Hurtigruten Svalbard
Hurtigruten Svalbard
4.5
Multi-day ToursSki & Snow ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
Full view
About
Hurtigruten Svalbard is located in Longyearbyen, and is the most well-established tour operator and agent in the area, having assisted visitors to the Svalbard archipelago since 1988. Our team are the local experts on Svalbard, and can arrange everything from day trips to full programs with accommodation, flights, meals and activities for both individual travellers and groups. We work solely with products on Svalbard - this is what we know and is the only thing we sell.Spitsbergen Travel's focus is always on the safety of our guests, and we provide extensive training to our guide team. Our tour production department organises a wide range of acitviites to ensure something for everyone, no matter what the season. Day trips include snowmobiling, dog sledding, northern lights tours, fjord cruises, hiking and kayaking, as well as our exciting expedition programs.We look forward to helping you choose your own Arctic adventure!
Longyearbyen, Norway
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingRevenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Hurtigruten Svalbard
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
(12 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
660 reviews
Excellent
545
Very good
63
Average
17
Poor
18
Terrible
17
Kitty
19 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I went with Hurtigruten on a tour called follow the northern lights
We started in Oslo , went by train to Flam spectacular then ferry to Bergen agin only word spectacular. An afternoon and a day in begen beautiful city . Then it was onto the Hurtigruten ship, a small ship come ferry only 500 passengers and we sailed up the cost of Norway for five days . The ship was great food very good the expedition team very helpful days filled with activity and talks . The drinks were very expensive would be the only thing to criticise.
We had three nights of northern lights breathing. Crossed the arctic circle. Went to north cape .
On leaving the ship it was into Finland for a bus train and ferry tour . We went to a reindeer farm and rode in a sleigh. A husky dog sled ride . Santa village . Slept in a glass igloo . Floated in a frozen lake at night .
Then we had a quick day trip to Tallin Estonia
It all came to an end in Helsinki
Our tour guide Emma Vestrheim made all this work like clock work , we were all listened to and encouraged to ask questions. We laughed a lot . Emma made this trip what it was for us all
It was a smallish group of 22
I can’t recommend this trip highly enough
We started in Oslo , went by train to Flam spectacular then ferry to Bergen agin only word spectacular. An afternoon and a day in begen beautiful city . Then it was onto the Hurtigruten ship, a small ship come ferry only 500 passengers and we sailed up the cost of Norway for five days . The ship was great food very good the expedition team very helpful days filled with activity and talks . The drinks were very expensive would be the only thing to criticise.
We had three nights of northern lights breathing. Crossed the arctic circle. Went to north cape .
On leaving the ship it was into Finland for a bus train and ferry tour . We went to a reindeer farm and rode in a sleigh. A husky dog sled ride . Santa village . Slept in a glass igloo . Floated in a frozen lake at night .
Then we had a quick day trip to Tallin Estonia
It all came to an end in Helsinki
Our tour guide Emma Vestrheim made all this work like clock work , we were all listened to and encouraged to ask questions. We laughed a lot . Emma made this trip what it was for us all
It was a smallish group of 22
I can’t recommend this trip highly enough
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear caharinedelf
We are very happy that you enjoyed your trip.
I must inform you that this is the account for Hurtigruten Svalbard, you have been travelling with Hurtigruten Norway. I will forward your message to them.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cora M
Gloucester, UK6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
On their cruises they wake you up at any time of night with announcements about the Northern Lights - it is impossible to turn these announcements off. Will someone explain to me WHY a WHOLE boatload of 400+ people needs to be woke because there are a few wisps of green light in the sky?????
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Cora
This is the Tripadvisor account for Hurtigruten Svalbard, we do not operate ships along the coast of Norway.
We kindly ask you to delete this review and contact Hurtigruten Norway with your complaint.
With regards
Mats
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James M
13 contributions
A fascinating way to hear about the history of Svalbard with a chance to view the stunning Northern Lights. We are a delicious meal in a traditional hut with a warming fire. We had some great guides who shared a lot of interesting information on the history of Svalbard, Longyearben, the Northern Lights and Barentz.
I would highly recommend this experience if you're visiting Svalbard.
I would highly recommend this experience if you're visiting Svalbard.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear jamesmJ2815TU
Thank you for the lovely review.
We are so happy that you enjoyed our Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie B
6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I’m so happy I booked this experience as my Northern Lights tour. I wasn’t lucky enough to see the Northern Lights this night, but I greatly enjoyed the reindeer stew and presentations about the history of Svalbard and the science behind the Aurora. Without these additions, I would have been really disappointed with the night, but because of them, the price/time still felt well worth it!
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear jamiebI1025KT
Thank you for your review.
We are so happy that you enjoyed our Wilderness Evening at Camp Barentz.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louis T
Mansfield, OH11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Captains Choice Cruise.
The tour guide was great - lots of great history and a short presentation by college students re: permafrost.
I assumed we would get closer to glaciers but we sailed only along the fjord. Other than seeing an abandoned mining camp, there was little else. It becomes dark about 2 hours in to the trip that limits sightseeing even more. I knew seeing wildlife was a long shot, but I thought we would at least see a glacier a little closer.
