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 - 922 reviews922 reviews

    Summer adventure on a snowmobile - Better Moments

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 922 reviews922 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 390 reviews390 reviews

    Explore the Arctic with your own dog team - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Would you like a real musher experience where not only the beautiful Svalbard scenery but also the dogs are in focus - our full day with dogsledding provides a great Arctic dogsledding experience!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Food

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 390 reviews390 reviews
  3. Wildlife & nature photo exploring, with a limited number of participants - See & Explore

    Longyearbyen

    Wildlife and nature photography are our specialties, and we will seek the magical light and try to get you to the very best spots in and around Longyearbyen together with an experienced nature guide.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 390 reviews390 reviews

    Dog Sledding in the Polar Night - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Hopefully, we'll see the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky while dog sledding through the Polar Night. The dogs are eager and looking forward to the winter!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 390 reviews390 reviews
  5. Boat Trip to Grumant and the Bird Cliffs - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on an unforgettable boat tour to the nearby bird cliff Fuglefjellet and the abandoned mining settlement of Grumant.

    The trip takes us from Adventfjorden out into the largest fjord system of western Spitsbergen – the impressive Isfjorden.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Photo safari
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 73 reviews73 reviews

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

    * 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

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    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 73 reviews73 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 433 reviews433 reviews

    Bird Spotting Excursion, followed by Arctic BBQ - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    The summer season is owned by the birds. During those weeks we have a lot of bird species coming to Svalbard. They are all so wonderfull and deserve a special focus. Join us on a tour which puts the spotlight on those amazing creatures. If you are…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Available for most

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 433 reviews433 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 922 reviews922 reviews

    A historical travel along the west coast of Spitsbergen - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    Join our adventure along the west coast of Spitsbergen. On our way we will pass mining settlements, run down trappers’ stations and modern scientific installations.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 922 reviews922 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 598 reviews598 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 - 598 reviews598 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 955 reviews955 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 - 955 reviews955 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 450 reviews450 reviews

    Ice cave with dogs - Svalbard Husky

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a spectacular full day sledtrip!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 450 reviews450 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 450 reviews450 reviews

    Polar night dog sledding - Svalbard Husky

    Longyearbyen

    Welcome to the Arctic and the polar night: a mysterious time where all light comes from the most magical things such as the moon, the northern lights and a million stars. The polar night is best experienced on a dog sled, silently gliding through…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 450 reviews450 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 923 reviews923 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 - 923 reviews923 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 922 reviews922 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 - 922 reviews922 reviews
  15. 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)

    Facilities

    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 70 reviews70 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 - 70 reviews70 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 65 reviews65 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 - 65 reviews65 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 958 reviews958 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 - 958 reviews958 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1471 reviews1471 reviews

    Dogsledding to ice cave - Green Dog Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Dogsledding to an icecave. A unique adventure! Travel with your own dogsled to the magnificent icecave,which can only be reached by dogsled. We enter the icecave and in the lights from our headlamps we experience ice as few people has seen it. The…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Food
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1471 reviews1471 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 958 reviews958 reviews

    Van Mijenfjorden Snowmobile Safari - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a journey through Svalbard's stunning contrasts! Set off on a spectacular snowmobile adventure across Nordenskiöld Land to Van Mijenfjorden, where you’ll be immersed in breathtaking landscapes and captivating wildlife.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 958 reviews958 reviews
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