Svalbard looks like a place drawn by a child who loves snow and mountains. It is raw Arctic wilderness, a handful of small settlements, and more wildlife than people. Up here between mainland Norway and the North Pole, you can hike on ancient moraines, meet huskies, step into Soviet-era ghost towns, and watch the sky go green in winter or glow all night in summer. I grew up with Svalbard as the mythical north in our bedtime stories and have visited often as an adult. It still gives me goosebumps every time.
If you are wondering what the best things to do on Svalbard are, the short answer is this: base yourself in Longyearbyen and mix guided outdoor adventures with time in town. Go outside with professionals for snowmobiling or boating, book at least one wildlife-focused trip, and leave space for the Svalbard Museum and a good Arctic dinner. You will feel you have touched the real High North.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the best experiences Svalbard offers, how to choose by season, and the small local rules that make a big difference to your trip.
Know Your Seasons: Midnight Sun or Polar Night
Picking the right season shapes everything you do. From late April to late August, the midnight sun keeps the days bright and long, opening up boating, glacier cruising, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking near town. From late October to mid February, the polar night wraps Svalbard in darkness, which is perfect for northern lights, dog sledding on snow, and ice cave tours. Spring and early autumn are shoulder seasons with fewer visitors and a nice balance of activities.
Important: Weather is king here. Even in summer you can get sleet and 2 degrees Celsius in the morning, then sunshine for your fjord cruise after lunch. In winter, tours may shift or postpone due to wind and visibility. Build some flexibility into your plans.
Respect the Arctic: Safety, Wildlife, and Rules
Outside the settlements, you are in polar bear country. Do not leave Longyearbyen or other inhabited areas without proper polar bear protection and knowledge. Most visitors should join guided tours run by licensed operators. If you are experienced and intend to travel independently, you are required to carry a suitable firearm and flare gun for safety. Rental is possible with correct permits and training, but for almost everyone, a professional guide is the simpler, safer path.
There are a few other crucial rules. You may not fly drones in Longyearbyen without permission, and restrictions apply elsewhere due to wildlife and privacy. Keep a strict distance to animals at all times, never approach a polar bear, and pack out all waste. Svalbard’s environment is fragile; what looks like empty ground can be vulnerable Arctic vegetation many decades in the making.
Explore Longyearbyen: Small Town, Big Character
Start with Longyearbyen itself. Walk the main street, browse the North Pole Expedition Museum, and spend time in the excellent Svalbard Museum for context on geology, wildlife, mining, and life in the archipelago. The local church is always welcoming and serves as a community hub. I like to stroll along the shore toward Adventfjorden in the evening when the light softens and the mountains show their layers.
Food is part of the story here. Book ahead for an Arctic tasting menu featuring reindeer, cod, or king crab. For lunch, you will find cozy cafes that do a proper Norwegian waffle with brown cheese and cloudberry jam. If you want to buy alcohol in the off-licence, carry your passport and travel document. Bars and restaurants are straightforward, but the shop follows local rules.
Dog Sledding: Classic Arctic Joy
Dog sledding is the activity I recommend to almost everyone. In winter and spring you ride on snow; in summer and early autumn many operators offer wheeled carts so you can still meet the dogs and feel the pull. The dogs are friendly, loud when excited, and quiet once you are moving. Standing on the runners with the valley opening ahead is one of those pure Arctic moments. Dress warm and follow the guide’s instructions on braking and spacing between sleds.
Snowmobiling: Reach the Big Landscapes
When the snow is settled, snowmobiles open up an enormous range. Guides will take you over valleys and frozen rivers, often out to a glacier front or a viewpoint where the horizon looks endless. It is not about speed as much as reach and safety, and your guide will set a sensible pace. Bring your camera but expect to stop and just look. The silence, once the engines are off, is surprising. You must carry your driver’s license and listen closely to the safety briefing, especially about sea ice and visibility.
Boat Trips and Glacier Cruises: Summer’s Signature
In summer, the water is your highway. Boats run to glacier fronts like Nordenskiöldbreen, to nearby fjords full of bird cliffs, and to Isfjorden’s rich wildlife areas. On a calm day you may see seals, walrus hauled out on ice, and sometimes whales. Dress for windchill on deck, even in July. A local tip: choose a smaller boat if you want more time near wildlife and a larger, more comfortable vessel if you prefer stability and a warm cabin.
Visiting Pyramiden and Barentsburg: Soviet Relics and Living Community
Two settlements sit like history lessons on the fjords. Barentsburg is a working Russian mining town with a lively square and cultural center. Spend a day with a guide who can explain its present-day life and traditions. Pyramiden is a ghost town, a preserved Soviet-era settlement frozen in time. Walking through the sports hall and cinema feels surreal. Trips are by boat in summer and by snowmobile in winter, depending on conditions. Going with a certified guide is required, both for safety and for access to these controlled areas.
