Two persons standing next to each other in winter clothing in a snowy landscape. In the background there's a mountain range and a glacier.

Arctic Nature Experiences

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?

  1. Persons sitting and talking with a guide
    A new addition to your group of friends who'll make your adventure unforgettable
  2. A group of guests and a guide on board a RIB boat
    Full of exotic and wildly beautiful experiences

Close to nature

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.

  1. Two Svalbard reindeer grazing in the snow in front of some houses
    Read the Longyearbyen Community Guidelines here
  2. Two persons on snowmobiles looking towards Longyearbyen in the background
    In Svalbard's blue hour

Experience Svalbard together

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.

  1. A group of guests and a guide eating lunch around a campfire
    Both in the wilderness and in Longyearbyen
  2. Two persons cheering with their arms in the air standing on a rock behind a line of snowmobiles
    Create memories that'll remain frozen to your mind

Inspiration for your nature experiences in Svalbard

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.

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Number of results: 121

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  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews

    Fuglefjella: Wildlife Hike from the Coast - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    The bird mountain entitled “Fuglefjella” is well-known for its bustling wildlife with sea birds like the little auk to guillemots, gulls and fulmars.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews

    Dog Sledding in the Polar Night - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Hopefully, we'll see the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky while dog sledding through the Polar Night. The dogs are eager and looking forward to the winter!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews

    Snowmobile Safari to Tempelfjorden - Svalbard Adventures

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience. Through some rugged terrain.

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews

    Fjord Safari to Nordenskiöld Glacier - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    We drive out with RIB to Billefjorden and the Nordenskiöld glacier in scenic and historic surroundings on Svalbard.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 437 reviews437 reviews

    Snowmobile tour to the west coast - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a trip to Grønfjorden! We will cross snow covered mountains and wide valleys, drive over a glacier, pass hunting cabins, a closed mining town and other interesting things.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Previous snowmobile experience is an advantage. Day trip through some rugged terrain.

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 437 reviews437 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews

    Ice cave: Hike to explore the ice cave - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Under the glaciers at Svalbard you find a frozen world: A world filled with ice that have been shaped during summertime by melting ice and snow through the melt water channels.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain)

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews

    Platåfjellet: Hike with Panorama View over Longyearbyen - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a trip to the summit of Platåfjellet and get the beautiful panorama view of Longyearbyen, 424 metres above sea level!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain).

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1475 reviews1475 reviews

    Dogsledding to the Scott Turner glacier - Green Dog Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a dogsleddingtrip up through Bolterdalen valley to the moraine landscape & the destination of the trip, the beautiful Scott Turner Glacier.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Food
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1475 reviews1475 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 935 reviews935 reviews

    One of natures great events - The bird jumping in Trygghamna - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    Better Moments will offer you a chance to see Svalbard’s biggest bird event during the summer – The bird jumping. For just a few days in July, the chicks will jump from their nests on the huge bird cliff Alkhorne and we will be there to see them…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 935 reviews935 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews

    Explore dog sledding on wheels with tundra hike and lunch - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Explore the gorgeous tundra landscape in Adventdalen from a special-made wagon pulled by a husky team! Lunch, slideshow, and a tundra hike included as well. A full day of activities to explore the Arctic summer at its best!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 reviews

    Ski touring in majestic mountains in Svalbard – Backyard Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Winter Ski Touring invites you to explore the raw wilderness of Svalbard during the heart of winter – a season of pristine snow, serene silence, and breathtaking landscapes. We are tailor making this tour for you – to the best mountain of the day!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Skiing

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews

    Snowmobile Safari to Ice Cave - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    We'll drive out through Adventdalen, extending eastwards from Longyearbyen and into a river landscape that takes us to Tellbreen. We take a closer look at the ice cave and the fascinating ice structures formed by water and sediments.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience. Through some rugged terrain.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Ice cave
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 reviews

    Bespoke ski touring in Svalbard with certified Svalbard guides - Backyard Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Have you ever dreamt of doing ski touring in Svalbard? Our bespoken ski touring tours in scenic Svalbard nature are unique. Backyard Svalbard is a passionate crew of ski guides, and we will help you find the best fitted tour for your group.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Skiing

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 reviews
  14. Customised Hikes: The guide's choice - Chose your own pace and goal -Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    Do you have a specific project? Do you need a complete different schedule than the usual offer? Do you want your own little challenge without needing to keep up with with a group?

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1012 reviews1012 reviews

    Lindholmhøgda Hiking - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    The hike starts from the dog yard just outside of Longyearbyen. From there, we ascend the hill and follow the ridge for ~1.5 hours to an elevation of 457 meters.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain)

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1012 reviews1012 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 983 reviews983 reviews

    Wildlife and Glacier | Hybrid Catamaran Tour - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join Hurtigruten Svalbard on a boat tour with a hybrid-electric catamaran. With this new vessel, an exciting and more environmentally friendly boat trip awaits you. The tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes, to Billefjorden and the glacier…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 983 reviews983 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews

    Arctic Escape: Multi-Day Ski & Snowmobile Adventure - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard with a combination of ski touring and snowmobiling.
    Enjoy a thrilling mix of speed and nature, with majestic peaks and unforgettable views.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Previous snowmobile experience is an advantage. Day trip through some rugged terrain

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Skiing
    • Snowmobile
    • Tent accomodation

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 668 reviews668 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1012 reviews1012 reviews

    Ice Cave Tour by Snowmobiles - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    After driving to the base of Longyear Glacier, venture into the stunning ice cave formed by a labyrinth of meltwater channels beneath the surface of the glacier.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suited for most, also those without any snowmobile experience. Tour in easy and flat terrain.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Ice cave
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1012 reviews1012 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews

    Glacier safari - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Welcome to the heart of the fjords surrounded by a ton of jaw-droppingly beautiful attractions you will not find anywhere else. Travel by RIB boat and experience the huge expanses of glaciers, unique wildlife, and fast-paced joy.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 603 reviews603 reviews
  20. Endalen - Valley of a thousand streams & waterfall - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    Spend a unique day with us into the valley of Endalen.
    A valley away from the crowds, where thousand of small streams find their way through the impressive Arctic landscape.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain)
    • 5 - Demands above average physical fitness, high level of physical activity over an extended period in uneven terrain.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
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