Tromso, in far northern Norway above the Arctic Circle, is an Arctic gateway of mountains, glaciers and husky sledges, yet also a lively city with a strong student vibe. In summer, enjoy the midnight sun; in winter, the polar night, a half-marathon, and the return of the sun. Ride the cable car to Storsteinen for views of the city, fjord and bridge. Visit the Polar Museum, Science Centre and the Alpine Botanic Garden, and look for the world-famous northern lights.

Skarsvag, a tiny Arctic fishing village in northern Norway, is the world's most northerly fishing village and a gateway to the North Cape on Magerøya. With only about 60 year-round residents, it offers stark beauty, birdlife, and fjords. Nearby are the midnight sun, North Cape's globe viewpoint over the Barents Sea, bird cliffs with puffins and gannets, Knivskjellodden, and the North Cape Hall and tunnel chapel.

Svalbard's southern region, especially Spitsbergen's west coast, is less ice-clogged than the rest of the archipelago because of the Gulf Stream. Fjords here were used by trappers, hunters, and mining companies, and you can still visit remains of huts and mines, along with active scientific and commercial settlements. Depending on the season, glaciers can be reached on foot or by sea. Hornsund offers dramatic geology, rugged mountains, spectacular glaciers, seabirds, and seals.

Svalbard's southern region, especially Spitsbergen's west coast, is less ice-clogged than the rest of the archipelago because of the Gulf Stream. Fjords here were used by trappers, hunters, and mining companies, and you can still visit remains of huts and mines, along with active scientific and commercial settlements. Depending on the season, glaciers can be reached on foot or by sea. Hornsund offers dramatic geology, rugged mountains, spectacular glaciers, seabirds, and seals.

Svalbard's southern region, especially Spitsbergen's west coast, is less ice-clogged than the rest of the archipelago because of the Gulf Stream. Fjords here were used by trappers, hunters, and mining companies, and you can still visit remains of huts and mines, along with active scientific and commercial settlements. Depending on the season, glaciers can be reached on foot or by sea. Hornsund offers dramatic geology, rugged mountains, spectacular glaciers, seabirds, and seals.

Svalbard's north is less affected by the Norwegian Current than the south, so it has more ice. Northern Spitsbergen offers striking fjords, bays, and glaciers. Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve includes Spitsbergen's east coast, Hinlopen Strait, Nordaustlandet, and islands such as Kvitøya and Storøya. Expect walrus haul-outs, bird cliffs, glaciers, Arctic flora, polar bears, and historic sites; ice conditions determine access.

Svalbard's north is less affected by the Norwegian Current than the south, so it has more ice. Northern Spitsbergen offers striking fjords, bays, and glaciers. Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve includes Spitsbergen's east coast, Hinlopen Strait, Nordaustlandet, and islands such as Kvitøya and Storøya. Expect walrus haul-outs, bird cliffs, glaciers, Arctic flora, polar bears, and historic sites; ice conditions determine access.

Svalbard's north is less affected by the Norwegian Current than the south, so it has more ice. Northern Spitsbergen offers striking fjords, bays, and glaciers. Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve includes Spitsbergen's east coast, Hinlopen Strait, Nordaustlandet, and islands such as Kvitøya and Storøya. Expect walrus haul-outs, bird cliffs, glaciers, Arctic flora, polar bears, and historic sites; ice conditions determine access.

Longyearbyen is Svalbard's largest settlement and administrative center, with the archipelago's best services and infrastructure. Set deep in Adventfjord off Isfjorden, it has a year-round airport, though the harbor freezes in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants, and the hospital are within walking distance of the port. Notable sites include UNIS, the northernmost higher-education center, and the nearby Svalbard Museum. Traces of former mining remain throughout town.