Things to do & places to visit in Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard #5 destination in Norway 2023. The average rating score is 4.72 based on 7.530 traveler reviews, of 35 attractions. Timezone: Arctic/Longyearbyen, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 3:24.

Top things to do (39)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Green Dog Svalbard (1.205 reviews)
- Epic Experience
Ski & Snow Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We booked the 3-day mini expedition into the Adventdalen, with two overnight stays in cabins, plus a visit to the ice cave in the glacier. Our guide, Didi, was absolutely superb. She was a real expert in every respect and worked so hard to deliver a truly wonderful customer experience. The weather conditions were mixed, with some poor weather, but that didn't detract in any way. The dogs were beautiful and I was awestruck at how hard they worked. The Foxdalen cabin was really cosy and quite 'rustic', while the larger lodge near Eskerdalen was quite luxurious and very relaxing. Brandy and waffles, plus a chance to meet the sled dog puppies back at base in Bolterdalen was a magical way to end. Sincere thanks again to Didi, our sled dogs and the whole team at Green Dog for delivering a magical experience. See more..
5.0 Poli Arctici (708 reviews)
- Great guide
Safaris • Ski & Snow Tours • Boat Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Thanks for an amazing snowmobile trip to Tempelfjorden. Our guide Knut was a super knowledgeable local who spends most of his time in Svalbard and has many interesting insights to the island and the life there. Poli Arctici is also a great company because they keep the groups small, which makes a big difference See more..
5.0 Better Moments (695 reviews)
- Great experience in complete white!
Boat Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Aríen was really nice and profesional, she picked us in our hotel at the exact time (little advice when going in this kind of activities: be ready 5min early in order to don’t make anyone wait for you, it’s cold out there!). She explain us all the plan, the route, the timing, etc.. and even if the weather was really bad and we almost didn’t get to see nothing but white, she made a great experience of this day, finding a cool alternative when we couldn’t go to the east coast because of the weather and telling us some incredible stories about Svalbard and polar exploration in general, she’s kind of a living legend with a backpack full of epic experiences and great stories to tell! Also, the snowmobiles were brand new and all the equipment worked perfectly, big plus for Better Moments, which also have one of the coolest office that I’ve ever seen It was a pity that the weather was so bad, but that means that we’ll have to be back, can’t wait! See more..
5.0 Husky Travellers (359 reviews)
- Amazing adventure
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM Ski & Snow Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We had an amazing experience. It was just the two of us with Tommy and Lisa. Instead of a guided tour it was more of a "family friend inviting us over" feeling. Although there was not enough snow for the sled, the alternative on wheels was almost equally awesome! After taking care of the dogs and giving them their treats, Tommy showed us around and shared some of his day-to-day chores. We could get a good underwear of life (with the dogs) on Svalbard. Afterwards, we shared a lovely home-cooked meal Lisa made and she gave us more stories about Tommy's adventures and well as her own journey up to today. We would definitely recommend any of the tours Arctic Husky Travellers are organizing! We were honored meeting Tommy and sharing his passion for the dogs and nature! We'll see each again for sure! Note: Even with the provided gear it could get cold, so make sure you dress very warm. See more..
5.0 Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions (325 reviews)
- Hike to Platåfjellet
Sunday: Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Ski & Snow Tours • Bike Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Spent a few hours hiking Platåfjellet with a group led by an experienced italian guide. He made sure every one in the group had a nice experience; making short stops and making us feeling safe. Fun sliding down the hill on our way down. See more..
5.0 Svalbard Brewery (100 reviews)
- A beer in the North
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

During a visit at Svalbard Bryggeri you will hear about how Svalbard Bryggeri became a reality, how former coal miner and pilot Robert Johansen got the idea about establishing his own brewery on the northern most settlement, Longyearbyen Svalbard, and what would be required to implement the dream. You will taste five different beers brewed on 2000-year-old glacier water from Bogerbreen. See more..
5.0 Magdalena Bay (27 reviews)
- One of the most amazing places to visit at Svalbard!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Magdalenefjorden is one of the best known fjords on Spitsbergen – it is an amazing fjord with jagged mountains. The fjord look faboulous with peaked mountains and some mysterious fog. A must to see if you visit Svalbard! Svein-Magne Tunli from Bergen, Norway – tunliweb.no See more..
5.0 Magdalenefjord Svalbard (23 reviews)
- Once in a lifetime; a real beauty to be visited at midsummer.
Bodies of Water

