen

Be Flexible

We are in the Arctic. You never know what will happen. Expect anything and be ready to roll with the punches; weather can be unpredictable, and resources are limited. Be prepared for changing elements.

Stay Connected

Polar Bears International will set up a WhatsApp group to facilitate communication in Svalbard. Please be sure to download WhatsApp on your phone and accept the invitation prior to your arrival.

Dining in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen offers some great dining, including the following options:

• Restaurant Nansen

• Barentz Gastropub

• Funktionærmessen

• Mary Ann Polarrigg

• Kroa

• Stasjonen

• Svalbar

Things to do in Longyearbyen

While we have many great adventures planned for your trip with us, here are a few thing  that you might want to experience if you have extra time in Longyearbyen:

• Kayaking

• Dogsledding on wheels

• Museums & Galleries

Photography & Binoculars Guide

Capturing memories through photography is a big part of travel! Whether you're a professional or just enjoy snapping pictures, here are some key tips to help you get the best shots. Also, check our policy on drones and recommendations for binoculars. By preparing the right gear, you’ll make the most of your adventure!

Photography Tips

Camera & Equipment:

• Test your camera before your trip, especially if it’s new or hasn’t been used in a while.

• Bring your camera manual in case you need troubleshooting help.

Batteries:

• Batteries drain faster in cold climates—always pack extras!

Digital Storage:

• Bring more digital storage than you think you’ll need to avoid running out of space. Bring multiple memory cards and a hard drive to offload photos if you are worried you will run out of space. 

Tripods:

• Not useful on ships due to vibrations but great for land excursions.

Maintenance & Storage:

• Use a microfiber cloth to keep your lens clean.

• Protect your camera from water, moisture, and shock with a sturdy bag.

Binoculars Guide

Good binoculars can greatly enhance your wildlife viewing experience!

• Recommended Specs: Look for 8x32 or 10x42 models for a good balance of magnification and brightness

• Wide-field binoculars help spot wildlife more easily.

• Compact models (8x25) are lightweight but may compromise brightness.

• Rubber-coated & waterproof options are best for durability.

• Spotting scopes offer incredible detail but are not ideal for use on the ship due to vibrations—best for land excursions.

Drones

IMPORTANT: Regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones, Polar Bears International does not allow passengers to use UAVs.

Polar Bears International’s Work in Svalbard

PBI’s Den Research
Discover why protecting denning moms and cubs is so important—and learn about the work we are doing to help keep families safe. Learn about our ongoing maternal den study

Q&A: Svalbard Maternal Den Study
Working with partners, we focus on polar bear moms and cubs during the vulnerable denning period. Read the Q&A with Geoff York

Barents Sea Polar Bears
The Barents Sea polar bear population, shared by Norway and Russia, is one of 20 in the world. It makes up about 10 percent of the estimated global population. Learn about the bears that call Svalbard home

Outreach in Svalbard, Norway
Our two scientists who staff our seasonal pop-up interpretive center to talk about the Ice House’s first season and their experience of sharing a conservation message in one of the most remote locations on Earth. Read the Q&A with Louise and Larissa

General

Svalbard Guide by Pål Hermansen
An informative guidebook of Svalbard by the writer and internationally recognized photographer Pål Hermansen.

Flora

Flowers of Svalbard by Olav Gjaerevoll and Olaf I. Rönning
This excellent field guide to all flowers in Svalbard is available in most shops in Longyearbyen.

History

By airship to the North Pole – An Archaeology of Human Exploration by P.J. Capelotti
A history of Swedish balloonist Andrée and the American journalist Wellman and their attempts to reach the North Pole by airship.

The Arctic – A History by Richard Vaughan
This is one of the fullest and most comprehensive history books in the area, and it will appeal to anyone interested in history, geography, and anthropology.

Natural History

Polar Bears by Ian Stirling and Dan Guravich
A tribute to the Polar Bear by pre-eminent researcher Ian Stirling and intrepid photographer Dan Guravich. It’s an excellent combination of outstanding colour photography, solid information on natural history and Inuit lore. Fun Fact: Dan Guravich founded Polar Bears Alive, the organization that became Polar Bears International.

The World of the Polar Bear by Norbert Rosing and Ian Stirling
Fantastic photographs and brief essays on the behaviour and history of the polar bear.

Movies/TV

Violet: A Polar Bear Story
When the pandemic shut down the world in the spring of 2020, two female explorers (including Hilde Fålun Strøm) partnered with the Norwegian Polar Institute to observe and report on a young female polar bear in their area that was being tracked by researchers unable to get into the field. The women kept track of Violet for two seasons, following her through the highs and lows of motherhood, and times of loss and renewal—underscoring the challenges of raising cubs in a melting Arctic. Watch here

Frozen Planet
This is a nature documentary series with David Attenborough as narrator. The seven-part series focuses on life and the environment in both the Arctic and Antarctic. A sequel titled Frozen Planet II began airing in September 2022, which covers more frozen habitats than just the polar regions while also emphasizing more on the threat of climate change.

