The Arctic is one of the last true wildernesses on Earth, where expansive ice fields, massive glaciers and remote tundra remain largely untouched.

Whether it’s the surreal glow of the midnight sun or the chance to spot wildlife like polar bears, venturing this far north feels like stepping into another world.

The Arctic might feel out of reach, but it's easier to visit than you might think.

Incredible Travel Destinations in the Arctic

Svalbard

Best for unique excursions / Arctic wildlife / massive glaciers / hiking / history

A group of walruses rest on a rocky Arctic shoreline.
Cec in a yellow jacket sits on a boat as it speeds through Arctic waters, with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Boating excursion on the Arctic Ocean in Svalbard

Located just a three-hour flight from Oslo, Svalbard is one of the most accessible Arctic destinations. With regular flights, comfortable accommodations, and various restaurants in its main town, Longyearbyen, there’s no roughing it here.

Home to more polar bears than people, the archipelago's dramatic tundra, massive glaciers and wildlife-rich fjords feel completely untouched yet easy to explore.

In summer, the midnight sun keeps the land bathed in light 24/7, adding to the surreal experience of this former mining hub, now a gateway for polar expeditions.

Our top 5 travel experiences in Svalbard:

💌 Boating to Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost town and sending a postcard from its post office.

🐻‍❄️ Spotting Arctic wildlife, from beluga whales and walruses to puffins and polar bears.

🥾 Hiking in the remote Arctic tundra

🍻 Exploring Longyearbyen, the historic mining town now home to restaurants, bars and even a local brewery and husky cafe

🥶 Heating up in the sauna and taking a polar plunge into the Arctic ocean

Read our Svalbard travel guides.