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: 91
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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…
* 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
Join our hunt for the Aurora borealis on snowmobile. On the way we will stop by our Gamme to enjoy a 3-course dinner together with our guide.
Longyearbyen
The Spitsbergen Lodge Winter Safari is a 2 or 3 days long snowmobile trip with accommodation at our Spitsbergen Expedition Lodge. The Expeditionion Lodge has capacity for maximum 10 guests, and is a sheltered and comfortable base for exploring the…
Longyearbyen
There's plenty of fish in the Isfjord in Svalbard. The last few years, Longyearbyen has had an abundance of large cod during the late summer season and during the fall. The locals in Svalbard have been able to harvest these resources for a long…
Longyearbyen
Join us for a trip to the summit of Platåfjellet and get the beautiful panorama view of Longyearbyen, 424 metres above sea level!
Longyearbyen
Join us on an open RIB boat fjord safari through the bright summer in Svalbard. Summer light revealing the treasures of the mountains, glaciers and Arctic ocean. We must keep our eyes open for wildlife in the fjord.
* Isfjord På svalbard
Experience a comfortable overnight stay in the Arctic wilderness. Isfjord Radio is a charming hotel situated on the windswept grounds of Kapp Linné. This is the place to observe the Arctic bird- and wildlife and unique dining experiences.
Longyearbyen
The best way to experience the beauty and endlessness of the Arctic landscape is on a dogsled. During this time, the light has returned from the long polar night and everything is awake again. As always, our huskies are ready to run.
Longyearbyen
Do you have 30kg of photo-gear? Are you travelling with children? Do you want to take it easier, slower, later or longer? Whatever the reason, we provide you with a unique experience fitting your interests and the way you want to hike, from 2 to…
Longyearbyen
Explore a fascinating glacier world close to town with meltwater channels, mountains and moraines.
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.
Longyearbyen
Come and see Advendalen and the surrounding mountains from a bird’s
eye view!
The trip is a total of roughly 7 km and takes about 7 hours and includes lunsj&hot drink.
Longyearbyen
Our primary focus, on this tour, is nature photography and wildlife and to find the good views for eyes and / or camera. Our focus depends on the season and which species that are in the area at the moment. From September and up to early April, our…
Longyearbyen
Our summer adventure will give you a great combination of hiking and snowmobiling on Svalbard. On this trip, you will enjoy the beautiful views around Longyearbyen and of an island slowly awaking from hibernation.
Longyearbyen
In the mountains the snow remains longer. We go dogsledding 400 m above sea level enjoying the beautiful view over Adventdalen and the surrounding mountains.
Longyearbyen
Travel by speedboat to the heart of the Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park for a chance to explore the historic trapper cabin at Fredheim and to view the massive blue front of the Tuna Glacier.
Longyearbyen
The original fjordcruise adventure! 16 years filled with unique memories and experiences in Isfjorden.
Fjordcruise in Billefjorden – an unforgettable opportunity to experience Svalbard’s Arctic wildlife.
* Isfjord På svalbard
Explore the Arctic wilderness on a 3-day snowmobile trip to Isfjord Radio. Discover Svalbard's impressive coastline and let us show you the hidden gems. Check in at Svalbard’s most exclusive location and experience the sensational kitchen.