Svalbard Midnight Sun & Fjords
Based in Longyearbyen, enjoy glacier cruises, guided hikes, and coal mining history.
A short itinerary based entirely in Longyearbyen. Each day features an activity accompanied by an armed guide: a fjord cruise to Nordenskiöld Glacier, a hike up Platåberget, and a tour of Coal Mine No. 3. Since you cannot leave the town limits without a guided tour, booking in advance is highly recommended. This itinerary skips Pyramiden and Barentsburg to focus on the shores of Billefjorden. It is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a quick Arctic experience, but be sure to leave a buffer for potential flight delays.
Boat tours run from late May to late September, depending on fjord ice conditions.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & Longyearbyen Walk
Svalbard (Longyearbyen)（Svalbard Museum、Svalbard Church、Taubanesentralen）
Fly from Oslo (approx. 3 hours), take the airport shuttle bus to town (approx. 10 mins), and explore the town on foot in the afternoon.
There is a polar bear danger outside the town limits. Do not walk past the warning signs without an armed guide.
Stay: Longyearbyen Centre
Day 2 · Billefjorden & Glacier Cruise
Svalbard (Longyearbyen)（Skansbukta、Nordenskiöld Glacier）
Depart from Longyearbyen harbor by catamaran or open RIB boat (approx. 6–9 hours round-trip), sailing past Skansbukta to the glacier front.
Open RIB boats provide thermal suits. Boat types vary significantly, so confirm the route and vessel before booking.
Stay: Longyearbyen Centre
Day 3 · Platåberget Hike & Coal Mine No. 3
Svalbard (Longyearbyen)（Platåberget、Svalbard Global Seed Vault、Mine 3 (Gruve 3)）
Get picked up from your hotel for guided tours. Hike for about 3–4 hours in the morning, and take a 15-minute drive to the coal mine in the afternoon.
The Global Seed Vault is closed to the public and can only be viewed from the outside. All hikes must be accompanied by an armed guide.
Stay: Longyearbyen Centre
Day 4 · Valley Wildlife Tour & Departure
Svalbard (Longyearbyen)（Adventdalen）
Take a 3-hour guided drive along Adventdalen in the morning to spot reindeer and seabirds, then take the airport shuttle bus to depart.
On the return flight, you will clear Schengen immigration in Tromsø. You must collect your luggage there, so allow plenty of time for your connection.