Unforgettable Things To Do On The Svalbard Islands: Arctic Adventures Await

Svalbard is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, which is a Norwegian archipelago. This place is known to be one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas that has very remote terrain of glacier-frozen sheltering polar bears and is rugged with snow. There are many things to do on the Svalbard Islands that give an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience, like looking at the northern lights, hiking the mountains, exploring the wildlife, and many more. There are many activities to do in different seasons that have their significance and beauty to showcase. There are many things to do on the Svalbard islands​ all year and create some adventurous and amazing memories.

14 Things To Do On The Svalbard Islands

Here are a few things to do on the Svalbard Islands to have an amazing and adventurous trip.

1. Dog Sledding

Photo: Antonio Miralles Andorra / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Dog sledging is one of the best things to do in Svalbard, where the dogs pull the sled across a beautiful and peaceful snow-covered landscape. It is one of the most unforgettable adventures that is made with wheeled sledges. It is the best way to explore the beautiful white-covered Arctic landscape both during the day and at night. There is also ensured safety and guidance for this experience. The participants can also get to meet a few cute puppies to play in the dog yard for a time. This activity is usually suitable for all with average physical fitness.

Best Time To Visit: March to May

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Norway

2. Exploring Ice Caves

Photo: Mavlyudov Boris / Wikimedia Commons

Svalbard is famous for its various glaciers that have countless ice caves, which have been formed by the melted water, leading to fascinating ice caves that are ideal for visiting. The participants who want to explore the very ancient ice caves are equipped with handmade crampons and a headlamp to walk into a calm and silent world with beautiful blue colours and snow crystals. There are different ways to get to various ice caves, which is an adventurous activity. One of the ways is to go dog sledding, another is by driving a snowmobile and some can also go using skis.

Best Time To Visit: January to May

3. Viewing Northern Lights

Photo: Martincco / Wikimedia Commons

Viewing the northern lights in Svalbard is one of the most unique and beautiful once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The northern lights are usually visible during the evening or night. They are mystical green lights that dance high above the Arctic Archipelago that create a magical atmosphere, especially during the winter months of the polar light. Aurora Borealis, which is the northern lights, is known to be one of the most fascinating things for humans over centuries that is known for the various myths and legends. These lights are caused by a natural phenomenon called powerful solar winds, where the sun emits electrically charged solar particles towards the Earth.

Best Time To Visit: September to March

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Oslo

4. Explore The Wildlife

Photo: Jerzy Strzelecki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Svalbard, which is known as the wildlife capital of the Arctic, is one of the best places for spotting various wild animals like polar bears, walruses and whales. There are a few species that stay in space for the entire world of snow, which has a unique wildlife. Especially during the summer, there are various mass migrations of birds, marine species and land species spotted, which become a hub of animal activity. Svalbard is the most renowned and one of the top three destinations in the Arctic for wildlife viewing. The visitors can spend a few days in Longyearbyen explore various national parks and cruise to the coastal areas to spot the wild animals.

Best Time To Visit: May to September

5. Visit The Svalbard Museum

Photo: Ssu / Wikimedia Commons

Svalbard Museum, located in Longyearbyen, is the largest museum in the entire town that displays various artefacts from the history of Svalbard and also exhibits various local plants and animals. This museum also has exhibitions that describe the factors that support human activity in Svalbard and showcase the close relationship between nature and human cultural history on these islands. The life in light and eyes is the main highlight of the museum, which describes the history of the archipelago from the first whalers to various societies based on mining research and tourism. This museum is located in the University Centre in Svalbard.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Bergen Norway In July

6. Take A Tour Around Pyramiden

Photo: Bjoertvedt / Wikimedia Commons

Pyramiden is an abandoned Soviet coal mining settlement that is located in Svalbard. It has been retrieved and became a famous tourist destination that is also known to be one of the world’s most famous ghost towns. Visitors can reach this place by boat in the summer and also by snowmobiles in the winter season. Even though it was abundant once, there are various restaurants and hotels to stay in this place. This place got its name, Pyramiden, because of a pyramid-shaped mountain towering over it. This is the best place to explore the building during the Soviet period and hear a few stories about this place, which are very interesting.

Best Time To Visit: May to September

7. Hiking

Photo: Al83tito / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Longyearbyen in Svalbard has one of the most beautiful mountains, which is ideal for hiking. There are various levels and types of hiking to choose from, like exploring the valleys or short hiking experiences. These places are known to have some of the most picture-perfect views and are ideal for exploring the flora, fauna, and various rock formations. There are also various hiking places, like the plateau mountain, which is 400 m above sea level, giving a beautiful and stunning view of the entire landscape. Hiking also includes various activities like trekking through the frozen glaciers, exploring the northern lights and dog sledging.

