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: 107

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  1. Customised Hikes and PhotoHike: The guide's choice - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    Do you have 30kg of photo-gear? Are you travelling with children? Do you want to take it easier, slower, later or longer? Whatever the reason, we provide you with a unique experience fitting your interests and the way you want to hike, from 2 to…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 726 reviews726 reviews

    Ice Fjord safari - A taste of 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.

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    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 726 reviews726 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 461 reviews461 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.

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    Grading

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

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 461 reviews461 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 761 reviews761 reviews

    Catching the light - Midnight sun - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    On this snowmobile trip, we will enjoy the surreal Midnight sun from the back of a snowmobile. Driving in the middle of the night, in broad daylight, is a special experience.

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    Grading

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

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    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 761 reviews761 reviews
  5. Let us guide you - Hire a guide! - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    Book a half- or full day with one of our private guides and enjoy a tailor-made Arctic experience.
    Our guides are dedicated, trained and experienced Arctic guides with a hospitality mindset!

    Facilities

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Food
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave
    • Open boat
    • Snowmobile
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 97 reviews97 reviews

    Dog Sled Expedition - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    Join our polar heroes Barents, Nansen and Nobile on a full day dogsledding trip in Svalbard beautiful and exciting nature

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Dog sledding
    • Food

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 97 reviews97 reviews
  7. Stunning views and nature - Hike to the bird cliff Fuglefjella - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    A true nature hike through the massive valley of Bjørndalen, an area which is full of flora and fauna and where we might be able to observe wildlife. After our climb up to the summit of the bird cliff, we will enjoy the stunning view over Isfjorden.

    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
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 726 reviews726 reviews

    Hike from sea to summit -Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Hike with a view! This trip offers different experiences from what you can get close to Longyearbyen. We use open polarcircel boats to take us across the Adventfjord to Revneset, from where we’ll start our hike.

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    Grading

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

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 726 reviews726 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 65 reviews65 reviews

    Winter hike with visit in ice cave - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    The glaciers close to Longyearbyen is stretching from the towering summits of the nearby mountains. We will hike up in the hilly terrain by the foot of the glacier and soon discover the imposing meltwater channels forming the ice caves in Svalbard.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 65 reviews65 reviews
  10. Evening snowmobile tour to historical Colesbay - 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.

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    Grading

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

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    • Snowmobile
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 461 reviews461 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 - 461 reviews461 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews

    Trollsteinen: Hike crossing the glacier to the peak - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Join the popular summit to the Trollsteinen, 850 m above sea level!

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    Grading

    • 4

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  13. Snowmobile Photography tour - See & Explore

    Longyearbyen

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

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    Grading

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

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    • Photo safari
    • Snowmobile
  14. 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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    • Food
    • Hiking
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 374 reviews374 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

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    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 374 reviews374 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 193 reviews193 reviews

    Glacier Safari - Afternoon/Evening Cruise - 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

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    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 193 reviews193 reviews
  17. 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)

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 39 reviews39 reviews

    Bespoke ski touring in Svalbard with certified Svalbard guides - Backyard Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Have you ever dreamt of doing ski touring in Svalbard? Our bespoken ski touring tours in scenic Svalbard nature are unique. Backyard Svalbard is a passionate crew of ski guides, and we will help you find the best fitted tour for your group.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Skiing

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 39 reviews39 reviews
  19. Private Guide - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    A private guide is perfect for photographers, families, couples, small groups and people who want a tailor-made programme in and around Longyearbyen

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 461 reviews461 reviews

    Walrus Safari - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Enjoy the golden glow of the sun and explore the best of Svalbard: the sight of glaciers, dramatic landscapes and the graceful walruses that lies in colonies on the beach. An unforgettable day in the Arctic fjords awaits!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 461 reviews461 reviews
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