It is initially certainly a beautiful trip for maybe the first hours, but 4 hours with half of that daytime
And along the same ridge, is not really worth the money. It was all in all a pretty disappointing trip and I could not recommend it at this time of year.
We did talk to another visitor that took the wildlife cruise and did see a polar bear, but that is a 7 hour trip and we were limited to the shorter one.
The tour guide was great - lots of great history and a short presentation by college students re: permafrost.
I assumed we would get closer to glaciers but we sailed only along the fjord. Other than seeing an abandoned mining camp, there was little else. It becomes dark about 2 hours in to the trip that limits sightseeing even more. I knew seeing wildlife was a long shot, but I thought we would at least see a glacier a little closer.
It is initially certainly a beautiful trip for maybe the first hours, but 4 hours with half of that daytime
And along the same ridge, is not really worth the money. It was all in all a pretty disappointing trip and I could not recommend it at this time of year.
We did talk to another visitor that took the wildlife cruise and did see a polar bear, but that is a 7 hour trip and we were limited to the shorter one.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess
Scotland, UK5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
My husband and I were visiting off of a cruise ship (in for 1 day) and we booked the Captains Favourite cruise. Booking process was fine however, it would have been helpful that the website/ company provides the correct name of the vessel (Bard/ Berg), and where exactly the excursion leaves from. We had a look at maps and AIS/ Marine Traffic online and couldn’t for definite say where it left from as the email said the name of one vessel when it was actually the other. So we booked the transport which left from the tourist centre just to make sure we definitely go to the right place. Now we were already at the harbour on the cruise ship, and then walked into town to catch the bus to take us back down to the harbour. (No harm done really as it’s a nice walk and burns off a few more calories from the buffet). But by the time we got there the ship was pretty much full as it is without more folk coming off of the bus we were on. No seats left inside the boat at all.
We stood outside anyway as we didn’t mind. Then over the tanoy we were told to come inside for a safety briefing. That’s fine no issues whatsoever. But again, no seating room and with everyone onboard it was like sardines in a tin. They mentioned they were at full capacity which I might have remembered incorrectly but pretty sure they said 70 passengers. Really HIGHLY suggest the company takes comfort into consideration over money and reduces that number. In my opinion it looked like people were scared to leave their seats and go out/ see things as they would have lost them.
Cruise sets off and we head back outside after the safety announcement. Everything is fine we’re cold even with wrapping up but weather can’t be helped. Again, would have been nice to get a seat inside. We head to the glacier across the bay and see walruses and a whale (at a distance) en route. We’re at the glacier and surrounding area for a while then it’s time to head back. Chanced our luck to try and get a seat inside for the journey back. We find a seat but it does mean we have to shift bags that other people had left on the seats. (Everyone was told before leaving not to leave stuff on seats as it’s pretty inconsiderate to other people but there you go). Spotted another whale (at a distance). Folk were fed up of the cold by this point and everybody was inside for the journey back but there was a lot of people having to stand for the 45 min/ hour journey back to port.
This is just my (long winded) review and experience. Really would have enjoyed it more had there been less people onboard but I do understand a cruise ship in with 2000 people, there is going to be demand for this excursion and the company has to make money.
We stood outside anyway as we didn’t mind. Then over the tanoy we were told to come inside for a safety briefing. That’s fine no issues whatsoever. But again, no seating room and with everyone onboard it was like sardines in a tin. They mentioned they were at full capacity which I might have remembered incorrectly but pretty sure they said 70 passengers. Really HIGHLY suggest the company takes comfort into consideration over money and reduces that number. In my opinion it looked like people were scared to leave their seats and go out/ see things as they would have lost them.
Cruise sets off and we head back outside after the safety announcement. Everything is fine we’re cold even with wrapping up but weather can’t be helped. Again, would have been nice to get a seat inside. We head to the glacier across the bay and see walruses and a whale (at a distance) en route. We’re at the glacier and surrounding area for a while then it’s time to head back. Chanced our luck to try and get a seat inside for the journey back. We find a seat but it does mean we have to shift bags that other people had left on the seats. (Everyone was told before leaving not to leave stuff on seats as it’s pretty inconsiderate to other people but there you go). Spotted another whale (at a distance). Folk were fed up of the cold by this point and everybody was inside for the journey back but there was a lot of people having to stand for the 45 min/ hour journey back to port.
This is just my (long winded) review and experience. Really would have enjoyed it more had there been less people onboard but I do understand a cruise ship in with 2000 people, there is going to be demand for this excursion and the company has to make money.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mireia Calvo
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Fastantic!!! I would 100% recommend. Fred ans Sam are really experts in the topics and make amazing explanations. They have taken great care of all of us, specially my father (almost 91!!!). You cannot miss this experience. Breathtaking!!
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 863mireiac
Thank you for the review.
We are so happy you and specially your father had a breathtaking trip with our hybrid catamaran MS Bard.
I will forward the message to the crew onboard.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lise M
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Fantastic experience!
Fred and Sam took great care of us - first of all safety, but also in sharing their immense knowledge.
