A group of guests and a guide in kayaking equipment next to several kayaks on the shore of a fjord. In the background there's a large mountain and a glacier.

Svalbard's Great Adventures

The travel to Svalbard usually starts the same as any other travel would. You go to the airport and jump on a flight to the destination. Everything may seem normal as you sit there in your seat looking out at the open ocean stretching as far as you can see beneath you. But then you notice a mountain, then another, and suddenly a full mountain range.

It doesn’t take a long time for the otherwise normal view to become an extraordinary one, and it’s at this exact point in time that your adventure in Svalbard begins!
While some of the other passengers on your flight may be more than satisfied with quick glimpses of Svalbard’s grand nature during their visit, it makes others hungry for more. For such travellers, it’s all about getting close and experiencing nature in nature’s own pace on a great adventure!

  1. A landscape filled with snowy mountaintops into the distance seen from above
    Read about how you can travel to Svalbard here
  2. A person wearing sunglasses and winter clothing resting on their knee while holding a rifle. In front of the person are two sled dogs in harnesses, and the background is filled with snow storming about.
    Be prepared and read about safety in Svalbard here

Close by and far away, all year round

A long adventure in Svalbard can mean many things. It may be a full-day snowmobile trip to the fairytale-like east coast of Svalbard, or a hike to the top of the mountain Hiorthfjellet towering above Longyearbyen to the north. It could also be a crossing of Svalbard on skis, or a week-long dog sledding expedition. To sum up a long adventure in short, there are great adventures waiting right outside your hotel door in Longyearbyen, no matter how long the adventure may be!

As varied as the opportunities for adventures in Svalbard are all year round, there are equally many alternatives in terms of difficulty gradings for the guided trips you can join that it’s important to be familiar with. In other words, there are adventures that are available for most people. What makes the iconic long trips so special is that you also have to contribute a little bit extra in the preparations of both equipment and yourself before heading out with your guide and group.

Have that extra chat with the knowledgeable employees in Longyearbyen’s sports shops about what it’s useful to bring on trips in Svalbard. Ask the local activity provider you’re travelling with, or come by the tourist information office in Longyearbyen to get more information about the area you’re headed to or a few useful tips for your long trip. The great adventures in Svalbard feel even greater when you’re well-prepared and ready to overcome the challenges you’ll face on your way.

  1. A group of guests and a guide seen from above on a glacier. Around them, lots of glacier climbing equipment and ropes are spread in between glacial crevasses.
    Familiarise yourself with the Svalbard Guidelines
  2. A group of guests and a guide standing behind some snowmobiles in the middle of a barren, flat and snowy landscape.
    But make sure to dress correctly for the season and weather

What’s an adventure in Svalbard really all about?

Even though your first visit and taste of Svalbard is over, that doesn’t mean that your adventure is over. Just as in fairy tales, there are often calm periods in between all the action. Similarly, you don’t say “Goodbye!” to the adventures in Svalbard when going home, but rather “Until next time!”.

Every season puts its own distinct twist on the adventure, and each is almost like its very own chapter in a book. One trip may play be set in the cosy Northern Lights Winter with darkness all day long, the rare mid-day northern lights, and landscapes free from light pollution but covered in moonlight. On a dog sledding trip to a wilderness cabin, you enter into your own little world for a few days. A world where nothing else exists apart from what you can see in front of you in the light from your headlamp, the sound of the sled and dog paws sliding hitting the snow, a cosy cabin and the massive embrace of the dark season all around you.

Only a few months later, the nest act of the story plays itself out underneath the midnight sun and in vast snow-covered landscapes throughout the Sunny Winter season. Maybe on a long skiing trip through seemingly never-ending glacial landscapes where your days merge into a peculiar rhythm consisting of tent camps, nature experiences and connection to the others you’re travelling with. Everyone contributes to making sure everything goes smoothly in camp, such as serving as a polar bear guard in the night to wake the guide if a polar bear appears. Together with the feeling of responsibility and seriousness in this important role, you’re left with a truly special experience of the nature around you, especially on nights with nice weather!

Further on in the heat of the Polar Summer season, the midnight sun contributes to your adventure in Svalbard with golden evening sunrays and refreshing summer air. With a kayak you’ll glide across fjords and in between chunks of glacial ice that have calved from nearby glaciers on day trips from your camp or a wilderness cabin with a guide. Combined with a few hiking trips as well, you’ll get to explore Svalbard’s nature up close with the tundra beneath your feet and moraines reminiscent of the lunar surface.

  1. A cabin with light in its windows with northern lights shining above mountaintops in silhouettes in the background.
    Experience Svalbard's wilderness cabins
  2. A group of guests and a guide sitting around a campfire in a camp filled with tents. A person with a dog is walking in the close background, with a fjord and glacier surrounded by mountain tops in the distant background.
    Travel with environmentally certified companies in Svalbard

Where to start?

With so many possibilities waiting for you, it may be difficult to know just where and when to start off with your great adventure in Svalbard. A good way to start is by checking out our full overview of trips and experiences below which we think may suit you if you’re looking for just these kinds of adventures!
If you’ve already settled on a date for your next trip to Svalbard, we can recommend checking our booking calendar to see which activities that are available for you and those who are joining your adventure.

  1. A person wearing a starting number and running clothes stopping by a polar bear warning sign and pointing towards the sign while smiling to a camera.
    Challenge yourself with the world's northernmost marathon on solid ground
  2. A large group of cross country skiers skiing in tracks next to the start line for Svalbard Ski Marathon. A large snowy mountainscape lies in the background.
    The world's northernmost touring race and a unique adventure for cross country skiers

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Number of results:

Number of results: 45

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  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 714 reviews714 reviews

    Ursus Maritimus - East Coast Extreme - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    On this special east coast snowmobile trip, we get more time on the magnificent east coast, where the nature is untouched and the land frozen solid. This extreme experience in the Arctic will be hard to forget.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 714 reviews714 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews

    Expedition to Newtontoppen - Svalbard's tallest - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Imagine yourself standing on top of Newtontoppen surrounded by miles of untouched wilderness and beautiful glacial landscapes. This is the trip for those who want to experience a different kind of Svalbard, on skis.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 5 - Demands exceptional physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Skiing
    • Tent accomodation

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 335 reviews335 reviews

    Ice cave challenge: Ice climbing - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Explore the ice cave where others turn around! We take you further into the glacier's meltwater channels with ice axes, ropes and crampons.

    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
    • Ice cave

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 335 reviews335 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 69 reviews69 reviews

    The Trapper's Trail - 2-days dog sledding adventure to an expedition cabin - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Travel through the wilderness like a true polar explorer and create your own adventure by taking part in a 2-day dog sled trip to a unique Svalbardian expedition cabin. Each participant will mush their own team of Alaskan huskies.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Above average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 745 reviews745 reviews

    Hiorthfjellet Trekking - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    Take the path less travelled by and join us for an unforgettable day-long hike to the top of Hiorthfjellet Mountain! The summit of Hiorthfjellet provides stunning views of Longyearbyen and the Adventfjord.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 745 reviews745 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 335 reviews335 reviews

    Arctic challenge: Hiorthfjellet, hike and kayak - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    The Arctic Challenge. We kayak across the fjord before we start climbing to the summit of Hiorthfjellet at 1000 meters.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking
    • Kayak

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 335 reviews335 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews

    Snowmobile safari to the East coast-Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    This is an amazing wilderness experience! It is a long day on snowmobile in varied, and demanding terrain, but the reward is great - a fantastic day out in the stark Svalbard landscape.