You will not blieve your eyes when you see 4 gletsjers coming togheter in one fjord under the midsummernight sun. To live this view in this particular light is a priviledge. The best reason why we shloud save it from disappearing by the global warming. See more..
5.0 Grumant Arctic Travel Company (10 reviews)
- Я чувствовал себя как дома
Safaris • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

I was on a three-day guided tour in Barentsburg and three days in Pyramiden, which I booked myself. The guided tour was fantastic. My guide had excellent knowledge and obviously a great passion for these places. The tour broadened my horizons and I always felt in good hands and safe. In both hotels I met wonderful, open, humorous and culturally interested team members who took perfect care of me. I grew very fond of them. I also had very good food. Anyone interested in Soviet history and architecture and the Arctic should come here. I will come again. See more..
5.0 Barbara Foto & Ramme (8 reviews)
- Brilliant service
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Photo and art gallery with nature and wildlife photos, original and paintings drawings, prints from Svalbard. The shop also offers gifts, souvenirs and and art-effects all produced in Svalbard by local artists. A collection of copies of old maps, stamps, books are also available for purchase. As most of our products are handmade and individually crafted we have a continously changing selection of artefects. See more..
5.0 Golden Hands Wellness (5 reviews)
- Amazing Thai massage
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

I have visited here on my last two visits to Longyearbyen. I can highly recommend it. I had just visited Thailand the month before I was in Longyearbyen and this was perhaps better than the massage I got in Bangkok! It is not really a spa all they do is massage but they have lots of options. Stopping by to make an appointment is a good idea, you can discuss what your needs are and they will recommend the best options. I love the Thai massage with lotion. If you have been overdoing the snowmobiling or hiking this is the place to go. See more..
5.0 Green Dog Svalbard (1.205 reviews)
- Epic Experience
Ski & Snow Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We booked the 3-day mini expedition into the Adventdalen, with two overnight stays in cabins, plus a visit to the ice cave in the glacier. Our guide, Didi, was absolutely superb. She was a real expert in every respect and worked so hard to deliver a truly wonderful customer experience. The weather conditions were mixed, with some poor weather, but that didn't detract in any way. The dogs were beautiful and I was awestruck at how hard they worked. The Foxdalen cabin was really cosy and quite 'rustic', while the larger lodge near Eskerdalen was quite luxurious and very relaxing. Brandy and waffles, plus a chance to meet the sled dog puppies back at base in Bolterdalen was a magical way to end. Sincere thanks again to Didi, our sled dogs and the whole team at Green Dog for delivering a magical experience. See more..
5.0 Poli Arctici (708 reviews)
- Great guide
Safaris • Ski & Snow Tours • Boat Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Thanks for an amazing snowmobile trip to Tempelfjorden. Our guide Knut was a super knowledgeable local who spends most of his time in Svalbard and has many interesting insights to the island and the life there. Poli Arctici is also a great company because they keep the groups small, which makes a big difference See more..
5.0 Better Moments (695 reviews)
- Great experience in complete white!
Boat Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Aríen was really nice and profesional, she picked us in our hotel at the exact time (little advice when going in this kind of activities: be ready 5min early in order to don’t make anyone wait for you, it’s cold out there!). She explain us all the plan, the route, the timing, etc.. and even if the weather was really bad and we almost didn’t get to see nothing but white, she made a great experience of this day, finding a cool alternative when we couldn’t go to the east coast because of the weather and telling us some incredible stories about Svalbard and polar exploration in general, she’s kind of a living legend with a backpack full of epic experiences and great stories to tell! Also, the snowmobiles were brand new and all the equipment worked perfectly, big plus for Better Moments, which also have one of the coolest office that I’ve ever seen It was a pity that the weather was so bad, but that means that we’ll have to be back, can’t wait! See more..
5.0 Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions (325 reviews)
- Hike to Platåfjellet
Sunday: Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Ski & Snow Tours • Bike Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Spent a few hours hiking Platåfjellet with a group led by an experienced italian guide. He made sure every one in the group had a nice experience; making short stops and making us feeling safe. Fun sliding down the hill on our way down. See more..
5.0 Svalbard Brewery (100 reviews)
- A beer in the North
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

