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Embark on an Arctic Adventure to Svalbard

Not yet published by Vanessa Boiser

Country: Norway

The Experience

Svalbard, literally "cold edge", is an archipelago found in the arctic, north of Norway where polar bears outnumber the human population. Due to its location, this Norwegian archipelago boasts of a number of interesting phenomenon throughout the year like the polar nights during winter, when the sun never shines the whole day and the Aurora Borealis is seen at best, as well as the midnight sun during summer, when the sun shines all throughout the day and fun summer activities are enjoyed. There are many activities for everyone who wants to book a trip to Svalbard.

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Puzzle

When to Go

The best time to visit Svalbard is on June to mid-September when it is summer in the area. Activities are laid out for everyone from extreme skiing and caving to amusing dog sledding. Also, this is the time when tourists flock to the place on cruises and go camping and hiking. If you are an outgoing individual, you will definitely have a great time in Svalbard. In addition, it is recommended to rent out a lodge if you will be staying for a long time as prices in Svalbard are outrageous. Lodges with kitchenette are good choices for your short stay in Svalbard. There are available supermarkets in the area so no need to worry if you are keen on cooking for yourself or your group. If you want to tour the place, it is recommended tour as a group and you may hire operators who know the place. Although Svalbard is safe and has zero crime rate, polar bears are dangerous if you are confronted with one. If you are alone and would love to venture out all by yourself without a guide, guns are rented out for polar bear defense in case one attacks you on your way. Weather in Svalbard is very cold for the duration of the year. Wear something that will keep you warm and protect you from cold winds. Activities during the day include a visit to the Svalbard museum in Longyearbyen and closed mine entrances where one is purportedly Santa Claus's home. You may also want to check out the Longyearbyen church that sells warm snacks like waffles and hot coffee every Tuesday.

Odds n' Ends

One reminder is to always take your shoes off when going to buildings and other establishments. Shoe racks are clearly visible in every entrance so don't be shy because everybody will be removing their shoes before entering one. Internet is very much available in the place and credit cards and ATMs are generally accepted in hotels and other businesses. However, when buying in supermarkets, they prefer cash better. Have fun in your stay in Svalbard and don't forget to check out the Svalbard tourist information where you may get a map of the area and interesting places and things to see and do. Here are helpful sites that you may consider in your Svalbard trip:

Link to Svalbard Tourist Information Brochure
http://www.svalbard.net/index.php?c=3&kat=Svalbard+Tourism

Svalbard Lodge
Address: 9171 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Contact Person: Elisabeth Anette Lockert
Tel.: 47-79024661
Email: elisabeth@svalbardbooking.com

For organized tours:
Svalbard Tours
Website: http://www.svalbard.net/index.php?c=183&kat=Home

Eventyrlig Natur
Website: http://www.wildlife.no/en/

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Language Guides

Russian , Spanish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in Norway. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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