From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

8 travellers

Additional 7 guests Pickup included

3 travellers

Additional 2 guests Pickup included

5 travellers

Additional 4 guests Pickup included

1 traveller

Pickup included

4 travellers

Additional 3 guests Pickup included

7 travellers

Additional 6 guests Pickup included

2 travellers

Additional 1 guest Pickup included

10 travellers

Additional 9 guests Pickup included

6 travellers

Additional 5 guests Pickup included

9 travellers

Additional 8 guests Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Private tour w. experienced local photographer

Light lunch and drinks onboard

Detailed itinerary

Your private Photo Exploring guide will pick you up by bus at your hotel and transfer you to the ship heading to Barentsburg. During the 5-hour journey, you’ll have the chance to photograph stunning fjords, ice floes, and possibly whales—or even polar bears if you're lucky—while the guide shares local history, photography tips, and answers any relevant questions you have.

Discover old architecture in incredible backdrops
Capture breathtaking landscape photography
Visit a city stuck in the past

You'll be transported home by boat to Longyearbyen and then transfer home to your hotel, brimming with new experiences and hopefully a full memory card or two of unforgettable images!

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to local weather conditions, there may be excursions to Barentsburg and Pyramiden where our boat is unable to dock. In such cases, the tour will instead focus on wildlife and the stunning Arctic nature — for example, a visit to Nordenskjöld or the Esmark Glaciers.

During peak season, we reserve vessels based on availability and therefore cannot guarantee whether the boat will be open or closed.

About Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the world's northernmost settlement with a permanent population. Located on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, it offers a unique Arctic experience with stunning natural beauty, polar bears, and the Northern Lights. The town is also a hub for research and education, with the University Centre in Svalbard and the Global Seed Vault.

Top Attractions

Svalbard Museum

The Svalbard Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the natural history, wildlife, and human history of the Svalbard archipelago.

Museum 1-2 hours NOK 120

Global Seed Vault

The Global Seed Vault is a secure seed bank that stores seeds from all over the world to ensure biodiversity in case of global catastrophes.

Historical 1 hour Free

Nordenskiöld Land National Park

This national park offers stunning landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a great place for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature Half-day to full-day trips Varies depending on the tour

Must-Try Local Dishes

Reindeer Stew

A traditional Arctic dish made with reindeer meat, vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten-free if prepared without flour

Fish Soup

A hearty soup made with fresh Arctic fish, vegetables, and spices, often served with bread.

Soup Contains fish, gluten-free if bread is not included

Popular Activities

Snowmobiling Dog Sledding Hiking Northern Lights Viewing Spa and Wellness Museum Visits Guided Tours Boat Tours

Best Time to Visit

April to September

This is the best time to visit Longyearbyen for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The days are longer, and the weather is relatively mild.

0°C to 10°C 32°F to 50°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Norwegian
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (GMT+2 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Longyearbyen is a safe town with a small population and low crime rates. However, the remote location and Arctic environment present unique challenges and safety concerns.

Important Precautions:

• Always go with a guide when venturing outside the town due to polar bear safety.
• Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions.
• Dress appropriately for the cold and carry essential supplies.

Getting there

By air

Svalbard Airport, Longyear • 3 km from city center

By bus

Longyearbyen

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is reliable and covers most of the town and some nearby attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Not commonly used

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Town Center Mine Area

Day trips

Pyramiden

50 km from Longyearbyen • Full day

Abandoned Russian mining town with well-preserved buildings and a unique history.

Barnes Flyover

20 km from Longyearbyen • Half day

A scenic area with stunning views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife.

Festivals

Svalbard Adventure Film Festival • February Svalbard Marathon • June

Pro tips

Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Pack warm, waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear for the cold and snowy conditions.
Always follow safety guidelines and go with a guide when venturing outside the town.
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to view the Northern Lights and experience the Arctic environment.
Respect the environment and wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles.