Svalbard Dog Sledding and Snowmobile Tours
Trip lengths, winter routes, costs and rules for dog sledding and snowmobiling from Longyearbyen
Dog sledding trips and sleds
Green Dog runs dogsledding trips throughout the year, with lengths that range from a 3-hour outing to a 5-day expedition.
In summer, dogsledding is done on wheels, using specially-made sleds that seat 2 to 3 people.
Several Greenland Dog kennels operate in Longyearbyen, and the animals are kept for recreational purposes.
Dog sledding trips are offered all year round, in summer as well as in winter.
Snowmobile tours and winter routes
Snowmobile safari destinations from Longyearbyen include Elveneset, Tempelfjorden, Pyramiden, Barentsburg and the East Coast.
In winter, both Barentsburg, at 45 km, and Pyramiden, at 100 km, can be reached from Longyearbyen by snowmobile.
| Destination | Distance from Longyearbyen | Winter access | Access all year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barentsburg | 45 km | Snowmobile | Ship |
| Pyramiden | 100 km | Snowmobile | Ship |
No road connects Longyearbyen with Barentsburg. Both Barentsburg and Pyramiden can be reached by ship all year.
When the season runs
Snow covers Longyearbyen from late September to May, a period that sets the season for winter sledding and snowmobile activities.
Snowmobile tours run in the winter season, generally from December to mid-May, depending on snow conditions.
| Activity | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog sledding trips | JanRuns | FebRuns | MarRuns | AprRuns | MayRuns | JunRuns | JulRuns | AugRuns | SepRuns | OctRuns | NovRuns | DecRuns |
| Snowmobile tours | JanRuns | FebRuns | MarRuns | AprRuns | MayRuns | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | DecRuns |
- Runs
Only the months stated for each activity are marked.
Dog sledding trips are offered all year round. Snowmobile tours run in the winter season, generally from December to mid-May, depending on snow conditions.
Typical costs
Prices for a half day of dog sledding or snowmobiling sit roughly between 390 and 1000 kr, with full days priced from 1000 to 3000 kr.
| Activity | Price (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Half-day activities, such as dog sledding and snowmobile trips | roughly 390-1000 |
| Full-day activities | 1000-3000 |
| Week-long snow scooter trip | about 21,500 |
A week-long snow scooter trip is offered for about 21,500 kr. The figures in this section are given in NOK.
- 3 hours to 5 daysDog sledding trip length
- 2-3 personsSeats per sled in summer
- about 21,500 krWeek-long snow scooter trip
Traffic in Longyearbyen
Snowmobiles in winter use tracks separate from the car roads, and pedestrians in Longyearbyen should watch for them.
Police stops for cars and snowmobiles are not uncommon. The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.02 percent.
Snowmobiles are used extensively in winter for commercial and recreational activities.
Off-road motorized transport is prohibited on bare ground in Svalbard; snowmobiles are used in winter.
Firearms, guides and tour pickup
Leaving the settlement limits requires carrying a firearm, which can be rented in town. Hiring a guide is the alternative.
Anyone booking tours in Longyearbyen is picked up free of charge at their accommodation.
Foreigners do not need a visa or work and residence permits from Norwegian authorities to travel to Svalbard itself. Foreign citizens who need a Schengen visa must hold one when travelling to and from Svalbard via mainland Norway.
Common questions
How long can a dog sledding trip last?
Dog sledding trips range from 3 hours to 5-day expeditions.
When do snowmobile tours run?
Snowmobile tours and ice-caving run in the winter season, generally December to mid-May depending on snow conditions.
How far is Pyramiden from Longyearbyen?
Pyramiden lies 100 km from Longyearbyen. In winter you can get there by snowmobile, and a ship makes the trip all year.
Is a visa needed to visit Svalbard?
Foreigners do not need a visa or work and residence permits from Norwegian authorities to travel to Svalbard itself. Foreign citizens who need a Schengen visa must hold one when travelling to and from Svalbard via mainland Norway.
What is the blood alcohol limit for driving?
The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.02%. Police stops for cars and snowmobiles are not uncommon.