Explore Svalbard: Can You Really Walk Around Spitsbergen? Find Out Now!

Are you planning to travel to the North of the planet? If so, you may find yourself wondering about Spitsbergen – an archipelago situated in the Arctic Ocean

Can you walk around Svalbard?

You may have heard of Spitsbergen referred to as Svalbard – this is because Svalbard is the largest island in the archipelago. There are also several smaller islands in the vicinity, including Bear Island and Hopen Island.

One question that many potential travellers have is whether it is possible to walk around Svalbard. The answer is yes and no – it really depends on what you mean by “walk around”.

Exploring the towns on foot

There are several towns on Svalbard that you can explore on foot. The largest of these is Longyearbyen, which is home to around 2,000 people. Here, you can stroll around the streets and check out the colorful houses, shops, and restaurants.

Another town that you can explore on foot is Barentsburg, which is smaller than Longyearbyen and more remote. This town is unique in that it has a mostly Russian population and architecture, due to its history as a mining settlement owned by the Soviet Union.

Hiking and trekking opportunities

If you are looking for more challenging hiking and trekking opportunities, there are several options available on Svalbard. However, it is important to note that you should not attempt to hike or trek alone, as this can be dangerous due to the presence of polar bears.

Many tour companies offer guided hikes and treks on Svalbard, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day treks that require camping. These experiences allow you to explore the stunning Arctic landscape, including glaciers, fjords, and mountains.

Walking around the wilderness

However, if you are looking to simply walk around the wilderness of Svalbard on your own, this isn’t advised. The reason for this is that Svalbard is home to polar bears, which are a protected species. Encountering a polar bear in the wild can be dangerous or even fatal.

For this reason, if you want to explore the stunning wilderness of Svalbard, it is recommended that you do so as part of a guided tour. This way, you can stay safe while still experiencing the beauty of this incredible place.

In conclusion…

As you can see, the answer to the question “Can you walk around Svalbard?” is not a straightforward yes or no. While it is possible to walk around some of the towns on Svalbard and to go on guided hikes and treks, exploring the wilderness on foot is not recommended. Whatever way you choose to explore this magical place, make sure to stay safe and enjoy every moment of it.