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: 141

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  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 95 reviews95 reviews

    5-day snowmobile adventure to Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    * Isfjord på Svalbard

    Explore the Arctic wilderness on a 5-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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 5 - Previous snowmobile experience is recommended. Long trip through some rugged terrain.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Snowmobile
    • Toilet
    • Wellness

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 95 reviews95 reviews
  2. 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
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1695 reviews1695 reviews

    Sleddog tour - Green Dog Svalbard

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1695 reviews1695 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews

    Snowmobile safari to the wild fjords - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the wild, beautiful and untouched fjords of Svalbard on a snowmobile. From Longyearbyen we drive towards Elveneset, a lookout point at the end of the De Geer valley.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews
  5. Wildlife & nature photo exploring, with a limited number of participants - See & Explore

    Longyearbyen

    Wildlife and nature photography are our specialties. Together with an experienced guide, we look for the best spots, observe wildlife and birds in a slow pace. Moving at nature's pace, often staying longer in one spot.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews

    Fjord Safari to Elveneset with a Hike to Hyperittfossen - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Spectacular RIB safari through Isfjorden, where we combine a fjord adventure with a scenic hike to the impressive Hyperittfossen waterfall. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Svalbard’s landscapes both from the sea and on foot

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Suitable for those in normal physical condition.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1195 reviews1195 reviews

    Arctic Sea Fishing Adventure - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    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!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Fishing
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1195 reviews1195 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews

    Electric ATV Safari with outdoors panoramic dinner - Svalbard Adventures

    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!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 80 reviews80 reviews

    Mountain Scrambling - mountain hike from Longyearbyen - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    This is the trip for those who wish to take a different hiking trip in the breath-taking nature in Spitsbergen. Join our experienced guide on a daytrip on the mountains around Longyearbyen

    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 - 80 reviews80 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 491 reviews491 reviews

    Snowmobile Tour to Elveneset – Half-Day Arctic Adventure - Spitzbergen Adventures'

    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

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 491 reviews491 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews

    Northern Lights Safari by Snowmobile - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    You don’t need travel far for a great adventure in Svalbard’s landscapes, so join us on a snowmobile as we head outside of Longyearbyen’s bubble of lights into the beautiful Adventdalen to hunt the elusive dayside northern lights!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience. Very easy and flat terrain.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 744 reviews744 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 925 reviews925 reviews

    Frozen Summit: Hike to Trollsteinen and ice cave - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a hike to the summit of mount Trollsteinen with a visit in the ice cave! This one is for those of you who want more – here you’ll get two great adventures in one trip!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 5 - Demands above average physical fitness, high level of physical activity over an extended period in uneven terrain

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 925 reviews925 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1015 reviews1015 reviews

    Catching the light - Midnight sun - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    On this snowmobile trip, we will enjoy the surreal Midnight sun from the back of a snowmobile. Driving in the middle of the night, in broad daylight, is a special experience.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience, very easy and flat terrain.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1015 reviews1015 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 94 reviews94 reviews

    Dog sledding over the Arctic tundra - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 94 reviews94 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 925 reviews925 reviews

    Sarkofagen - Local’s Favourite: Hike to the Glacier - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Explore a fascinating glacier world close to town with meltwater channels, mountains and moraines.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Demands good physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (steep, slippery and uneven terrain)

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 925 reviews925 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1120 reviews1120 reviews

    Sarkofagen Trekking - Poli Arctici

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1120 reviews1120 reviews
  17. Glacier hike with ice cave visit – Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a hike over the glacier, uphill towards the ice cave on Larsbreen!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain)
    • 4 - During the season, there are moments that this hike can be experienced as a level 4 out of 5.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 117 reviews117 reviews

    Husky Slider - Dog Sledding Tour - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 117 reviews117 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1120 reviews1120 reviews

    Skipper's Choice - explore Isfjorden by RIB-boat - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    Welcome aboard! Venture out into Northern Isfjord with our experienced Skipper, who will choose the day’s route depending on recent wildlife sightings and weather conditions.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1120 reviews1120 reviews
  20. Create your own sailing trip - Husky Sailing

    Longyearbyen

    Are you a small group looking for a unique Svalbard experience where you have a sailboat all to yourself?

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - 3 - Suitable for those in normal/good physical condition.

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Toilet
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