The facilities are clean, and the included lunch was something everyone could eat (not an easy task to find a dish that is vegan, gluten-free, etc. and yet still tasty!)
The nature is really something to witness in Svalbard, and this cruise is a comfortable and reasonably-priced way to experience it.
Fred and Sam took great care of us - first of all safety, but also in sharing their immense knowledge.
The facilities are clean, and the included lunch was something everyone could eat (not an easy task to find a dish that is vegan, gluten-free, etc. and yet still tasty!)
The nature is really something to witness in Svalbard, and this cruise is a comfortable and reasonably-priced way to experience it.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear lisemI3273EE
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback.
We are very happy that you enjoyed your trip with our hybrid catamaran MS Bard.
And that you enjoyed the soup, we have been on a long journey to find the "perfect" dish that suits most, so we are very happy to hear this.
I will pass on your message to Sam, Fred and rest of the crew.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nishi
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The tour was informative. The guides Fred and Sam were experts on the arctic topics and the presentation as well as answers to questions were great to get better insights. The tour was very well organised from beginning to end.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Odyssey557315
Thank you for the nice review.
We are very happy that you anjoyed our trip with our hybrid catamaran MS Bard.
I will pass on your message to Fred and Sam.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgie W
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I went on two tours with Hurtigruten in an attempt to see a polar bear - The Captain's Favourite and The Wildlife & Glacier tour. No luck on the polar bear but all the guides (Iona (apologies if incorrect spelling!!), Fred and Sam) were great at keeping us informed. A special highlight was having two students from the university join us and give a small presentation at the end on some of the work they're doing.
My only suggestion would be if the crew do spot something, just have someone informing the passengers what's happening. There was one instance on the longer tour where one of the crew thought they may have seen a polar bear and all the crew started looking intently but ignoring the passengers. Totally get they were trying to find the bear for us (turned out to be a rock unfortunately, haha!), but we were all asking questions of 'what's happening' and were getting outright ignored. Was just a little anxiety inducing until we found out what was actually happening.
My only suggestion would be if the crew do spot something, just have someone informing the passengers what's happening. There was one instance on the longer tour where one of the crew thought they may have seen a polar bear and all the crew started looking intently but ignoring the passengers. Totally get they were trying to find the bear for us (turned out to be a rock unfortunately, haha!), but we were all asking questions of 'what's happening' and were getting outright ignored. Was just a little anxiety inducing until we found out what was actually happening.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Georgie
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy that you enjoyed our Captains favourite trip with our hybrid catamaran MS Bard.
We understand the importance of information flow to the passengers, but we like to confirm what we see before we announce it to the passengers, to not create speculation or false hopes.
With regards
Mats
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve S
Ford, UK38 contributions
Hi
I'm hoping tobook 4 night trip next July 23. I'm loving your review although 5 years ago I'm really hoping to sight Polar bears although some reviews state they sawnothing which is always a possibility on such trips - we did gorilla trekking gorillas this year and saw many so hope it would also meet the expectations
Many thanks for any advice
Regards
Stev3
HurtigrutenSvalbard
Longyearbyen, Norway13 contributions
Hi Stev3
Sorry for the late reply. You must be thinking of the "Spitsbergen and Polar Bears - an Arctic Adventure" with MS Nordstjernen.
We often see Polar Bears on the west coast of Spitsbergen during the summer, but it is not an guarantee.
Svalbard’s most famous residents, the polar bears, roam free throughout the archipelago, and on the surrounding sea ice. It is important to note that we are bound by the strict Svalbard Environmental regulations, meaning that we cannot and will not actively search, follow, or disturb polar bears in any way during our voyage.
If we are lucky, we may see bears during the tour, but both yourself and other guests must be fully aware that our Expedition Team will not do any-thing that is not strictly legal, and that any bear sightings or observations will be kept at a safe distance and limited in duration to avoid disturbing these protected animals.
Most polar bear photographs are taken using zoom lenses. We recommend that guests carry binoculars and consider telephoto lenses for photography.
Please contact us directly if you have any further questions.
All the best and we hope to take you on an Arctic adventure.
With regards
Mats
airalilaria
Gorizia, Italy1 contribution
Hi, is it mandatory to have done previous snowmobile experience?
HurtigrutenSvalbard
Longyearbyen, Norway13 contributions
Hi Airalilaria
It is not necessary to have previous snowmobile experience on all trips. If you look at our web page our snowmobile trips are categorized in level of difficulty, from 2 to 5. Level 2 and 3 are suitable for most without any snowmobile experience. For level 4 and 5 previous snowmobile is an advantage and recommended.
With regards
Mats, Hurtigruten Svalbard.
WinchesterExplorer
Winchester, UK198 contributions
blue whales
SpitsbergenTravelCSR
Longyearbyen, Norway3 contributions
Actually, the last summers we have had blue whales in the Isfjord, and have seen them on our summer day trips.
littlebycar
Bellinzona, Switzerland631 contributions
Buongiorno,
mi interessano le escursioni di mezza giornata dato che starò due notti alle svalbard.
E' possibile fare delle belle escursioni semplici?
A noi interessano paesaggi e fauna/flora.
Grazie.