Experience the bright and mild polar summer in Svalbard

The Norwegian archipelago Svalbard consists of islands, islets and skerries between 74° and 81° north latitude and 10° and 35° east longitude. The largest of the islands is Spitsbergen, where the world’s northernmost settlement Longyearbyen is located, while the highest mountain is Newtontoppen at 1,713 m above sea level.

Every season has something special to offer, giving opportunities to enjoy unspoilt wilderness and rich animal life. The polar summer with its beautiful colours and contrasts adds an extra dimension to the majestic mountains, glaciers, blue sea ice, and endless Arctic tundra.

Photo: Sophie Cordon, Visit Svalbard

An abundance of plants and fungi also emerge in summer, creating colourful specks of life on the otherwise inhospitable tundra. Most of the plants are especially adapted to the harsh conditions, and in some cases, Svalbard is the only place on earth where you can see them.

Photo: Jarle Roessland, Visit Svalbard

The bright and mild polar summer in Svalbard stretches from mid-May to late September. This is the season when day and night become one. The midnight sun has already dominated the sky for more than a month when summer marks its entrance and then drops below the horizon again in late August.

Photo: Haakon Daae Brensholm, Visit Svalbard

Many visit in the summertime to explore Svalbard on foot, by boat or a combination of both. Visitors have a broad range of activities and tours to choose from, from hiking and photo safaris to trips on the fjord by kayak or onboard one of the sightseeing boats. Dog sledding is popular year-round, with specially made wheeled sleds if there is not enough snow on the ground. Mining tours and guided tours in and around Longyearbyen are also offered throughout the year.

Photo: Anja Nordvaalen, Visit Svalbard

Web: www.visitsvalbard.com
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