Making a trip to the starting point of most Arctic circle trips – the Norwegian Archipelago of Svalbard? Summer or winter, the Global Seed Vault is one of the most unique places to visit. It’s a bit strung out of town though, so read on to find out all you need to know before you go.

How to visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

What is it?

In a vault 120 metres into a mountain, is an iconic building, where no one can go. And it’s not a tourist attraction (really) but if you’re fascinated by all things quirky and curious – you should see it.

Why was the vault built?

It’s kind of a back up against the apocalypse.

Imagine the zombies descend tomorrow and, Shaun of the Dead style it’s the end of life as we know it. Repopulating all the plantlife is down to the seeds in this store.

Of course, it’s not the only store, but it’s the back up of all the other back ups. And being in one of the most northerly spots on the planet, it’s likely to survive the zombocalypse.

Actually in all seriousness, with climate change the way it is, it’s an important way for developing countries to safeguard their food security.

When’s the best time to visit?

If you want the place to yourself, we found a quiet Saturday – even in the warmest season – to be great.

With the midnight sun in full swing during summer in the Arctic circle, you could also make the trip at night and get the place to yourself. Don’t forget to wear the right gear for your trip!

So can you go inside the vault? Who do I have to bribe to get entry?

Nope.

And here’s the thing, you aren’t even supposed to get very close. There’s a sort of plateau around the vault with a sign saying ‘no entry’ that encourages you to keep a couple of minutes’ walk away.

But they aren’t really fending visitors off with sticks. Rocking up on a weekend, the space around the vault was completely deserted. Obviously I’m not suggesting you sneak up for a photo opp. Ahem.

Either way, there are decent views from just beyond the entrance, where you can snap a few pics.

How to get to Norway’s Global Seed Vault in Svalbard?

The Vault is up high (flood protection?) and about a 40 minute walk from the port and main area of Svalbard (human protection?).

It’s not really near anything so I’d plan on taking a taxi there from town – up hill, amiright? And you can walk back down the slope to lunch. Allow lots of time for dawdling as you’ll run into wildlife and pretty views on the way down.

Can you get to the Global Seed Vault in Norway by bus?

Private tour buses for various cruises glide up to the top.

The only public bus I know of in this little snpw globe of the north is the svalbard airport shuttle. It stops at all the local hotels, plus the airport

What’s nearby in Svalbard?

You’re not really next to a McDonald’s, here at 78 degree north.

But as soon as you’re back in the cluster of houses and buildings you should:

Try a reindeer burger at the restaurants in town
Visit the Svalbard Museum
Go for a hike
Check out workshop spaces on local artisan work
Get to know the locals

So… does anyone know to to get inside the vault?

If you’d rather experience the other side of the planet, take a dive through my ideas for adventures in Antarctica.

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Danni Lawson

A small town girl on a mission to live in 10 different countries before she pops her clogs, Danni began travelling with a job in Peru at the age of 18. Now an expert in living and working abroad, she shares all the tips and tricks you need to get started.

How to visit Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway