The Svalbard Car Rental Guide

Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Europe. It is the northernmost inhabited area in the world, with its main settlement of Longyearbyen located at 78°N. The archipelago is administered by Norway and consists of four main islands and several smaller islands.

Weather

Svalbard has a polar climate, with temperatures ranging from -20°C in winter to 10°C in summer. Snow and ice cover the islands for most of the year, with the exception of the summer months. The climate is generally dry and sunny, with very little rainfall.

Popular Attractions

Svalbard is home to a variety of attractions, including glaciers, mountains, and fjords. Popular attractions include the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the Svalbard Museum, and the Nordenskiöldbreen Glacier. There are also a number of wildlife reserves, where visitors can observe arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears.

Activities

Svalbard offers a variety of activities for visitors, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Visitors can also go on boat tours to explore the archipelago’s glaciers and fjords, or take a walk on the Arctic Circle Trail.

Where to Stay

Longyearbyen is the main settlement in Svalbard, and it offers a variety of accommodation options, from hotels and guesthouses to self-catering apartments. There are also a number of camping sites located across the archipelago.

Best Way of Traveling to or Travelling in Svalbard

The best way to get to Svalbard is by plane, with flights departing from Oslo and Tromsø. Once in Svalbard, the best way to get around is by car. Car rental is available in Longyearbyen, and visitors can also take advantage of the public bus service.