
To put it simply, Svalbard is a paradise for outdoors activities all year round. With dramatic landscape and exotic wildlife there’s no wonder why many will nod their heads in agreement to that description of our archipelago in between the mainland of Norway and the North Pole.
Some of the most beautiful things about nature experiences are that they’re both so readily available and can include so many different activities. Experiences in the outdoors offer us the chance to get to know new people, strengthen our bonds with friends, or perhaps venture out on a quick adventure with the family. In addition to the landscape and wildlife, it’s the availability, variation and connection that makes Svalbard’s nature experiences so special, and perhaps the reasons why you’d like to take part in them yourself?
Closeness is the keyword that may seem like a slight contradiction when you consider both how expansive Svalbard is and how sparsely populated it is. But then consider, how many other places in the world are you met on a clear-weathered day with the sight of six glacial fronts in the distance as soon as you’ve walked out of the airport building?
Nature rules everything in Svalbard, and it’s an integral part of the community in our small metropolitan-feeling town Longyearbyen. The town was established in the early 1900s as a mining town due to its closeness to the coal in the nearby mountainsides where several remnants from Svalbard’s old mining industry still stand as cultural heritage sites. Longyearbyen still lives on, but it does so based on the nature’s own terms. Houses are built on pillars and piping is all laid on top of the ground because of the permafrost in the ground which would otherwise strain houses built on solid foundations in the ground or push pipes out of the ground as the ground thaws and freezes with the seasons.
You’ll also find wild Svalbard reindeer casually walking and grazing in between houses and alongside streets. It’s not uncommon to even encounter sleeping reindeer right in the middle of town. As good neighbours we don’t want to disturb nature’s way of life unnecessarily or damage it, and this is especially important in Svalbard which has a particularly vulnerable ecosystem.
In short, you start experiencing nature as soon as you step outside of the hotel door in Svalbard!
Throughout the entire year you’ll find both full-day trips and multi-day overnight trips that allow you to experience the Arctic nature experiences Svalbard has to offer, close to both nature and the ones you’re travelling with.
For the young and old, few and many, dear and near, relaxed and active, and so on, there are activities that will allow you to enjoy Svalbard’s nature. Through the dark season and the polar night you can hunt the northern lights on foot or visit magical ice caves close to Longyearbyen. (maybe you’re lucky enough to spot the elusive mid-day northern lights in the polar night?)
With the Sunny Winter season’s return after the dark season, the sight of landscapes bathed in sunlight comes along as well, marking the beginning of the full-day trips with dog sleds and snowmobiles! Once the Midnight Sun returns in April, ski touring in the low evening sunlight is also recommended as the skiing season in Svalbard keeps going while Spring is returning on Norway’s mainland.
Continuing onwards into the Polar Summer Season, the fresh smell of the mountains, tundra and the fjord returns with the opportunities for hiking trips on bare ground and boat trips on the expansive fjord Isfjorden. In the light and heat of summer, the wildlife returns in full force to Svalbard both on land and in the sea, which it’s both best and safest to enjoy on a guided photo safari, or perhaps a walrus safari.
The opportunities are plentiful in Svalbard’s nature, and it may as such be difficult to find the exact experiences that you’d like to include in your visit. But below you’ll find a full overview of activities and experiences we think may suit your nature-oriented visit in Svalbard!
If you’ve already settled on a date for your visit, we can recommend checking our booking calendar to see which activities are available for you and the ones you’re traveling with to visit us in Svalbard.
Number of results: 141
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Longyearbyen
An exclusive full day private tour for 1 person.
This trip focuses on watching and photographing wildlife on a "slow tour", following natures pace together with an experienced nature guide.
Longyearbyen
Variable weather, northern lights, crystal-clear skies full of stars, moonlight or sunshine both day and night; these are variations only the Arctic can give. Experience Svalbard by dog sledding.
Longyearbyen
This challenging day hike is a local favourite. Climb to the top of the highest peak near Longyearbyen (1051m above sea level) for an unforgettable adventure and the best views around!
Longyearbyen
Join us for a hike over the glacier, uphill towards the ice cave on Larsbreen!
Longyearbyen
Write a new entry in your travel diary and join us on one of the world’s northernmost Glacier Safaris
The cruise includes a warm meal, a unique chance to experience a possibly calving glacier and Arctic wildlife, maybe even a Polar Bear, the real…
Longyearbyen
An adventure for those with snowmobile experience who want to explore Svalbard at its most extreme. The route toward Fridtjovhamna and Van Mijenfjorden takes you through shifting landscapes
Longyearbyen
Join us on an unforgettable half-day snowmobile tour to Elveneset, the perfect experience for anyone wanting a taste of Svalbard’s stunning wilderness
Longyearbyen
Do you want to try an exiting and traditionell way of travelling in the Arctic? Join us for a kayak trip over the Advent Bay.
Longyearbyen
This is a lovely snowmobile trip through typical Svalbard nature. It suits you who don’t have a lot of snowmobile experience, but still wish to get a taste of snowmobiling in the wilderness, far away from Longyearbyen.
Longyearbyen
In pairs, you will take turns mushing (driving a dog sledge team) a team of 5-6 dogs. You will experience the dynamics of the dog-sledge team and will most likely be surprised to see that dogs as tough as these can be so kind and adoring.
Longyearbyen
Explore Svalbard in the same way as the polar heroes Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Dog sledding is also a true nature adventure amongst the locals in Longyearbyen. When traveling with dogsled you will reach the peaceful and majestic areas that…
Longyearbyen
Are you traveling with friends or family, and looking for a different boattour from what is already offered? This can be tailormade to your wishes
* Isfjord på Svalbard
The best adventures for nature lovers can be found in the true wilderness, far off the beaten tracks. Isfjord Radio with its adventures, homemade food, and cosy atmosphere will introduce you to the true Svalbard and the wonders of the High Arctic.
Longyearbyen
Turn your dinner into an adventure and join us on our electric ATVs as we head into Adventdalen. Enjoy the quiet ride through the valley before heading up a mountain where you’ll enjoy an expedition meal in the outdoors with a panoramic view!
Longyearbyen
Northern Lights by Snowmobile – A Luxurious Arctic Evening. Experience the magic of the Arctic night on an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure in Svalbard.
Longyearbyen
Join our adventure along the west coast of Spitsbergen. On our way we will pass mining settlements, run down trappers’ stations and modern scientific installations.
Longyearbyen
Join us on a journey into the untouched wilderness of Svalbard. Our destination is the Templefjord, a fjord steeped in history and overlooked by the Temple mountains.
Longyearbyen
Join us on this easy accessible, but stunning nature hike, which will take us through the beautiful valley of Bjørndalen.
Longyearbyen
Join us for a great ice adventure. It does not matter if it is the polar night and we are walking with head lights or if it is the sunny winter season. Ice formations and ice caves are some of the most beautiful things that exists.
Longyearbyen
The glaciers close to Longyearbyen is stretching from the towering summits of the nearby mountains. We will hike up in the hilly terrain by the foot of the glacier and soon discover the imposing meltwater channels forming the ice caves in Svalbard.