    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 - 591 reviews591 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 65 reviews65 reviews

    Arctic Luxury - 2-days snowmobile adventure to Isfjord Radio - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    * Isfjord På svalbard

    Embark on your mini expedition of a lifetime and spend one night at Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, situated approximately 95 kilometres from civilization in Longyearbyen. Enjoy the freedom while exploring the vast wintery nature in Svalbard.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Snowmobile
    • Toilet
    • Wellness

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1232 reviews1232 reviews

    Three day expedition with dogsledge - Green Dog Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on this three day dog sledge expedition with overnight stays in a cabin!.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Avarage physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Ice cave
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1232 reviews1232 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 363 reviews363 reviews

    Snowmobile trip to the East coast - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for an extraordinary tour. We will drive east and pass snow covered mountains, wide valleys, narrow valleys, moraines and much more. On this tour you will experience all those things which are really characteristic for Svalbard. The feeling…

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 363 reviews363 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 65 reviews65 reviews

    5-day Adventure Week at Nordenskiöld Lodge - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Welcome to the world’s northernmost commercial cabin. Discover the cozy lodge hidden in the moraine by the mighty Nordenskiöld glacier. Spend your days glacier hiking or paddle along the glacier front and experience the true Arctic silence.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Above average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Kayak
    • Open boat
    • Sightseeing and lectures
    • Wellness

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews

    Spitsbergen Coast to Coast - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Do you have a dream of seeing the wilder part of Spitsbergen, and do you enjoy cross country skiing? This 40km long skiing trip might be the perfect introduction to experiencing the fascinating landscapes of Svalbard.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Skiing
    • Tent accomodation

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 65 reviews65 reviews

    3-day Adventure Weekend at Nordenskiöld Lodge - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Spend a weekend at the world’s northernmost commercial cabin – Nordenskiöld Lodge. We’ll go hiking on the blue glacier and paddle along the glacier front. You will have the chance to experience true Arctic silence.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Above average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Kayak
    • Open boat
    • Sightseeing and lectures
    • Wellness

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 401 reviews401 reviews

    Snowmobile safari to the East Coast - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    We guarantee a small group, maximum of 6 scooters and 9 participants. Join the kingdom of the polar bear and experience the arctic nature up close! The East coast is not affected by the Gulf Stream to the same extent as the west coast, temperatures…

    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 - 401 reviews401 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 361 reviews361 reviews

    3-day dog sledding adventure to the lodge among glaciers - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Visit our idyllic lodge in the untouched, silent Tverrdalen. The only way to get there is by foot, skiing or dog sledding. This trip provides a special opportunity to experience the Svalbard nature.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Ice cave
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 361 reviews361 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 11 reviews11 reviews

    Dream of the northern lights – Overnight in an exclusive cabin with dinner by a dog yard - Discover Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on this unique experience, with accommodation in our exclusive cabin next to a dog yard with dinner

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Food

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 11 reviews11 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 713 reviews713 reviews

    Ursus Maritimus – King of the Arctic - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    This snowmobile trip goes to the magnificent east coast, where the nature is untouched and the land frozen solid. A view that is hard to describe. You don’t want to miss this amazing experience.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 713 reviews713 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 94 reviews94 reviews

    3 day dogsledding expedition with overnight in igloo - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    Experience Svalbard in the best way possible. Welcome to an unforgettable adventure through a unique wilderness!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Tent accomodation

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 94 reviews94 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 361 reviews361 reviews

    2-day dog sledding adventure to the lodge among glaciers - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Visit our idyllic lodge in the untouched, silent Tverrdalen. The only way to get there is by foot, skiing or dog sledding. This trip provides a special opportunity to experience the Svalbard nature.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Food
    • Ice cave
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 361 reviews361 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews

    Ski expedition to Tre Kroner - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    If you fancy a proper Arctic challenge, this is the trip for you. In eleven days, we will take you on a ski trip of about 180 km, from Billefjorden, via the Tre Kroner, to Ekmanfjorden.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 5 - Demands exceptional physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Expedition
    • Food
    • Skiing
    • Tent accomodation

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 591 reviews591 reviews
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