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 - 596 reviews596 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 - 596 reviews596 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 reviews

    Northern Lights Safari by Snowmobile - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us by snowmobile to the beautiful scenery that surrounds Svalbard Longyearbyen, and let yourself be captivated by the unique blue light that characterizes the polar night.

    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 - 596 reviews596 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 653 reviews653 reviews

    Foxfonna: Wilderness Hike from Mine 7 - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    This hike takes you to a place far away from the town to the real silence of the arctic. Expect a completely different place than on our other hikes!

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 653 reviews653 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 653 reviews653 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 - 653 reviews653 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews

    Nordenskiöldtoppen Trekking - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    This challenging day hike is a local favourite. Climb to the top of the highest peak near Longyearbyen (1051m above sea level) for an unforgettable adventure and the best views around!

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews
  6. Leaving only footprints - 2 day nature hike to Grumantbyen - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    Join us in summer for a dive into the wilderness of Svalbard, on our two-day hiking experience along the beautiful coastline of the Isfjord, towards a historical mining settlement.
    This hike will give you a true Arctic nature experience.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Tent accomodation
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 904 reviews904 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 - 904 reviews904 reviews
  8. 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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 reviews

    Snowmobile Safari to Northern Ligths Camp - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us by snowmobile into the polar night and let yourself be captivated by the unique blue light that characterizes the polar night. We hunt for the Northern Light and visit our Northern Light Camp.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 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 - 596 reviews596 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 938 reviews938 reviews

    Sunset Dinner Cruise - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    The midnight sun officially leaves Svalbard in late August. The following weeks are characterized by magical sunsets during the evenings, that cast golden colors over the wild landscapes. Enjoy this scenery with a dinner on board MS Bard.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 938 reviews938 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 69 reviews69 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 - 69 reviews69 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 653 reviews653 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 - 653 reviews653 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 904 reviews904 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 - 904 reviews904 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 reviews

    Snowmobile Safari to Tempelfjorden - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a journey into the untouched wilderness of Svalbard. Our destination is the Templefjord, a fjord steeped in history and overlooked by the Temple mountains.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 69 reviews69 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 - 69 reviews69 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 75 reviews75 reviews

    Arctic Treasures - Snowmobile adventure towards Tempelfjorden- Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the true Arctic Treasures around Templefjorden area. Enjoy the excitement of snowmobile driving and experience the arctic wildlife like seals, reindeer and polar bear. Last but not least we will reach the majestic glacier front of Von…

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 75 reviews75 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 938 reviews938 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 - 938 reviews938 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews

    Lindholmhøgda Hiking - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    The hike starts from the dog yard just outside of Longyearbyen. From there, we ascend the hill and follow the ridge for ~1.5 hours to an elevation of 457 meters.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 596 reviews596 reviews

    Electric Snowmobile Safari to Advent Lodge - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Explore the surroundings of Longyearbyen on our innovative electric snowmobiles from Lynx!
    After charging up with solar power, we venture through the historical areas of Longyearbyen before heading to the cozy cabin, Advent Lodge.

    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 - 596 reviews596 reviews
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