Only in Svalbard

Where polar bears roam across the snow cloaked tundra, skies are governed by swirling streaks of the aurora in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement.

Located in Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, it’s hard to believe this tiny coal mining town is the capital. Yet a short stroll around the miniature metropolis reveals a bounty of unique experiences found only in Svalbard, a true portal into the humbling splendour of the Arctic wilderness.

Perched on the Adventfjord shoreline, where whales can occasionally be viewed from the windows of resident’s homes, remnants of Longyearbyen’s mining past have been left to be admired by the 2,500 residents and 30,000 annual visitors.

From the Coal Mine Museum, the worlds northernmost Brewery and Chocolatier to the Global Seed Vault, this gateway to the Arctic must be seen to be believed.

Erupting from the icy depths of Mount Plateau, the Global Seed Vault is not to be underestimated. The awe-inspiring structure looms large as one of the world’s most vital resources.

With the overwhelming capacity to store 2.5 billion seeds from around the globe, the vault exists to protect crop diversity for the survival of future generations on our planet. Perfectly located 120 metres into the ground, the nature of Svalbard’s terrain, made up of permafrost and thick rock, make storing the seeds at the optimum temperature of -18° possible, even when the power fails.

Owned and operated by the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food and supported by the Global Crop Diversity Trust and the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre, it is not possible to go inside the vault, though trekking trips across the surrounding snow-dusted mountains include a stop at the vault’s magnificent entrance.

Premium boutique living set against the dark blue skies of the polar night, Funken Lodge is a beautiful hillside hotel, where nestled in its intimate wine cellar, the northernmost Champagne Bar can be found. Historically, the cellar was a rare opportunity for polar opposite worlds to collide. Coal miners and Officials would meet when collecting their monthly allowance of alcohol.

Years later, visitors and locals alike combine a day out zipping through the icy wilds on dog sled or snowmobile with a luxurious indulgence into a diverse collection of top-notch bubbly. From vintage options, to bottles only to be found in Longyearbyen, sink into the sommelier’s broad knowledge and stories of life in the Arctic north to wash down the day.

With its distinct red roof often coated in a dusting of snow, café Fruene is home to the world’s northernmost chocolatier. Before a snowshoe hike or northern lights hunt across the untouched Svalbard landscape, a stop at Fruene is a must.

Peruse unique homeware items or watch life on the Lompen shopping street go by from the window of the cosy café. Be sure to sample the iconic polar bear shaped chocolates that Fruene has long been famed for.

From May to September, emissions free catamaran MS Bard has provided peaceful trips across the glistening fjord in search of Svalbard’s abundant marine life.

New to 2022, Hurtigruten Svalbard’s hybrid electric speed boat features a modern design and has the capacity to take up to 12 passengers on Walrus and Glacier Safaris, visits to the world’s northernmost settlement Ny-Ålesund famed as the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s race to the North Pole and wildlife fjord tours.

Out in the wind-whipped wilderness, tucked between the valleys of Adventdalen and Eskerdalen, Svalbard’s Juva Cabin is an experience like no other. Surrounded by mountains sprouting majestically out of the frozen ground, the cabin sleeps ten and is the perfect viewpoint for aurora spotting due to the total lack of light pollution. Experience secluded serenity in the glowing warmth of the outdoor sauna.

Hurtigruten Svalbard’s Wilderness Adventure with Snowmobile starts in Longyearbyen, guiding guests 30 kilometres out of the settlement, heading towards the mountains. Spend days travelling across ever changing landscape, from glaciers to the sea ice in the East, before returning to the comfort of the cabin’s log fire and spacious rooms.