This is a post on the best Svalbard Activities. But first, where is Svalbard? Apologies to all those who believed Santa’s grotto at Lapland was the most northerly tourist destination in the world but it is in fact Svalbard. A collection of mountainous islands apart of the Norwegian government, it is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
It is inhabited by a few thousand people who live there year round but it is home to thousands of wildlife – its most famous, known as the King of the Arctic – is the polar bear.
So what can you do on a group of islands with no trees and that is inhabited by one of the most dangerous animals on the planet? Surprisingly quite a lot.
It goes without saying that Svalbard is not for the fainthearted. The Svalbard activities are included in that assessment. The rugged terrain is at first seemingly inhospitable. Snow blankets the rocky mountains for three quarters of the year after all. However, within the barren landscape is a world full of life, from lichen and moss to flocks of birds, and marine life that swims off its coastline.
There is an abundance to see and do here, but Svalbard provides visitors with something that other places can’t – a true feeling of expedition and exploration.
So what would I do in Svalbard? I’d explore as much as possible – see things I won’t see anywhere else, and no doubt come home absolutely exhausted, but it would be so worth it.
So here is a curated list of activities that I will not be able to miss when I visit Svalbard. I have chosen the season Sunny Winter to visit which is from 1st March until the 16th May.
Svalbard Activities – Ice Caves
Snowmobile to the Ice Cave
Not entirely unique to Svalbard as you can also see ice caves in Iceland (what a surprise!), but there are some unique activities that come with the novelty whilst visiting Svalbard.
One of main modes of transport on this archipelago is by snowmobile. So why not try out one of these uncommon modes of transport whilst visiting an ice cave?
This particular excursion will take you across the charmingly named, Adventdalen, before reaching the cave at the bottom of Tellbreen (a glacier).
You’ll be able to walk into the cave and marvel at the shapes and rivets the frozen water has created.
The excursion will cost (at the time of writing) approximately $225 (US).
Ice Cave Climbing
Taking the concept of ice caves one step further, there are options to further explore the caves. Kind of similar to canyoning, this excursion will take you through small tunnels and tight spaces to travel deeper into the cave.
Unlike the previously mentioned excursion, you would not be driving the snowmobile yourself, you would be transported in an enclosed sleigh which will be pulled on the back of the instructor’s snowmobile. I’m going to be honest – it sounds pretty cool.
One of the great things about this excursion is that it’s a super small group. Only a max of 4 people can attend – which could basically be your own private party if your group is large enough.
No previous knowledge of climbing is required – you’ll have an expert to guide you.
This is a little more expensive than the previous excursion, setting you back approximately $375 US per person.
Ice Cave Camping
If visiting the cave for a few hours isn’t enough for you, why not spend the night? As well as spending the night in an ice cave, you’ll have dinner and breakfast there too. You’ll also walk up the mountain in the evening to take in the view of the winter sky.
From the photos, it appears that you are just sleeping in the cave – in a sleeping bag. No tent for protection. I’m not sure how I would cope with this – but it does look enticing that’s for sure. And how many people can say they have slept in an ice cave?
You have to be a minimum of 16 years old and the excursion will cost you approximately $365 US.
Svalbard Activities – Wildlife
Polar Bears
An excursion specifically on the look-out for one of the largest bears on the planet – the Polar Bear. I had a particular fondness for polar bears (my first ever teddy was a polar bear), so this excursion is one of my absolute must-dos on this trip.
You’ll take the snowmobile across the icy plains towards the eastern sea ice where you have a high chance of seeing polar bears. On this trip you may also see reindeer, seals and arctic foxes.
There are close to 3000 polar bears on Svalbard, and despite this being an organized tour, you will need to have your wits about you.
This polar bear expedition will cost just under $400 US per person.
Walrus Safari
Can walruses be classified as cute? I’m not sure, but with their big goofy flippers, whiskers and general love of sunbathing, they have a strong case to say yes.
The males weigh on average around 1500kgs, whilst the female average is a slender 900kg. They certainly have some power behind them, despite their goofy look.
In Svalbard, you have the chance to see a colony up close by heading out on a boat which will take you close by for photos. You will also hop onto dry land to take more photos.
The boat is enclosed (and heated) and also has a bar. As if you need any more encouragement!
The price is approximately $225 US per person and the trip lasts around 5 hours.
Dog Sledding
Another unique mode of transport for you. Heading out dog sledding, you’ll be greeted by 80 (yes 80!) doggos who are all trained in the art of sledding. You will learn to harness and guide your dogs. Although, let’s face it, these pups will likely lead you most of the way.
The website tells us that the huskies are big attention seekers. Be sure to pet and cuddle them after.
It’s two people to each sledge and the excursion will take around 4 hours.
Svalbard Activities – Miscellaneous
A few more random activities that you can do in Svalbard for you.
A visit to the Seed Vault
What is a seed bank you ask? It is a very secure building (you’re not allowed inside) with over 1.1 million seed varieties stored in the former mine shaft.
While you may think what is the use in visiting a building just to look at the outside, it would be noted that it does hold all the reserves of worldwide seeds in case of a failure in the world’s crop diversity. So if there ever is a global ecological crisis – you will know where to go.
The excursion does include a hike so it’s not all about the seed vault.
Wilderness Evening
Spend the evening with good company learning about polar bears and the history of Svalbard. You’ll spend time inside and out as you appreciate the beautiful sky and landscape in this remote location.
You’ll be provided with dinner (reindeer soup), cake, and hot drinks during your visit.
Arctic Camping
No this is not a joke. Arctic Camping is a real thing you can do, but it comes with a steep price tag. It is the most expensive of all the tours I would like to try.
The location depends on the time of year and conditions on the day. You’ll pitch your own tent, be taught survival skills, and all cook dinner together before heading to your tent to experience camping in the Arctic.
Oh – and you’ll have to take a turn at being on Polar Bear Watch – also not a joke.
It sounds absolutely amazing, and if you can camp there, surely you can camp anywhere?
It is just under $840 US per person for one night of camping. The guides are literally keeping you alive in sub zero temperatures and defending you against wild bears though, so I’d rather be paying too much than too little.
Arctic Sauna
Are you needing to warm up after your camping trip? Head to the floating arctic sauna where for just under $200 US you can hire out the whole sauna for two hours. It fits around 14 people so depending on your group size, this would be quite a cheap little outing.
The sauna has big glass windows which have a grand view of the sea and mountains. A place to unwind and just enjoy the view.
So this is my top list for visiting Svalbard. Who knows when we will make it as we are currently living on the other side of the world in Australia. It’s on our list and when we’re ready, we know what we will do.
Let me know if you’ve visited or want to visit here in the comments.