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 - 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

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    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  2. 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).

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 80 reviews80 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1035 reviews1035 reviews

    Van Mijenfjorden - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    Travel to one of the largest and most scenic fjords of Svalbard where you will experience endless valleys and magical landscapes of the most remote part of central Spitsbergen.

    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 - 1035 reviews1035 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 739 reviews739 reviews

    Ski Touring to Nordenskjoldfjellet - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a ski tour to the impressive Nordenskiöld Peak at 1050 meters!
    Stunning views and an exciting descent await—ready for the challenge?

    Facilities

    Grading

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

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Skiing

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 739 reviews739 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    Ice Cave Exploration by Snowcat - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    When you make your way down into the ice cave a frozen world appears. You can see 1000 year old remnants of frozen plants locked in the ice, surrounded by fantastic ice formations, narrow passages and large caverns. Hidden for all who haven’t made…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Ice cave
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 93 reviews93 reviews

    Darkness Exposed - snowmobile adventure in the Polar Night - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a snowmobile adventure through the Arctic polar night. As soon as we drive away from Longyearbyen and into the darkness, our chances of observing the northern lights increases.

    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 - 93 reviews93 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews

    Private hiking tours - Backyard Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    We design special tours for families, hikers, and more experienced mountain scramblers. This product is customized for your group. Examples might be an easy hike with a bonfire, ridge rides or just a guide with rifle to accompany you.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Hiking
    • Photo safari

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1492 reviews1492 reviews

    Foxfonna Hike - Green Dog Svalbard

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1492 reviews1492 reviews
  9. 2 DAY SNOWMOBILE EXPEDITION SOUTH – Snowfox Travel'

    Longyearbyen

    Join our 2-day snowmobile expedition towards the Southern part of Spitsbergen! For those who seek to drive beyond the “regular” tourist destinations.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

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    Symbols

    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Ice cave
    • Snowmobile
    • Tent accomodation
  10. 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)

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 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 - 978 reviews978 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 447 reviews447 reviews

    Snowmobile tour to Tempelfjord - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for an exciting trip into beautiful nature, with rich animal life, and an amazing view towards the Von Post and Tuna glaciers. We stop at Villa Fredheim which has an important place in the history of Svalbard.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 447 reviews447 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 185 reviews185 reviews

    Whale Safari - Polar Charter

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on M/V "Polargirl" for an evening trip searching for the biggest animals on the planet, the blue whale.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 185 reviews185 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    Northern Lights Dinner Cruise - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a unique dinner experience with our hybrid electric catamaran out on the fjords of Svalbard. With some luck, you might spot the northern lights – far away from the city's light pollution.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 626 reviews626 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 - 626 reviews626 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    Sarkofagen and Glacier Hike - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the unique Arctic landscape from the top of Sarkofagen. Surrounded by magnificent view in all directions, this is a hike not to be missed!

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 739 reviews739 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 - 739 reviews739 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 626 reviews626 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 - 626 reviews626 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 reviews

    Catching the light - Aurora Borealis with dinner - Better Moments

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 626 reviews626 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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 626 reviews626 reviews
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