During a visit at Svalbard Bryggeri you will hear about how Svalbard Bryggeri became a reality, how former coal miner and pilot Robert Johansen got the idea about establishing his own brewery on the northern most settlement, Longyearbyen Svalbard, and what would be required to implement the dream. You will taste five different beers brewed on 2000-year-old glacier water from Bogerbreen. See more..
4.5 Svalbard Museum (1.345 reviews)
- Wonderful little museum!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • History Museums

The exhibition presents fragments of Svalbard's 400-year history and describes factors that help support life and the activities taking place here, which together reveal the close relationship between sea and land, nature and cultural history. Family friendly. See more..
4.5 Hurtigruten Svalbard (559 reviews)
- Good activity operator in Svalbard
Multi-day Tours • Ski & Snow Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Svalbard is an exotic place, but it’s quite boring without any activities. Hurtigruten Svalbard provides wide variety of them. There is good description of tours available and booking system on hurtigrutensvalbard.com. I recommend to book tours in advance since the most popular activities are sold out when you’ll arrive. We had a skidoo safari to Tempelfjorden and a snowcat ice cave tour. Both were led by Robert the Swede, who was great! It took about 6 hours to Tempelfjorden and back having several stopovers and lunch. It was very windy and cold day. I was a bit astonished to see them having open helmets (with a vizor) instead of closed one (which is obviously much warmer). Wind was quite unpleasant to the face when it was blowing sideways. Happily this was only on few occasions. At Tempelfjorden we stopped on a cabin and had lunch. However, not in the cabin but outside. Cabin is only for reserved accommodation. Wind blowing heavily eating outside was quite an experience! Drinking soup from thermos was possible (using spoon was not). There may be quite some restrictions what is possible to build and where in Svalbard, but I would strongly advice to build a fireplace and open tent, tepee or something else to cover from the wind and make it warm. In Finnish Lapland national parks there are such everywhere, although building is otherwise prohibited. It is not only convenience but also safety factor. We did not see any polar bears. Some reindeers we did. Ice cave trip was much shorter, about 3 hours including coffee. Ice cave is quite tight, and I wouldn’t recommend it to claustrophobic people nor persons with a difficulty to walk or climb (there are steep stairs to get into and out the cave). Helmet with light and spikes to the shoes are provided Both tours were professionally organized and led. I can warmly recommend Hurtigruten Svalbard as a tour operator! See more..
4.5 Svalbard Adventures (393 reviews)
- The only company to use on Svalbard!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Boat Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I couldn't recommend Svalbard Adventures enough. We did two snowmobiling trips them and both were great. The first trip was the wild fjords trip which was a great introduction to snowmobiling and the second was a trip to Barentsburg. We booked the Barentsburg trip the night before after their office had closed and it wasn't a problem. On both occasions, we were picked up on time by friendly guides who then explained the route we were going to take and a safety briefing. The protective clothing was clean and fresh, not smelly or ripped. The snowmobiling suits are extremely warm as are the boots. I'd recommend bringing glove liners but the handlebars of the snowmobile are heated. Both snowmobiles I drove were new and had just been serviced. On both trips the guides stopped to show landmarks and wildlife and to allow for pictures. It is clear the guides are passionate about Svalbard and were full of knowledge not written in books or online. The trip to Barentsburg was full on and took around 3 hours each way and I wouldn't recommend this if it is your first time snowmobiling. I can't thank Timo and the other guides enough for making the trips so enjoyable. I would not hesitate in recommending Svalbard Adventures. See more..
4.5 North Pole Expedition Museum (387 reviews)
- Smal and charming museum with a fascinating exhibition
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Open every day from 9 am to 2 pm. The (formerly Spitsbergen Airship Museum) museum is an expedition museum and the northernmost aviation museum in the world. The museum is about expeditions to the North Pole, departing from Svalbard. The emphasis is on the 'America', the 'Norge' and the 'Italia' expeditions. Several hours of the original expedition movies running continuously. The exhibitions is a collage between old newspapers, postcards, photos, plane models, several hours of original movie material, clothes, stamps, letters, telegrams and more. Open daily from February until September. See more..
4.5 Svalbard Kirke (313 reviews)
- Lovely meeting space
Churches & Cathedrals

What an amazing space. As a non-christian I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. There is a huge comfy seating area, which gives the impression its a very social meeting place for the locals. Small gift shop, guest book, and of course a stuffed polar bear! See more..
4.5 Pyramiden (247 reviews)
- Нou are simply transported in time to distant times of the USSR
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mines • Ghost Towns

