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.

Refine search

Refine Your Search Further:

Facility
Awards

Number of results:

Number of results: 122

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 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 - 99 reviews99 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1039 reviews1039 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 - 1039 reviews1039 reviews
  3. Let’s go for the top! - Mountain hike to Trollsteinen - Snowfox Travel

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
  4. Midnight sun on snowmobile to Coles Bay - Snowfox Travel

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1499 reviews1499 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 - 1499 reviews1499 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1039 reviews1039 reviews

    Walrus Safari Boat Tour – Hurtigruten Svalbard

    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!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1039 reviews1039 reviews
  7. East coast, glaciers and ice cave adventure - Snowfox Travel

    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!

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Ice cave
    • Snowmobile
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews

    Your first Arctic Camp - Backyard Svalbard

    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!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Skiing
    • Tent accomodation

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews
  9. Snowmobile Photography tour - See & Explore

    Longyearbyen

    This is a tour where exploring and time for photography, are our main focus.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Photo safari
    • Snowmobile
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 281 reviews281 reviews

    Glacier Safari - HTG

    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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 281 reviews281 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1039 reviews1039 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 - 1039 reviews1039 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 979 reviews979 reviews

    Walrus safari - Two tons of happiness - Better Moments

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 979 reviews979 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 979 reviews979 reviews

    Catching the light - Aurora Borealis - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the magical colors of the Aurora Borealis. Join us on snowmobiles as we head into the dark and hunt the northern lights.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 979 reviews979 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews

    Ski touring under the Northern lights – The Magic of polar night - Backyard Svalbard

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Skiing

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 88 reviews88 reviews

    Spot the dot - Wildlife and glacier safari with closed boat - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    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?

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Photo safari

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 88 reviews88 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1039 reviews1039 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 - 1039 reviews1039 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews

    Arctic Dog Sledding - Svalbard Husky

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 755 reviews755 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 - 755 reviews755 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 632 reviews632 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 - 632 reviews632 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 979 reviews979 reviews

    When the light returns - Better Moments

    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…

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 979 reviews979 reviews
Visit Svalbard Eco-Lighthouse

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss