12.4 hours ashore on average
Ships typically dock in Longyearbyen for around 12.4 hours. That's enough time for a full island tour, a beach day, or a combination of shorter experiences.

Tours & Experiences in Longyearbyen

7 experiences available — book through our trusted partners

Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise Private 8 Day Tour
Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise Private 8 Day Tour
★★★★★ 5.0 (1 reviews) ⏱️ 192.0h
We are a micro cruising company. With only 12 guests on board our departures, we have the ability to go where other larger ships do not. This small presence is sustainable and limits disturbance to wildlife and the environment.
VIATOR
Svalbard Icebreaker Cruise and Arctic Floating Adventure
Svalbard Icebreaker Cruise and Arctic Floating Adventure
★★★★★ 4.9 (22 reviews) ⏱️ 7.0h
Explore the magnificent fjords of Svalbard on a thrilling 6-hour cruise aboard the icebreaker M/S Arktis. Experience the unique Arctic floating program where you can safely float in the Arctic Ocean, equipped with a survival flotation suit. Enjoy a warm vegetarian soup for lunch while taking in breathtaking views of Isfjorden and the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and possibly even whales or polar bears. With expert guides onboard sharing insights about the Arctic environment, this trip offers an unforgettable connection to nature in one of the world's most exotic locations. - 6-hour cruise from Longyearbyen with hotel pick-up included - Optional Arctic floating experience with all necessary equipment provided - Warm vegetarian soup served during the journey - Opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife and stunning landscapes
Free cancellation VIATOR
Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen
Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen
★★★★★ 4.5 (2 reviews) ⏱️ 3.0h
You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a local, experienced guide that will show you not only this fascinating town, but some of their favorite photography motifs as well. On this relaxing walking tour you’ll get intimate knowledge of off-the-beaten-path vistas and wind up with an unparalleled experience offered by no other services - in that ours is not just a tour of the city, but a tour based on photography. From late October to mid-February, Longyearbyen is wrapped in the magic of the polar night. Though the sun doesn’t rise, the soft blue twilight and snow-covered landscape create an unforgettable setting—perfect for capturing the northern lights and the unique Arctic atmosphere. During this period of time expect crisp, cold weather, typically between -13°C and -25°C (9°F to -13°F). The chill is part of the adventure—and with the right warm layers and sturdy winter boots, you’ll be comfortable and fully able to enjoy the serene beauty of the Arctic
Free cancellation VIATOR
Svalbard Discover the Mining Settlement of Pyramiden
Svalbard Discover the Mining Settlement of Pyramiden
★★★★ 3.7 (3 reviews) ⏱️ 8.0h
What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Longyearbyen:Global Seed Vault In-depth Tour 2h
Longyearbyen:Global Seed Vault In-depth Tour 2h
★ 1.0 (1 reviews) ⏱️ 2.0h
** Please note: Visits are restricted to the exterior of the seed vault. The inside of the global seed vault is not a tourist attraction, and entry is strictly prohibited to everyone. 1. Marvel at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault from a prime vantage point. 2. Spend enough time at the Global Seed Vault to capture the perfect photos. 3. Learn about Arctic life, from permafrost challenges to thriving at 78° North. 4. Stay warm in a modern taxi while the Arctic landscape unfolds outside.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Private Shore Tour: Northern Lights Chase by Snowcat
Private Shore Tour: Northern Lights Chase by Snowcat
⏱️ 2.0h
Embark on a thrilling chase for the Northern Lights on this unforgettable snowcat adventure. Leaving the lights of Longyearbyen behind, your journey takes you into the vast, dark wilderness of Svalbard. As you travel over the frozen Adventdalen Valley, your guide will make several stops to hunt for the Northern Lights, offering you the best chance to witness this mesmerizing natural spectacle. While the experience of traveling through the pristine Arctic wilderness is awe-inspiring in itself, we advise dressing warmly so you can enjoy the stops and the stunning silence of Svalbard’s remote landscape.
VIATOR
From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg
From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg
⏱️ 10.0h
What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
Free cancellation VIATOR

When to Visit Longyearbyen

Cruise season patterns based on scheduled ship visits and passenger volumes

Spring Season
Mar – May
5,644 estimated passengers across 10 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Summer Season
Jun – Aug
103,344 estimated passengers across 110 ship visits. Peak cruise season — book early.
Autumn Season
Sep – Nov
11,623 estimated passengers across 17 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.

Cruise Lines Visiting Longyearbyen

12 cruise lines. View full breakdown →

Hurtigruten Cruises (201) HX Expeditions Cruises (42) Quark Expeditions Cruises (26) Viking Cruises Cruises (22) Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises (18) AIDA Cruises Cruises (14) Ponant Cruises Cruises (11) MSC Cruises Cruises (8) Scenic Cruises Cruises (7) Aurora Expeditions Cruises (6) TUI Cruises Cruises (6) Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Cruises (5)

Ships Arriving Soon

Next scheduled visits to Longyearbyen

Tue 15 Sep
MS Midnatsol
Hurtigruten Cruises

View all scheduled visits →

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