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.
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DURATION:
2 hours
Pick up at 16:00
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SEASON:
January 1st to
December 31th
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GROUP SIZE:
Max 8 guests
per guide
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DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
2/ 5 - Easy
& for most
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PRICE
NOK 1149
per person
Visit one of Svalbard's mountain secrets
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.
You will walk on the gravel road from the parking lot to the entrance for the Global Seed Vault which is approx. 200 meters t/r.
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.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Get up close to the Global Seed Vault (not enter)
- Knowledge about local history and art
- Explore iconic photostops like polar bear sign
- Possibility of wildlife spotting like Svalbard reindeer
- Iconic sightings in Longyearbyen
Who is this tour for?
- Possible for all ages
- This is accessible
- You have a basic physical fitness level.
- Be able to get in and out of a van yourself
This tour is not for you if you:
- You can't get in and out of a van yourself
What guests say
Don't just take our
word for it
THE GLOBAL SEED VAULT & ICONIC PLACES
-
NOK 1149
/ per person
Save my spot
- Secure booking
- No payment required immediately - payment will be sent when we confirm the booking final
The tour program
Explore iconic places in Longyearbyen
We pick you up at the hotel in a van 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.
Stand before the entrance to 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.
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.
- Pick up/drop off at your hotel at the excursion start/end
- Transportation on the tour
- Coffee/ tea
- Expert Svalbard guide with safety gear
- Flights to/from Longyearby
- Hotel in Longyearbyen for pre/post arrival
- Travel & cancellation insurance
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All tours are with english speaking guides.
You need to be able to communicate in English. - We have a 0‰ alcohol tolerance. If this is not respected, you cannot participate in the tour and you are not entitled to a refund.
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For Norwegian public holidays ("called Red days") this trip may have different price and/or number of participants. Please contact for information. These days include:
– Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
– Labour Day (May 1)
– May 17, Ascension day
– Whit sunday and Whit Monday
Frequently Asked 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.
Day tour at a glance
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SEASON:
Dark season, Sunny winter & Midnight sun season:
January to December
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DURATION:
2 hours
from pick up to drop off
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DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2/5
Easy and for most
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UNIQUE ROUTES:
handpicked terrain based on conditions
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GROUP SIZE:
Minimum 2 guests
Maximum 6 guests
Solo travellers are welcome
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AGE LIMIT:
0 to 100 years old
Please bring car seat for children
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EXPERT GUIDES:
Svalbard experts
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MEETING POINT:
Outside your hotel
in Longyearbyen
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