With a fascinating historical background and after being preserved in 1998, Pyramiden is now our Arctic time-machine back to USSR, a piece of land surrounded by magnificent natural landscapes with mountains and valleys. Here you will have a unique chance to immerse into the atmosphere of the Soviet period, visit buildings well-saved after this time, hear the stories of then and now, and even see a movie screening in the northernmost film stock cinema via refurbished original cine-projectors. Anyone who has spent in Pyramiden at least a couple of hours makes a point in this place's extraordinary essence. Today the town "frozen in time" is open and it grows as a tourist location with a cozy hotel and restaurant where the interior has been kept in original decorations from the Soviet period. In 1995 and 2018 King Harald V and Queen Sonja visited Pyramiden and came by the restaurant for a short coffee break. See more..
4.5 Karlsberger Pub (191 reviews)
- You don't expect this kind of Pub in the Arctic Circle
Sunday: 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs

Karlsberger Pub, known as KB by the locals, is a small, but very content pub in the heart of Longyearbyen. We have one of Europes finest selections of whiskey and cognac, and with over a thousand different sorts we are able to require the uppermost choice for everyone depending on their preference. We hold for instance an unique collection of Armagnac, extending from 1908 to 1989. What about drinking an Armagnac which is at the same age as you? Or maybe from the year your grandfather was born? See more..
4.5 Svalbard Buss og Taxi (183 reviews)
- Tour of Longyearbyen
Spent 1-2 hours Taxis & Shuttles

My first time visiting Svalbard, I booked a tour of Longyearbyen as a start. And what a start! Cato, the bus driver and guide, had first hand knowldge and experience. And he shared with us. History, stories and facts. Cato was not in a rush, he took his time, we made stops here and there and Cato explained and pointed out different things to us. This tour is almost a must for anyone who wants to visit Svalbard. Spend a day in town, take the tour, and leave the other activities for day two! See more..
4.5 Svalbard Busservice (170 reviews)
- Svalbard bus service an economical way to get from the airport to the hotel.
Spent 1-2 hours Bus Services

Airport shuttlebuss, sightseeing bus, group bus and other trips on booking. See more..
4.5 Gruve 3 (97 reviews)
- worth the money & time
Spent More than 3 hours Mines

The tour guide told the history of the mines in a way that made you want to listen & pay attention. Very funny & energetic guy. The tour itself was an unique experience through the tunnels of the mine with several stops & informative explanations as to what we're seeing. You could crawl into the narrow spaces & even keep a bit of coal as a souvenir. In comparison to other tours on Svalbard, I believe it's worth the money. See more..
4.5 Longyear 78 Outdoor & Expeditions (15 reviews)
- Nice outdoor shop
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Gear Rentals

Everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience on Svalbard. From outdoor gear to booking of activities and expeditions. See more..
4.5 Snowmobile Safari Svalbard (11 reviews)
- Trip to Tempelfjorden with Svalbard adventures
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Join us for a snowmobile safari to the closed Russian mining town Pyramiden, in the fjord of Billedfjorden. Pyramiden was previously the largest settlement on Svalbard with about 1500 inhabitants. The town was abandoned in 1998, but the buildings and infrastructure is still intact. We pass Tempelfjellet, a magnificent mountain formation, and the Nordenskiöld glacier. We have lunch outside in Pyramiden. On the way back home we take a coffee break onboard Noorderlicht, a Dutch sailing ship that is frozen in the ice of the Tempelfjord. Svalbard Booking is previously known as Svalbard Snoscooterutleie AS. See more..
4.5 Arctica (10 reviews)
- Love this store!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Arctica As is the high mountain specialist shop you have to visit when you come to Longyearbyen. In our shop you will find equipment for arctic regions - everything you need to stay warm and safe during your expedition: warm outer/inner clothing, hiking boots, underwear (wool),tent, sleepingbags, hiking equipment, skis, pulkas, gas, souvenir etc. Our proficient staff will be happy to assist you. See more..
4.5 Coal Mine 3 (9 reviews)
- Awesome Experience - very passionate host!
Mines

Very passionate and complete explanation of mining and Svalbard's history. Great tour of the mine, we got to experience first hand how the miners worked back in the day. Got to visit the Arctic Archive and the old Seed Vault. Eye opening experience into the depths of the mountains in Longyearbyen. The guide was very nice, informative and engaged! A total must if you visit Longyearbyen ! See more..