Getting to Svalbard
Svalbard is closer than you might think, just about three hours by flight from Oslo. Within a single day you can travel from mainland Europe to one of the world’s northernmost destinations. Many travellers spend their first night in Longyearbyen, the small Arctic town that serves as the gateway to the wilderness, before heading out on expeditions to remote places like Isfjord Radio or Nordenskiöld Lodge.
Flights
There are daily flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen operated by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian. Some flights also stop in Tromsø along the way.
For schedules and bookings, visit:
SAS – www.flysas.com
Norwegian – www.norwegian.com
Passport & Visa
Although Svalbard belongs to Norway, the archipelago is outside the Schengen Area. All travellers must therefore go through passport control when travelling between mainland Norway and Svalbard.
Passport checks are normally carried out at Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) and Tromsø Airport (Langnes).
If you require a visa to enter Norway, please note that you may need a double-entry Schengen visa, as you will leave the Schengen area when travelling to Svalbard and re-enter when returning to mainland Norway.
Airport Transfer
The airport in Longyearbyen is located about 5 kilometres from the town centre. An airport shuttle bus meets all arriving flights and stops at the hotels in town, including Basecamp Hotel. The journey takes around 10–15 minutes, and tickets can be purchased directly on board by card.
Getting Around Svalbard
Longyearbyen has around 40 kilometres of roads, but there are no roads connecting the settlements on Spitsbergen. To explore the Arctic wilderness beyond town, you must travel by boat in summer or by snowmobile or dog sled in winter.
Whenever leaving the settlement, it is important to travel with proper safety equipment and knowledge of the Arctic environment. Polar bears live throughout the archipelago, and visitors are required to carry appropriate protection outside the settlement.
For most travellers, the safest and most rewarding way to explore Svalbard is to join trips with experienced guides and licensed local operators.
PREVIOUS STORY