Best Time To Visit: May to September

Suggested Read: Norway Trekking

8. Kayaking

Photo: Alexander Bobrov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kayaking in Svalbard is one of the most amazing and great experiences to have a close-up view of the beautiful Arctic nature. There are various short trips and also multiple-day trips that have overnight accommodations for handling popular places for both residents and tourists. Kayaking is an amazing experience by gliding silently through the water and enjoying the magical views of nature in a peaceful manner. There are also various packages and guided tours with equipment and bodysuits provided along with food for this activity.

Best Time To Visit: June to August

9. Visit The Svalbard Church

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Svalbard Church, located in Longyearbyen, is a parish church. This church is considered to be one of the northernmost churches and has a red wooden design built in a rectangular shape. This is a very isolated church with very limited people that is open for various village services and cultural gatherings among the locals. This is also a must-visit place for tourists to meet people and learn about the culture and the living of the people around the place. This church is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Arctic and its simple and beautiful interior.

Timings: 10 AM – 2 PM

Suggested Read: Discover The Best Things To Do In Oslo In March For A Memorable Visit

10. Svalbard Wildlife Safari

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Svalbard Wildlife Safari is one of the most adventurous and interesting things to do in this area It offers a chance for visitors to witness the beautiful and unique Arctic ecosystem by spotting various wild animals like reindeer, polar bears, and many more, and also to take a closer look at their natural habitats. Many photographers go on only strips that are conducted in packages with very limited people taken at once. There are short trips as well as long ones during which trips can be chosen according to the preferences of the visitors, where the participants travel by various means like snowmobiling, kayaking, hiking and everything at once.

Best Time To Visit: May to September

11. Enjoy Snowmobile Safaris

Photo: Dirk Unger / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Snowmobile safaris in Svalbard whisk you from Longyearbyen across frozen fjords and snowfields, guided by experienced locals. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights under polar night skies or admiring the midnight sun’s glow between February and May, these trips reveal towering glaciers, abandoned trapper huts and the chance to glimpse Arctic wildlife. Short tours suit beginners while full-day expeditions to the rugged east coast showcase Spitsbergen’s remote grandeur. With all gear provided, beginners and experts alike can feel the thrill of racing across pristine white landscapes, making snowmobiling a must-do on the islands.

Major Attractions: Explore icy wilderness and spot Arctic wildlife

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Norway

12. Visit Pyramiden

Photo: Joxean Koret / Wikimedia Commons

A short 50 km boat journey from Longyearbyen brings you to Pyramiden, a former Soviet coal-mining town abandoned in 1998 and now frozen in time as a fascinating Arctic ghost town. More than 70 buildings including the old canteen, sports hall and the world’s northernmost Lenin statue stand virtually untouched, while a tiny museum displays taxidermied polar wildlife, geological samples and Soviet memorabilia. In summer, daily guided boat tours let you wander its empty streets; in winter, you can snowmobile in for a truly remote thrill, making it one of the best places to visit on the Svalbard Islands.

Major Attractions: Discover eerie Soviet-era ruins

13. Try Local Cuisine

Photo: Ridiculopathy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sampling Svalbard’s local cuisine is an unforgettable part of any visit to these remote Arctic islands. Lean reindeer steak served with winter root vegetables highlights the region’s sustainable hunting traditions. Arctic char appears grilled or smoked, revealing a delicate, slightly sweet flavour. Ptarmigan, a hardy land bird, is roasted or braised and pairs beautifully with earthy berries. Adventurous diners can try seal meat in rich stews or sausages, while Norwegian waffles topped with sour cream, jam or brown cheese offer comforting sweetness. Wash it down with Aquavit or sample Svalbard’s glacier-water beers for a taste of the High Arctic.

Major Attractions:

Suggested Read: Street Food In Oslo

14. Skiing

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons

Across the Svalbard Islands, skiing reveals a world of Arctic exploration amid snow-capped peaks and vast glaciers. From March until June, when the midnight sun bathes the land in light, you can join guided tours from gentle beginner trips near Longyearbyen to demanding ski-touring expeditions over moraines and up to summits such as Trollsteinen (850 metres). Experienced guides tailor each route to conditions, provide avalanche safety briefings and supply all kit. Whether you crave serene runs above fjords or remote crossings into pristine backcountry, skiing here offers an unforgettable polar adventure.

Major Attractions: Glide across untouched snowy landscapes under polar skies

There are many things to do on the Svalbard Islands that offer an exciting and unique once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors that is known for its northernmost inhabited areas, remote terrains, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, ice caves, northern lights and many more. There are various activities to do in different seasons throughout the year in this place to explore the magic and nature of the Arctic. To know more about these things and for further information, visit TripXL.

Cover Photo: Bingar1234 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions