
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: 122
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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
There's plenty of fish in the Isfjord in Svalbard. The locals in Svalbard have been able to harvest these resources for a long time, and now it's finally your turn to go fishing in the Arctic!
Longyearbyen
During this challenging but beautiful hike, you will discover why this mountain peak is called Trollsteinen. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and amazing 360 degree views, 850 meters above sea level.
Longyearbyen
Join us for the perfect evening activity, exploring a historical part of Spitsbergen by snowmobile, whilst watching the sun set low over beautiful Colesbay.
Longyearbyen
The dark days are perfect for seeing Northern lights - and getting away from the lights of town makes stars and northern lights brighter and clearer. You will be going out with a team of sledge dogs who can sense the first cold.
Longyearbyen
During the summer and autumn, walrus colonies are often seen resting on beaches and small islets around Svalbard. Join us for an unforgettable boat trip as we venture out to spot these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat!
Longyearbyen
Join our adventure through the magnificent nature of Svalbard. Through the stunning valleys, past glaciers and wildlife, go where adventure awaits. This experience is there to create some unbeatable memories!
Longyearbyen
Sway away in the Arctic night in mid night sun or under the northern lights. This adventure is for all of you who have always wanted to go camping, but never dared to!
Longyearbyen
This is a tour where exploring and time for photography, are our main focus.
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
Explore Longyearbyen’s backyard by hiking to the top of Sarkofagen, a high point overlooking town. Then, descend from Sarkofagen by hiking across the Longyear Glacier.
Longyearbyen
Svalbard’s wildlife is unique and fascinating. Join us on our day trip to experience it from up close! Every day we use our closed and comfortable RIB boats to go to a well-known walrus colony.
Longyearbyen
Experience the magical colors of the Aurora Borealis. Join us on snowmobiles as we head into the dark and hunt the northern lights.
Longyearbyen
Imagine standing on a snow-covered peak in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, surrounded by total silence. This is more than just a ski trip – it’s a once in-a-lifetime adventure that blends exhilarating skiing with the raw beauty of Arctic nature.
Longyearbyen
Explore Isfjorden’s hidden treasures with our enclosed cabin boat.
The summer light is revealing the treasures of the mountains, glaciers and the Arctic ocean. Can you spot the dot?
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…
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
Join us for a trip to the summit of Platåfjellet and get the beautiful panorama view of Longyearbyen, 424 metres above sea level!
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.
Longyearbyen
The last few months Svalbard have been covered in darkness. Now, in the days before the sun is about to return, the twilight reveals the most amazing landscape. Be the first to discover endless valleys, tight riverbeds and high mountains, all of…