Follow Us

Facebook: @PolarBearsInternational
Instagram: @polarbearsinternational
TikTok: @polarbearsinternational
LinkedIn: Polar Bears International
YouTube: @PolarbearsinternationalOrg
BlueSky Social: @polarbearsinternational.org
Threads: @polarbearsinternational
X: @PolarBears

Details about M/S SJØVEIEN

M/S Sjøveien, meaning "the Seaway," was built in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government and has served in various roles. From 1979 to 1995, she operated as a training ship for mariners. After being privately owned since 1995, she has performed tasks for the Norwegian Coast Guard and later served as a hotel ship. Following extensive refurbishments, M/S Sjøveien began a new chapter in the summer of 2017 as a classic and exclusive yacht in Svalbard. 

With its wooden decks and timeless details, the ship offers ample space on the main deck and a fantastic viewing area atop the bridge, where guests can take in breathtaking views of Svalbard's stunning landscape. A wood-fired hot tub is also on the deck for a luxury touch. An international crew runs the ship, and visitors are welcome to explore the bridge. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the main deck dining area, and passengers can unwind in the lounge with tea, coffee, and talks from the onboard guides.

Cabins

M/S Sjøveien offers eight outside cabins, all with private facilities. You will find four double cabins with portholes (small round windows) on the lower deck. On the main deck there are two larger twin cabins with windows and one large superior cabin with a double bed and windows. The eighth cabin, another superior cabin with windows and a double bed, is situated on the upper deck. Your cabin will be cleaned daily, and new towels are available upon request. All cabins are equipped with a small safe.

Deck Viewing

On the main deck, there is ample space for wildlife scouting and capturing magical moments with your camera. The bridge is always open for visitors, and above it, there is an additional deck area from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding polar landscape.

Bridge Visit

There is an open bridge policy on board and passengers are welcome to visit the bridge at all times. Please respect the Captain’s orders, especially during difficult ice navigation and mooring. The Captain can decide on a closed bridge in the event of, for example, bad weather.

Communication

The ship can be contacted via Satellite phone. You will receive contact information together with the final documents closer to departure. You will be able to buy vouchers to use the internet during your trip. More information will be provided on board. Please note: You will not have reception on your mobile phone during most parts of the expedition.

Dress Code

Since we are embarking on an expedition cruise, the dress code on board is informal. Please wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles when moving around the ship.

Electricity

The electrical outlets onboard in your cabins and elsewhere on the ship are 220 volts with Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend that you bring an international adapter if you have devices that need to charge. All cabins are also equipped with USB-A outlets for charging of smartphones and cameras.

Gratuities Crew

Gratuities are optional and at your discretion. For those who wish to express their appreciation for excellent service, you have the option to leave a tip in cash at the end of your trip (NOK/USD/EUR). If needed, it is also possible to tip with your card.

Please note, that there is no ATM in Longyearbyen for cash withdrawals.

Language

All information presented by the guides will be in English. The crew on board speaks English.

Wood-Fired Hot Tub

What could be better than slipping into a warm bath after a day in the wilderness? Out on deck, there's a wood-fired hot tub where you can relax and savour the moment while witnessing the Arctic landscape pass by.

Laundry

Please note that there are no laundry facilities on board.

Meals & Bar Service

In the ship’s combined dining room and lounge, which accommodates all 12 travelers, you will enjoy delicious meals between excursions. A buffet is served for breakfast and lunch, while dinner is served at the table. It's also a place where you can listen to our guides as they share fascinating insights about Svalbard's wildlife, nature and history. There is a range of drinks to choose from on the menu, including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Coffee and tea are available around the clock. 

Please remember to inform us of any food restrictions in your personal information form before the trip.

Medical

There is a physician and basic medical supplies are available on board. Passengers under regular treatment requiring special medication should bring sufficient quantities for the entire expedition. Please bring a written description of your medication. The ship is always reachable by helicopter from Longyearbyen, where there is a smaller hospital.

Money Matters

A tab of your expenses, for example, bar purchases or communications, will be kept throughout the expedition. If you share a cabin with someone and want separate bills, you must inform the hotel manager directly. The currency on board the ship is Norwegian Krone (NOK). You can pay with US dollars and Euro, but only in cash, and the NOK exchange rate of the day applies. Your ship account will be payable at the end of the expedition by cash or credit card (Visa and MasterCard). The final charges are always in Norwegian Kroner (NOK).

Smoking

A non-smoking policy applies inside the ship. Smoking is only allowed outside on the designated area's open deck for safety reasons. Please note that it is strictly forbidden to throw cigarettes overboard. Please don't smoke during landings.

Water

The water on board is safe to drink.