What does a trip to Svalbard cost?
Svalbard has a reputation for being expensive, but it depends how you travel. Here is an overview of what a trip to Svalbard costs — from flights and accommodation to the activities themselves.
The largest costs are usually the flight and accommodation. The activities come on top — but they are usually what you remember.
What does a trip to Svalbard cost in total?
A trip to Svalbard breaks down into four parts: the flight to Longyearbyen, accommodation, activities and food. Airfare varies a great deal with the season and how early you book. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to hotels. The activities are what you add yourself — and they are where you actually experience Svalbard.
What do the activities cost?
Prices for guided tours vary with length and type. A shorter northern lights tour starts from around NOK 1,000 per person. Ice caving is usually around NOK 1,100 to 1,400, and an evening snowmobile tour around NOK 2,250. Longer snowmobile tours such as Tempelfjorden and the east coast cost more, roughly NOK 2,400 to 4,400, because they run 8 to 10 hours and cover long distances.
Example: a typical winter week
A typical winter week might include two or three activities — say one northern lights tour, one ice cave trip and one snowmobile tour. That comes to roughly NOK 4,000 to 7,000 per person for activities, on top of flights, accommodation and food.
How to get the most from your budget
Book early to secure cheaper flights, and consider travelling in the shoulder season. Combining several tours gets you more for your money. Northern lights tours are often the most affordable, while long expeditions cost more per trip. If you need something entirely bespoke, we are happy to build a tailor-made tour within your budget.
Frequently asked questions
What does a snowmobile tour in Svalbard cost?
It varies with length: short evening tours from around NOK 1,250 to 2,250 per person, while long day tours of 8 to 10 hours cost roughly NOK 2,400 to 4,400.
Is Svalbard expensive?
Flights and accommodation are the largest costs, and can make a Svalbard trip more expensive than a mainland Norway holiday. The activities themselves span a wide price range, so you can adapt to your budget.
What does a northern lights tour in Svalbard cost?
A guided northern lights tour starts from around NOK 1,000 per person, depending on the length and whether it is by car or by snowmobile.
Is it cheaper to visit Svalbard in winter or summer?
Prices vary most with airfare and how early you book. The shoulder season often has the best prices, while high season — the dark season and midsummer — can be more expensive.
