What to do in Svalbard: 14 fun and fabulous activities

Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, is an extraordinarily beautiful, wild, and rugged archipelago situated in the Arctic Ocean, 2,000 miles north of Norway and just 500 miles from the North Pole. There is so much to do in the untouched icy landscapes of Svalbard that you’re spoiled for choice, especially if you love the outdoors. The remote location is also home to abundant wildlife, including more than 500 polar bears.

You’re likely to start any Svalbard expedition from the charming town of Longyearbyen, which is a great place to explore on foot, with its colorful buildings, local shops, and restaurants. You can visit the North Pole Expedition Museum, or take a walk to the top of the nearby mountain for panoramic views.

There are several other museums to visit that provide insights into the island's history, culture, and wildlife. The Svalbard Museum is one of the most popular, and it has exhibits on everything from whaling to climate change.

The rugged coastline is dotted with fjords and glaciers, so aboat touris a must. There are several available to explore the area's stunning scenery, includingfjord tours. Each fjord system has its own unique features, wildlife, and attractions, making each one of them well worth a visit. Most are on the west coast of Svalbard. Isfjorden is a massive system of fjords and valleys that dominates the west coast, stretching over 66 miles from its mouth to the interior of the island. It is second in size only to Wijdefjorden, which is about a mile longer and is located on the north coast. Kongsfjorden is also very popular, due to its stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife, but also for its historic settlement, New Ålesund, the most northerly permanent civilian settlement in the world. It even has a post office, so you can send a postcard! The fjord contains several large glaciers, including the mighty Kronebreen glacier. Magdalenefjorden is a stunning fjord located on the northwest coast of Spitsbergen known for its towering cliffs, deep blue waters, and wildlife, including polar bears and seabirds. Hornsund is a spectacular fjord system located on the southern tip of Spitsbergen with towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine wilderness, and is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Boat and glacier tours are particularly glorious during the summer months, when you can explore the region in the midnight sun. There are also some specialist boat tours on offer:

These are an excellent way to explore the many fjords and coastal areas of Spitsbergen. They are typically led by experienced guides who can take you to some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the island. Kayaking tours may range from half-day trips to multi-day expeditions, and may include visits to remote campsites and wildlife hotspots. Many cruises also offer zodiac tours, so you can get close to them.

Diving tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world around Spitsbergen. While the water may be cold, dry suits are often provided and visibility can be excellent, ensuring a wealth of marine life to discover. You may visit kelp forests, shipwrecks, and even have encounters with playful seals. Some tour operators offer combined kayaking and diving tours, providing a truly immersive experience exploring the stunning scenery and wildlife of Spitsbergen.

Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The best time to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon is from late September to early April, when the nights are long and dark and you can experience the northern lights at midday. To get the most out of your experience, go with a local guide who will take you to the best spots.

Go on a tour to the former Soviet town of Pyramiden,abandoned in 1998 and now a ghost town with eerie Soviet-era buildings to explore, and theRussian mining town of Barentsburg, where you can learn about the history and culture of Russian miners and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

Another fascinating tour takes you to the remote Isfjord radio station on the west coast of Svalbard, where you’re likely to see polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes.

Arguably the best way to see the wilds is with the help of some friendly huskies, as dog sledding is a safe and eco-friendly way to explore the island. You can book a tour with a local guide and experience the thrill of traveling across the Arctic landscape with a team of sled dogs. Tours range from a few hours to several days, and you can choose to stay in a traditional Sami tent or a cozy log cabin. There is a range of dog sledding tours available in Spitsbergen. Why not try, for example, polar night dog sledding, a magical tour through the Arctic wilderness, guided by an experienced musher? Or you could take a full day sledding tour adventure with the opportunity of visiting a trapper's cabin and learning about the history and culture of the Arctic explorers. There is also a tour which visits an ice cave, where you can explore the fascinating ice formations and learn about the geology of the Arctic region.

Svalbard has a variety of hiking and skiing trails that are suitable for people of all skill levels. The terrain is rugged and the climate is harsh, but the views are breathtaking. For example, fit skiers might like to try the trail from Longyearbyen to Coles Bay to explore the glaciers and the surrounding mountains. Or for those with good navigation skills, there is a beautiful ski route from Svea to the Van Mijenfjorden, where you can explore the vast, open tundra and frozen fjords. Intermediate skiers would enjoy the trip from Billefjorden to the spectacular Nordenskiöld glacier, or from Pyramiden to the Petuniabukta.

Svalbard is home to a wide range of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and many different seabirds, including the only native land bird, the pink-faced sheathbill. You can take a guided wildlife safari to see these animals in their natural habitat.

To plan a trip to this remote, rugged, and unspoiled region where polar wildlife abounds, the northern lights are at their best and you can even send a postcard from the most northerly civilian outpost in the world, consult our experts at Polartours.