Spitsbergen Webcams - Spitsbergen | Svalbard (2024)

FAQs

What is the best month to see polar bears in Svalbard? ›

Seasoned expedition guides have found that May to August/September are the best months to see polar bears in Svalbard.

Uniquely, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located in the High Arctic, is an entirely visa-free zone. However, travelers who have a visa requirement to enter mainland Norway/the Schengen area must have a Schengen visa if they travel via mainland Norway/the Schengen area.

To increase your chances of being able to experience the activities, experiences and adventures each of Svalbard's seasons has to offer, we recommend planning a stay of 5 to 10 days in duration.

Wide Angle lens For landscape photography we recommend a 16-35 mm lens. A wide angle is ideal for glaciers and sea ice. Mid-Range Zoom A 24-70mm lens is ideal for a range of subjects and general shots.

While we can never guarantee a sighting, Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. With an estimated 3,000 across the Svalbard archipelago and Barents Sea, Svalbard acts like a refuge, providing safety for this endangered species.

Due to the polar bear threat on Svalbard, anyone travelling outside the settlements must be equipped with suitable means of scaring off polar bears. The office of the Governor of Svalbard also recommends carrying firearms with you.

The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.

The sale of alcoholic beverages on Svalbard is regulated by quotas. Persons entered in the Population Register for Svalbard can purchase the following monthly quota: up to two bottles of spirits (or up to four bottles of fortified wine) up to 0.5 bottles of fortified wine (alternatively one bottle every two months)

Regulations regarding entry to Svalbard

This means that citizens of all countries that are signatories to the treaty have the same right of access to and residence on Svalbard. Svalbard is not part of the Schengen co-operation, and foreigners need neither a visa nor a work or residence permit to stay on Svalbard.

The official language is Norwegian. However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg, Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.

What do people do for money in Svalbard? ›

The economy of Svalbard is dominated by coal mining, tourism and research.

On Svalbard and Jan Mayen the following currency is used: The Norwegian krone (NOK): this currency is devided in 100 Øre. You can recognise the currency by the symbol kr.

Aurora Borealis in Svalbard

The Northern Lights can be observed from September to March!

Lenses are meant to be used for image making and ... this lens makes for a great image. Thus, I'm going to declare the Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 lens to be the new "World's Most Beautiful Lens" titleholder.

The dark season in Svalbard lasts from around the end of October until the middle of February, but between November 14th and January 29th we enter the darkest and cosiest part of the dark season, also known as the Polar Night.

July & August

For those that enjoy warmer weather, summer is a great time to view polar bears in the Arctic. Temperatures can reach as high as 20°C (70°F) and travellers can experience the Midnight Sun at this time of year.

In Svalbard, the polar night lasts from 14 November to 29 January and is classified as a 'civil polar night,' which means that even though darkness is complete, one can expect some twilight at the horizon in the middle of the day.

However, polar bears can be anywhere in Svalbard. In winter, polar bears can be found throughout the entire archipelago, while in summer they generally follow the sea ice and migrate north-eastwards.

The best time to visit Svalbard is between the months of May and September.