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: 120

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  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1005 reviews1005 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 - 1005 reviews1005 reviews
  2. 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
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1482 reviews1482 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)

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1482 reviews1482 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1005 reviews1005 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 - 1005 reviews1005 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews

    Tempelfjorden Snowmobile Safari - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    This is a lovely snowmobile trip through typical Svalbard nature. It suits you who don’t have a lot of snowmobile experience, but still wish to get a taste of snowmobiling in the wilderness, far away from Longyearbyen.

    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 - 1004 reviews1004 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    Tempelfjorden- Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    Drive to the heart of the Sassen-Bunsow Land National Park, view the stunning blue front of Tuna Glacier, and explore the castle-like formations of the Tempel Fjord.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 reviews

    The Ultimate Svalbard Experience - Dog Sledding with Ice Cave Visit - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Together with our 45 eager huskies we will travel though the beautiful valleys in our local area and choose an ice cave to visit.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Food
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 960 reviews960 reviews

    Icebreaker - A trip along glacier fronts - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a day trip to Sveabreen - Being in front of an active glacier is a breathtaking experience. The quiet nature of kayaking will give us an opportunity to observe this diverse ecosystem from a completely different perspective. Better Moments…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Kayak
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 960 reviews960 reviews
  9. 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
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 958 reviews958 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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 707 reviews707 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 - 707 reviews707 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews

    Isfjord Safari: Cultural & Historic Svalbard - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a tour in Isfjorden with an open, steady Polarcirkel boat. Visit places with cultural monuments and experience the vivid bird life.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1004 reviews1004 reviews
  13. Reindalen & Van Mijenfjorden - A beautiful & more unknown route to explore - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    Ready to drive out into the wilderness and discover all beauty Svalbard has to offer by snowmobile?!
    Join our adventure through the stunning nature of Svalbard where we will be on the lookout for wildlife and the best nature spots.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile
  14. 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
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1006 reviews1006 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 - 1006 reviews1006 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 616 reviews616 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 - 616 reviews616 reviews
  17. 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

    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 91 reviews91 reviews

    3-day summer adventure to Isfjord Radio - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    * Isfjord På svalbard

    The best adventures for nature lovers can be found in the true wilderness, far off the beaten tracks. Isfjord Radio with its adventures, homemade food, and cosy atmosphere will introduce you to the true Svalbard and the wonders of the High Arctic.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Closed boat
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
    • Toilet
    • Wellness

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 91 reviews91 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 616 reviews616 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 - 616 reviews616 reviews
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