Hurtigruten · Faq collection planning your trip why svalbard

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1. Hurtigruten

   Company knowledgeUpdated Oct 27, 2026

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   • Where is Svalbard?

     “Svalbard spans the 74th and 81st parallels north – closer to the North Pole than it is to Norway. This remote Arctic archipelago sits in the High Arctic Ocean, and its nine main islands, of which Spitsbergen is the largest, would be locked in ice all year round were it not for the warming waters of the Gulf Stream.”

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   • What are the best things to do in Svalbard?

     “The length and depth of the Polar Night here makes Svalbard one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Dog sledding on snow or on wheels beneath the Midnight Sun is another highlight, as is whale watching, with blue, beluga and humpback whales frequenting these Arctic waters in summer.”

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   • What wildlife can I expect to see in Svalbard?

     “Svalbard is one of the planet's most extraordinary natural habitats, home to an amazing array of wildlife adapted to thrive in the frozen landscapes and extreme climate of the far north. Around 3,000 polar bears live in the Barents Sea region, although they are a rare sight from our ships and must not be sought out on land.”

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   About Hurtigruten

   Hurtigruten: “Hurtigruten offers sustainable expedition cruises and coastal voyages exploring the Norwegian coast and Svalbard, with a focus on responsible travel, local cuisine and authentic experiences.”