Tunabreen
Experience the awe-inspiring scale of Tunabreen, a majestic glacier in Svalbard's Templefjorden, with chances for wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas, better light
Tunabreen
Best Time
Calmer seas, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the awe-inspiring scale of Tunabreen, a majestic glacier in Svalbard's Templefjorden, with chances for wildlife encounters.
"Absolutely amazing! Pure emotion!!!"
Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on a boat trip to Tunabreen well in advance, especially for popular expeditions.
Layer Up Your Clothing
Arctic weather demands layers: waterproofs, windproofs, hats, and gloves are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Tunabreen Glacier
Templefjorden
Witness the immense scale of this active glacier, with towering ice fronts and calving icebergs.
Arctic Wildlife Encounters
Templefjorden
Keep an eye out for seals, whales, and seabirds in the icy waters surrounding the glacier.
Glacial Crevasses
Tunabreen
Observe the intricate patterns and deep blue hues of crevasses within the glacier's surface.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Arctic Adventure
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on a boat trip to Tunabreen well in advance, especially for popular expeditions.
Layer Up Your Clothing
Arctic weather demands layers: waterproofs, windproofs, hats, and gloves are essential.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance wildlife spotting and glacier details from the boat.
Consider Both Fjords
Some travelers suggest visiting both Tempelfjorden/Tunabreen and Billefjord for varied glacial landscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on a boat trip to Tunabreen well in advance, especially for popular expeditions.
Layer Up Your Clothing
Arctic weather demands layers: waterproofs, windproofs, hats, and gloves are essential.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance wildlife spotting and glacier details from the boat.
Consider Both Fjords
Some travelers suggest visiting both Tempelfjorden/Tunabreen and Billefjord for varied glacial landscapes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Tunabreen as an 'absolutely amazing' and 'pure emotion' experience, highlighting the breathtaking scale of the glacier and the thrill of Arctic wildlife encounters. The raw beauty and power of nature leave a lasting impression, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure. [^Review]
"Absolutley amazing!
Go there if you have the possibility!"
ssabchris
"I met a polar bear! by snowmobile 16th Feb. 2020‼︎"
Izumi Ishizuka
"Pure emotion!!!"
Giuseppe M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tunabreen is primarily accessed via boat tours departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Companies like Hurtigruten offer expeditions into Templefjorden to see the glacier. +1
Flights to Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) are the main way to reach Svalbard. From there, you'll arrange your local tours.
Most tours originate from Longyearbyen. Some expedition cruises may also include Tunabreen as part of a larger itinerary.
Boat tours typically range from a half-day to a full-day excursion, depending on the itinerary and wildlife sightings.
While snowmobile tours are popular in Svalbard, access to Tunabreen is usually via boat due to its coastal location. Some tours might combine snowmobile travel with boat excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't buy tickets for the glacier itself, but rather for the boat tours that take you there. Booking these tours in advance is highly recommended.
Prices vary significantly by tour operator and duration, but expect to pay several hundred to over a thousand USD for a comprehensive expedition.
There are no specific entrance fees for Templefjorden itself, but tour operators will have their own pricing for the excursions.
Independent access is extremely difficult and not recommended due to safety and environmental regulations. Guided boat tours are the standard and safest way to visit.
Tours often include transportation, a guide, safety equipment, and sometimes snacks or lunch. Wildlife viewing is a major highlight.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer scale of the glacier, its blue ice, crevasses, and any wildlife sightings offer incredible photographic moments. +1
A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife are useful. A sturdy tripod can help with low light conditions.
Always follow your guide's instructions. Maintain a safe distance from the glacier's edge and be aware of calving ice.
Mornings often offer softer light and calmer waters, ideal for capturing the glacier's grandeur.
Drone usage is often restricted in sensitive Arctic environments and national parks. Check with your tour operator and local regulations.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife
Common sightings include seals, various seabirds, and occasionally minke whales. Polar bears are also present in Svalbard, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Strict regulations are in place to protect wildlife. Guides will ensure a safe and respectful distance is maintained.
Polar bear sightings are rare and unpredictable. While possible, it's not the primary reason to visit Tunabreen.
Never approach a polar bear. Follow your guide's instructions immediately. They are trained to handle such encounters safely.
Besides marine life, you might spot Arctic foxes or reindeer on land, though these are less common on glacier tours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for tours that are family-friendly and perhaps offer shorter durations if needed. While wildlife sightings are a bonus, the main attraction for kids will likely be the dramatic glacial landscape and the boat ride itself. Emphasize the importance of staying with the group and listening to the guide for safety.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of the Arctic summer for the best light. Be prepared for challenging conditions; a sturdy tripod, extra batteries (as cold drains them quickly), and protective gear for your camera are highly recommended. Always prioritize safety and follow your guide's instructions when composing shots near the glacier or water's edge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Arctic Glaciers
Exploring Tunabreen typically involves boat tours that navigate through the fjord, offering close-up views of the glacier's front. These expeditions often provide opportunities to witness icebergs of various sizes floating in the water, remnants of the glacier's constant movement. The sounds of the glacier – cracking ice and the thunderous roar of calving – are as much a part of the experience as the visual spectacle.
When planning your visit, consider that the Arctic environment is fragile. Tours are designed to minimize impact while maximizing the visitor's experience. The contrast between the stark white ice, the deep blue of the glacial ice, and the surrounding Arctic landscape creates a visually stunning and unforgettable scene.
Many visitors recommend comparing tours to different fjords, like Tempelfjorden versus Billefjord, to appreciate the subtle differences in glacial formations and fjord scenery. Wildlife Spotting in Templefjorden
Birdwatchers will also find plenty to observe, with numerous seabirds often seen soaring above the water or nesting on nearby cliffs. More excitingly, the fjord is a known habitat for minke whales, and spotting these magnificent creatures gliding through the water is a highlight for many visitors.
While polar bears are the iconic symbol of Svalbard, sightings near Tunabreen are not guaranteed. They are elusive predators, and encounters are rare and unpredictable. However, the possibility of spotting one adds an element of thrilling anticipation to any Arctic journey. [^Review]Guides on these tours are highly experienced in spotting wildlife and ensuring that all encounters are conducted safely and ethically. They adhere to strict guidelines to avoid disturbing the animals and to maintain a respectful distance, allowing visitors to observe these creatures in their natural habitat without interference.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit