The Global Seed Vault
& Iconic places in Longyearbyen
Visit the Global Seed Vault which is located deep in the permafrost in the mountain side. The Global Seed Vault is a backup for the world’s food supply, safeguarding against World events. We will also be visiting some of the iconic places in Longyearbyen.
Highlights for the Global Seed Vault
and Iconic places in Longyearbyen
- Get up close to the Global Seed Vault (not enter)
- Knowledge about local history and art
- Explore photostops and iconic places in Longyearbyen
- Possibility of wildlife spotting like Svalbard reindeer
- Marvel at the beautiful Arctic panorma landscape of Isfjorden
- including transport and a hot beverage
- Possibility for ALL ages
- Possibility of northern lights during the winter (nov-feb)
You will not enter the Global Seed Vault but visit the exterior
From pick up to drop off
Information*: This trip runs all year around but for Norwegian public holidays (“red days”), a different minimum number of participants may apply or the tour might not run. Please contact for information. These days include:
- January 1st
- Easter: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
- Labour Day (May 1st)
- May 17th, Ascension day
- Whit sunday and Whit Monday
- Christmas: December 24th, 25th and 26th
Please be ready 5 minutes before pickup outside your hotel entrance. Please have patience as we might need to pick up from several locations.
You can read more about difficulty levels here:
See difficulty level description for Svalbard tours here
Visit one of Svalbard's mountain secrets
What you can look forward to...
The Global Seed Vault is one of the world’s most symbolic and mysterious places and it is placed outside of the town centre which means it is not allowed to go here without a guide with polar bear protection. You might be able to spot some reindeers in the area or even a polar fox if you are lucky.
During the wintertime (November to February) we will also keep an eye towards the skies as the northern lights might set the scenery for our visit.
Small groups. Big adventures
Who can participate?*
This is suitable for most people.
You will only need a basic physical condition. We will have some stops where you can get out of the car for photos and enjoying surroundings.
You will need to walk on the gravel road from the parking spot to the Global Seed Vault which is approx. 200 meters t/r.
Program
Exprience iconic places in Longyearbyen
We pick you up at the hotel in a car and our journey begins.
Sometimes we will explore the iconic places on our way to the Seed Vault but it may also be on our way back.
Your guide will take you to some of the memorable landmarks that showcase the unique character of the town, from striking Arctic architecture to historic points of interst.
Visit the iconic polar bear sign
We will explore some of the iconic places around Longyearbyen like the Polar Bear sign. It's recommended to only walk past this sign if you have polar bear protection with you. The Global Seed Vault is past this sign so as a guest on Svalbard you will have to bring a guide with polar bear protection to visit the Global Seed vault.
Each route is curated by the guide, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
The global Seed Vault
On this part of the exclusive tour you’ll stand before the iconic entrance to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault that safeguards the planet’s seeds for future generations.
While access to the vault itself is restricted (and therefore not possible), your guide will share fascinating stories about how Svalbard became home to the world’s most important vault, global cooperation and life on the edge of the world as well as look closer to the main art installation "Perpetual Repercussion". During daylight, it reflects sunlight, and at night, it gives an effect of the northern lights. The view from here can be spectacular.
There will be good possibilities to take photos from the outside of The Global Seed Vault as well as of the beautiful view surrounding the vault.
Return to your hotel
When the tour ends the guide will drive you back to your hotel and your camera will be filled with lots of memories from the tour.
What guests say
Don't just take our
word for it
The Guides
Frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to some of your questions
This is a low-intensity tour. We use a van to get move between the Global Seed Vault and the most iconic places in Longyearbyen. There is approx. 200 meters of gravel road to walk from the parking lot to the Global Seed Vault meaning there is only minimal, easy walking involved.
You need polar bear protection to visit The Global Seed Vault as it is outside the safe zone past the Polar bear sign. It is not recommend to walk there without a local guide and the best and safest way to visit is by joining our guided sightseeing tour, which included transport and experienced guide.
Only researchers and authorized personnel are allowed inside the Global Seed Vault to protect the seeds. However, on our guided tour, our local guide will take you right up to the iconic entrance outside.
Depending on season you need to dress in warm layers, preferably windproof and waterproof outer clothing during summer and warm jackets and pants during winter. Fleece and wool as middle layer is always recommended. Otherwise a hat, gloves, boots, sunglasses (summer), a small backpack for personal items.
Yes, pick up and drop-off in longyearbyen are included in the price. Our guide will pick you up directly at your chosen pick up point. If you chose a hotel please be ready outside the hotel entrance 5 minutes before the scheduled tour start. If you have pick up at the cruise port please be ready at the fence entrance to the cruise area.
For safety reasons, all passengers must be able to understand and communicate in English. If this is not possible, the passenger must be accompanied by someone who is fluent in this language.
Save your spot
for the Global Seed Vault & iconic places
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Included
• Transportation from/to hotel:
Please wait outside the main entrance of your hotel 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time
• Transport on guided tour
• Warm drink
• Local Svalbard guide with safety equipment
Not included
• Warm clothing
• Accommodation in Longyearbyen
• Travel & cancellation insurance
• Flights (you can book via SAS or Norwegian)
Practical information
• If you will be bringing kids who need a car seat we will need to know height and weight requirements in advance.
• You will not enter the Global Seed Vault but visit the exterior
• All tours are with english speaking guides. Please feel to make a request for language and we can have a look at the possibilities (no guarantees).
