The frigid isolation, the arctic vistas, the total darkness, and the overhead physics shows make winter in Svalbard feel like outer space on Earth. Yet, at the same time, Svalbard teems with life. The huts are bursting with warmth and conversation, the pioneer hotels tell a story of human history in this arctic outpost, and nature thrives in the oceans and on the ice sheets.
Even the northern lights become companions, dancing above the stunning, barren plains. This is a place where humanity has chosen to insure life against catastrophe in a frozen seed repository—the ‘Doomsday Vault’. At the absolute upper northern reaches of human habitation, Svalbard is a mind-resetting experience that will stay with visitors for a lifetime.
In our pursuit of extraordinary moments, we travel time zones, share bustling restaurants, and shuffle crowded pedestrian streets. Yet, the truly extraordinary is none of those things in Svalbard. Dining is an escape from the arctic cold and dark, the routes are forged by husky feet or snowshoes, and the time zone is GMT+1 - just travel north, a long way north.
It is the return to daily lives, departing Svalbard, that the perplexity of the place reveals itself, our everyday world where daytime means daylight, as the hum of humanity replaces arctic calm as our daily soundtrack, and we realise there is magic in stripping our world back to the awesome power of nature. Just as it was before, we severed our bonds with nature.
The world’s northernmost settlement, Longyearbyen, is the administrative centre of the Svalbard archipelago. Despite a population of around 2400, the town boasts an international airport and university. Stunningly remote, Longyearbyen's tiny footprint is dwarfed by the vast expanses of the Svalbard islands.
And with a population of some 3000 polar bears across the archipelago, the ’King of the Arctic’ even outnumbers the human population of Svalbard.
Rugged and remote, the town of Longyearbyen is built with a typical Norwegian permanence to cope with the extreme latitude. Nature is all-encompassing, from the frigid, pristine ocean on the town’s limits to the towering rock and ice (also) on the town’s limits—Longyearbyen is an absolute feast of rugged nature.
Low-rise, the town offers cultural centres as well as cafés, bars, and restaurants. Ideally, Longyearbyen has everything needed for an event, even mandated gun-toting guides - for those stepping beyond the town limits.
Summer in Svalbard offers the chance to experience the midnight sun, the flip side of the coin to the winter darkness. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and event activities can include whale watching and searching for polar bears from the water. The more daring can take to the water in a kayak.
Hiking (with an armed guard) is another popular activity in Svalbard. It allows you to explore the area's glaciers and mountains. Fishing is another popular pursuit.
In winter, there is a chance to see the northern lights across Svalbard. Chasing the northern lights can be combined with a skidoo safari or a husky ride. There is also the possibility of visiting the exterior of the world’s seed vault, a doomsday collection of the world’s seeds.
Incentive event activities include boat tours and exploring glaciers and ice caves. In Longyearbyen, there are cultural options, including visiting museums, breweries and art galleries.
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If you want to experience traditional cuisine from Svalbard, then expect something from the ocean – the authentic menu is dominated by seafood. If it swims or dives, then there is a chance that it will end up on the menu. And the idea of a fresh catch takes on an entirely new meaning in Svalbard – this seafood is caught in the waters around the archipelago.
Reindeer is another authentic Svalbard dish, but like everywhere else, there is an international menu in Svalbard. This includes modern twists on traditional recipes. Longyearbyen has several restaurants and hotels to organise group dinner events. There are also more remote huts offering intimate settings for group dinners.
Longyearbyen is no London! The town of some 2400 inhabitants boasts just a handful of bars. Whilst thin on the ground, these bars are hubs of social activity and community, where visitors and locals mingle and where an escape from the dark and cold can taste and feel truly invigorating.
Locally brewed beers are an absolute highlight, a product of the northernmost fermentation magic on the planet.
The Karlsberger Pub in downtown Longyearbyen is a popular watering hole. For a more international experience, try champagne tasting at the Funken Lodge. Another option is drinks accompanied by a 6-course tasting menu at Camp Barentz outside the town or the Barentz Gastro in the Radisson Blue.