Wildlife Watching: Ethical and Patient
Everyone hopes to see a polar bear. You might, but it should never be the goal of a tour to chase one. The best strategy is to book a seasoned operator with a naturalist guide and accept that the animal decides. In summer, birdlife is spectacular, from puffins and kittiwakes to the mighty little auk. Walrus safaris are a superb alternative, offering a respectful distance to these enormous, social animals. Remember that getting too close is not only illegal but harmful. Use binoculars and long lenses, and cherish the encounter from afar.
Hiking Near Longyearbyen: Short, Rewarding Peaks
A few half-day hikes start right from Longyearbyen with guides, including Sarkofagen, Plateau Mountain, and Adventtoppen. Expect rocky moraine, loose scree, and views that repay the effort many times over. Even in summer, the weather can turn quickly and wind can be sharp on the ridges. Good boots, layers, and gloves are not optional. I also recommend a shorter evening walk if your schedule is full. The light around midnight sun makes ordinary valleys look magical.
Ice Caves and Glaciers: Inside the Blue
Ice cave tours run mainly in winter when the snowpack stabilizes entrances. You clip on a helmet and headlamp and follow the guide into frozen tunnels formed by meltwater channels. The blues and bubbles trapped in the ice are astonishing. In summer, glacier hiking with crampons gives a taste of crevasse fields and moulins, always with safety lines where needed. Do not attempt glacier or ice cave visits without professionals. The risk is invisible until it is not.
Kayaking: Quiet Water, Big Mountains
On calm summer days, paddling close to shore is a beautiful way to feel the scale of Svalbard without noise. Guided sea kayaking trips suit beginners and experienced paddlers, with dry suits provided. Keep an eye out for eiders, guillemots, and the occasional seal. The water is cold year round, so trust the guide’s call on wind and waves. If conditions ramp up, the smartest joy is hot cocoa back on land.
Northern Lights and Arctic Darkness
From late October to mid February, Svalbard gives you a rare treat: the northern lights visible even during daytime twilight. Guides will drive you out of town to darker valleys and explain what you are seeing. If the forecast is quiet, do not force it. There is a special peace to the polar night itself. A dinner by candlelight and a quiet walk in town, with snow squeaking under your boots, is a memory that stays.
Photography Tips: Manage the Light and the Cold
The Arctic light is low and angled, which is fantastic for photos but tough on batteries. Keep spares warm in an inner pocket and bring lens wipes for sea spray or blowing snow. In winter, avoid exposing your camera too fast to warm indoor air or it will fog heavily. In summer, the midnight sun can feel harsh at noon; try late evening or early morning for softer colors. Never step closer to wildlife for the shot. A sharp photo from a respectful distance beats a risky one every time.
What to Wear and Pack
Layers beat bulk. Start with a good base layer, add a fleece or wool mid layer, and an outer shell that blocks wind and moisture. In winter, insulated pants and a down parka are worth their weight. Most tour operators provide thermal suits, boots, hats, and goggles for snowmobile days. Bring chemical hand warmers if you run cold. Sunglasses are important in every season because snow glare is real. For day trips, carry water, a snack, and a small dry bag for your phone and documents.
Where to Stay and How Long
Plan at least three full days on Svalbard, five if you can. That gives you a museum morning, a dog sled or snowmobile day, a boat or glacier day, and time for a hike or an aurora chase. Longyearbyen has a range of hotels and guesthouses, from boutique to functional. Book well ahead for peak months and special events. If you want quieter streets and more open tour availability, aim for early June or mid September.
Practical Essentials Most People Miss
Svalbard is outside the Schengen customs area. It is visa free in principle, but if you need a Schengen visa to transit mainland Norway, you must have it for your flights to and from Svalbard. Travel insurance that covers Arctic activities and potential medical evacuation is not optional here. Cash is rarely needed; cards are widely accepted. Mobile coverage is strong in town and disappears quickly outside. If you plan to buy alcohol from the off-licence, carry your passport and boarding pass. And one local courtesy: clean indoor shoes or thick socks are appreciated, as many places ask you to leave snowy boots at the entrance.
Booking Guides and Choosing Operators
Look for companies with long Svalbard experience, small group sizes, and clear safety protocols. Ask about contingency plans for weather and what gear they provide. If your heart is set on a specific activity like Pyramiden by boat or a long snowmobile traverse, book that centerpiece first, then fill in other days around it. Leave at least one open slot for the surprise your guide suggests once you are in town. Svalbard rewards a little spontaneity.
Svalbard gets under the skin. You come for the glaciers and the polar bears, and leave talking about the quiet, the dogs wagging at the trailhead, the coffee that tastes better after a cold day, and the way the mountains change color even when the sun never sets. Pack well, go with pros, and treat the place with care. The Arctic will repay you in full.