Things to do in Svalbard in winter
In winter Svalbard turns into an Arctic landscape of blue and black. The dark season settles over Longyearbyen, and that is exactly when the best things to do in Svalbard in winter come alive — snowmobile tours across frozen fjords, the northern lights dancing overhead, and trips deep inside the glaciers.
The winter season runs from November to May and splits in two: the dark polar night, and the bright ‘sunlit winter’ once the sun returns. Here are the activities we recommend as local guides in Longyearbyen — and when in the year each one works best.
Snowmobiling — the classic winter experience
The snowmobile is how you experience Svalbard in winter. Once the fjords and valleys freeze, a landscape opens up that you can never reach in summer. Tours range from short, beginner-friendly day trips to long expeditions. One of the best to start with is the snowmobile tour to Tempelfjorden, where most of the terrain is flat. If you want to go further out, the tour to the east coast and Mohnbukta takes you all the way to the sea ice edge with a chance of seeing wildlife, while the west coast tour heads for the Russian mining town of Barentsburg. Elveneset is a shorter half-day trip with panoramic views over Isfjorden. The guide always carries a rifle as a precaution against polar bears.
Seeing the northern lights in Svalbard
Svalbard is the only inhabited place in the world where you can see the northern lights in the middle of the day — because the sun stays below the horizon for months during the dark season. The best period is November to February. You can chase the aurora two ways: by car to dark viewpoints away from the town lights, or on a northern lights tour by snowmobile deeper into Adventdalen. For more on when and where, read our guide to when you can see the northern lights in Svalbard.
Inside the glacier — ice caving
One of the most spectacular winter experiences is walking into a real ice cave. On an ice caving tour you climb down into the glacier and walk through tunnels of shining blue ice that can be around 5,000 years old. Because you are underground, the tour is barely affected by weather — ideal for a windy day.
The dark season and the polar night
The polar night is not a limitation but an experience in its own right. From mid-November to the end of January it is completely dark around the clock, and the landscape is bathed in a deep blue winter light. A snowmobile tour in the polar night takes you to a frozen waterfall in the middle of the darkness, with a good chance of the aurora. Later in the season, as the light is just returning, the evening tour to Coles Bay passes the abandoned Soviet settlement of Grumant.
Gentler tours and sightseeing
Not everyone wants to drive a snowmobile. If you would rather take in the winter landscape at a calmer pace, you can sit wrapped up warm in a sleigh pulled by snowmobile through Adventdalen. Or join a photo and sightseeing tour by car, where the guide takes you to the best viewpoints and photo spots around Longyearbyen.
Tailor-made winter tours
Travelling as a group, working as photographers, or have particular wishes? Then we put together a tailor-made tour shaped around what you want, your fitness and the time you have.
The best time for winter activities in Svalbard
‘Winter’ in Svalbard is really two seasons. During the polar night (mid-November to the end of January) there is total darkness, northern lights in the middle of the day, and tours to frozen waterfalls. In the sunlit winter (March to May) the light returns, the snowmobile season is at its best, and the long tours to the east coast open up. To plan exactly when to travel, read our guide to the best time to visit Svalbard.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Svalbard in winter?
The most popular activities are snowmobile tours across frozen fjords, seeing the northern lights, ice caving inside the glacier, and tours during the dark season. The winter season runs from November to May.
When is winter in Svalbard?
Winter lasts from roughly November to May. The dark season is November to February, while the snowmobile season is at its best from March to May once the light is back.
Can you see the northern lights in Svalbard in winter?
Yes. Svalbard is the only inhabited place in the world where you can see the northern lights in the middle of the day, because the sun stays below the horizon during the dark season. The best period is November to February.
Do you need experience to drive a snowmobile in Svalbard?
No. Many tours are beginner-friendly, and the guide gives thorough instruction before you set off. The Tempelfjorden tour is a good place to start.
Is it safe with regard to polar bears in winter?
Yes, on guided tours. Our guides always carry a rifle and are trained in polar bear safety, and routes are planned to avoid risk. Outside Longyearbyen you should never travel without a guide who is armed.
What should you wear in Svalbard in winter?
Warm layers, a windproof and waterproof outer layer, a hat and mittens. On snowmobile tours you are normally lent a thermal suit, boots, helmet and gloves by the operator.
Ready for winter in Svalbard? See all our winter tours →
