PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

Q: How do I get to Longyearbyen?
A: Fly via Oslo or Tromsø in mainland Norway. Flights can be delayed due to Arctic weather, so arrive 1–2 days before your booked adventure to avoid missing it.

 

Q: Where should I stay?
A: Longyearbyen has guesthouses, hotels, and cabins. We recommend booking accommodation at least one night before and after your tour as a buffer for travel delays.

 

Q: Do I need a driving licence to join your tours?
A: For snowmobile driving, yes—a valid physical driving licence (car or motorcycle category) is required by law. Digital copies are not accepted. If you don't have one, you can ride as a passenger.

 

Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: High season (winter and summer) books up fast. Reserve 4–8 weeks ahead for popular trips, especially around holidays.

 

Q: Do you have coverage/internet on tours?
A: In Longyearbyen, normal mobile and Wi-Fi. Once you leave town for wilderness adventures, don't expect connectivity. You'll be offline—truly unplugged in the Arctic.

 

Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Highly recommended. Get comprehensive coverage that includes Arctic adventure activities and medical evacuation—critical in remote Spitsbergen.

 

Q: What's your cancellation policy?
A: Check our booking terms for specific deadlines and fees. Tours cancelled by us due to safety concerns (weather, avalanche, ice) are rebooked or refunded per policy.

 

Q: Can families and children join your tours?
A: Some trips are family-friendly; others have age or height restrictions for safety. Contact us to find the perfect Arctic adventure for your family.

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SUMMER SEASON FAQ's

Q: What is the best time to visit Svalbard in the summer?
A: June to August is peak season—the midnight sun never sets, temperatures are milder (around 10-15°C), and wildlife is most active. Mid-June through late August is ideal for boat tours, hiking, and birdwatching.

 

Q: What should I bring for a summer trip to Svalbard?
A: Pack layers: lightweight thermal base layer, insulated mid-layer, waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, wool socks, hat and gloves (yes, even in summer!), sunglasses, and sun protection. The sun may be constant but temperatures drop fast on the water or in the mountains.

 

Q: Are there polar bears in summer?
A: Yes, polar bears are active year-round in Svalbard. All our trips outside Longyearbyen are guided by armed, trained guides who follow strict safety protocols to manage polar bear encounters.

 

Q: What activities are popular during the summer season?
A: Summertime madness Spitsbergen style! Boat tours to Magdalenefjorden, kayaking in Arctic waters, hiking to glaciers, birdwatching on the cliffs, visiting the abandoned settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden, and searching for polar bears and belugas.

 

Q: Can I see the midnight sun in summer?
A: Yes! From mid-April to late August, the sun never fully sets. In June and July you get continuous daylight—perfect for extended adventures and amazing photography.

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WINTER SEASON FAQ's

Q: What is the best time to visit Svalbard in the winter?
A: February to April is prime Arctic time. Snow is stable, daylight increases as spring approaches, and conditions are ideal for snowmobiling. November to January is darker but the Northern Lights are most active.

 

Q: What should I pack for a winter trip to Svalbard?
A: We provide thermal suits, boots, helmets, and gloves for our trips. Bring your own: wool thermal base layers, warm underwear, thick socks, personal hygiene items, and any medications. Avoid cotton—it traps moisture and cold.

 

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see in the winter?
A: Arctic foxes are common around Longyearbyen. On wilderness trips, polar bears are a real possibility—which is why all our expeditions are led by armed, experienced guides. Reindeer herds roam the mountains.

 

Q: What are the most popular winter activities?
A: Our best-selling offer—explore the winter Arctic on snowmobile expeditions deep into Spitsbergen, dog sled adventures, ice cave exploration, Northern Lights hunts, and visiting hidden Arctic settlements. These are wild, unforgettable experiences.

 

Q: Can I drive a snowmobile without experience?
A: Yes! Most guests have no prior experience. Your guide will give you a full briefing and practice session before the adventure starts. But note: you need a valid physical driving licence for a car or motorcycle to legally operate a snowmobile in Svalbard.​

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ABOUT MYARCTIC EXPEDITIONS

Q: How experienced are your guides?
A: All guides are certified Arctic professionals with extensive Svalbard experience. For wilderness trips, guides are armed, trained in wildlife safety, and equipped for emergency situations.

 

Q: Why choose MyArctic?
A: We've guided adventurers for 10 years with a passion for authentic, safe Arctic experiences. Our founder Kate Deren is a certified Arctic Nature Guide who loves Svalbard—we don't just run tours; we share our Arctic home.

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