Touring Svalbard is unlike any other adventure. Located in the Arctic Circle, this Norwegian archipelago showcases breathtaking glaciers, dramatic fjords, and a chance to experience wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else.

Whether you’re chasing the Midnight Sun or wanting to witness the Northern Lights, Svalbard promises unforgettable moments for every type of traveler. Get to know the top ten things to do on a Svalbard expedition.

What Are These Best Things To Do in Svalbard?

1. Embark on a yacht expedition

Exploring the Arctic by sea allows you to reach remote glaciers, hidden fjords, and coastlines rich in wildlife, often inaccessible by land. For those who want an intimate and luxurious way to see the Arctic, you can find charters that provide the experience that you’re looking for.

These Svalbard yacht charters by EYOS offer unparalleled access to the region’s untouched landscapes and habitats. EYOS offers private expeditions tailored by seasoned polar experts, ensuring every detail, from routes to activities, is designed for your interests. This level of personalization lets you witness Svalbard’s raw beauty in the most convenient way possible.

Plus, traveling aboard a private yacht gives you flexibility: one day you may cruise past huge icebergs, and the next you could visit an island and enjoy its beauty. Embarking on a yacht journey is probably the most immersive way to experience Svalbard’s magic.

2. Spot polar bears in the wild

Svalbard is home to several adorable polar bears. With more bears than people, your chances of spotting these majestic predators are higher here than almost anywhere else in the world. Expert-guided excursions are recommended since they ensure sightings are safe and respectful and offer travelers the thrill of observing these cute yet dominating animals in their natural habitat.

3. Marvel at glaciers and icebergs

Nearly 60 percent of Svalbard is covered by glaciers. From towering ice walls to blue crevasses, these natural wonders define Svalbard’s landscape. Boat trips and the so-called zodiac landings allow you to get up close. Don’t miss hearing the sound of calving ice crashing into the sea. It’s an unforgettable experience.

4. Experience the Midnight Sun

From late April to late August, you won’t find the glare from the sun over Svalbard. This surreal phenomenon allows you to explore around the clock. Whether you’re hiking across tundra, kayaking through fjords, or simply soaking in the golden light, the midnight sun gives every activity an otherworldly glow.

5. Chase the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are dazzling natural light displays that appear in the night skies of polar regions. They occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, causing colorful waves of green, pink, and purple light.

Typically seen near the Arctic Circle, these shimmering lights dance across the sky, creating one of nature’s most mesmerizing and unforgettable spectacles for those who witness them.

During the long polar night, from October to February, Svalbard is among the few places to see the Northern Lights at midday. See the Aurora Borealis dance vividly across the dark Arctic sky, creating a tantalizing backdrop for your expedition.

6. Visit Longyearbyen

It’s the northernmost town in the world. Longyearbyen is a fascinating mix of frontier culture and modern comforts. You can visit museums showcasing Arctic exploration history, enjoy craft beer brewed under the Midnight Sun, and even shop for polar expedition gear. Longyearbyen may be small, but it has a vibrant, welcoming community.

7. Kayak through the Arctic waters

You’ve kayaked on summer seas, but have you kayaked on Arctic waters? Kayaking in Svalbard offers a silent, up-close perspective of Svalbard’s landscapes. Glide past glaciers, watch curious seals swim nearby, and paddle along dramatic cliffs that rise straight out of the sea. It’s both peaceful and exhilarating in a good way, perfect for travelers looking for a more active adventure.

8. Hike the Arctic tundra

Hiking in Svalbard is like stepping into the worlds you see in fantasy movies. The rugged tundra is filled with wildflowers in summer, while reindeer graze across the hills.

There are also guided hikes that vary from short, scenic walks to full-day treks, giving you a chance to connect deeply with the Arctic wilderness.

9. Discover the rest of the Arctic wildlife

Beyond polar bears, Svalbard is home to an array of wildlife. Walruses haul out on ice floes, Arctic foxes dart across the tundra, and bird cliffs are alive with thousands of nesting seabirds. Spotting wildlife in such a pristine environment makes every encounter feel like a privilege.

10. Explore historic mining sites

Are you a history buff? Svalbard has a rich past. Particularly, abandoned mining towns here, like Pyramiden, tell the story of Soviet-era dark ambitions. Meanwhile, preserved wooden huts from early polar explorers give a glimpse into the harsh realities of Arctic survival. These historic sites add cultural depth to your expedition.

What Are the Things To Prepare Before You Go to Svalbard?

Preparing for a trip to Svalbard requires careful planning due to its remote Arctic location and extreme conditions. Start by packing layers of thermal clothing, waterproof outerwear, insulated boots, gloves, and a warm hat to handle subzero temperatures. Bring UV-protective sunglasses and sunscreen, since the sunlight here reflects intensely off snow and ice.

Furthermore, travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential, as medical facilities are limited. Once again, guided tours are recommended for safety when exploring outside settlements, since polar bear attacks may happen without a trained tour guide.

Carry prescription medications since pharmacies selling them here are almost nonexistent if you need one midway. Remember to bring a valid passport and check visa requirements if applicable.

Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak summer months. Lastly, be prepared for limited connectivity by downloading maps, entertainment, instant messaging, music, and social media for offline use. With the right preparation, you can fully enjoy Svalbard’s majestic glaciers, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable Arctic landscapes, which make it one of the world’s most unique destinations.

Love Svalbard

A Svalbard expedition is not just a trip, but an authentic adventure into one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Whether you choose to journey by yacht, hike the tundra, or simply sit under the northern lights, each experience here leaves a lasting impression. For travelers seeking the extraordinary, Svalbard delivers moments that will stay with you forever.

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