Tours in Svalbard
Types of tours and when they run
Snowmobile tours and ice caving run in winter, generally between December and mid-May, and the exact dates depend on snow conditions.
Off-road motorized transport is prohibited on bare ground in Svalbard, so snowmobiles are used in winter.
Dog sledding outings span from 3 hours up to expeditions lasting 5 days.
Tourist traffic on Svalbard is strongly concentrated between March and August.
Mountain shading keeps the sun out of view in Longyearbyen until around 8 March.
Average July temperatures on Svalbard range from 3 to 7 °C.
Check dates and prices
Durations and prices
Safaris vary in length from 4 hours to 10 hours.
| Tour type | Stated figure |
|---|---|
| Safari | 4 to 10 hours |
| Dog sledding trip | 3 hours to 5 days |
| Half-day activity, typical cost | 390-1000 NOK |
| Full-day activity, typical cost | 1000-3000 NOK |
A half-day activity typically costs 390-1000 NOK, and a full-day activity typically costs 1000-3000 NOK.
Boat trips and flights
Pyramiden is 2-3 hours by boat across Isfjorden from Longyearbyen.
| Route or rule | Stated detail |
|---|---|
| Longyearbyen to Pyramiden | 2-3 hours by boat across Isfjorden |
| Barentsburg trip ship to Pyramiden | Tuesdays |
| Ships in protected areas | Limited to 200 passengers |
On Tuesdays, the same ship that makes the Barentsburg trip also sails to Pyramiden.
A 200-passenger limit applies to ships in protected areas, set by regulations announced in February 2024.
Environmental laws rule out sightseeing by plane or helicopter.
How to choose a tour
Guests booking tours are picked up free of charge at their accommodation.
The Schengen visa rule covers those who need one: they must hold it for travel through mainland Norway to and from Svalbard.
The stated lengths, prices and seasons differ between tour types: safaris run 4 to 10 hours, half-day activities cost 390-1000 NOK, and snowmobile tours and ice caving run from December to mid-May.
Tours and activities
Questions about tours
How long can a dog sledding trip last?
Dog sledding outings range from 3 hours up to expeditions of 5 days.
How long are safaris?
Safaris vary in length from 4 hours to 10 hours.
What does a half-day activity cost?
A half-day activity typically costs 390-1000 NOK.
When do snowmobile tours run?
Snowmobile tours and ice caving run generally between December and mid-May, depending on snow conditions.
Is pickup included in a tour booking?
Guests booking tours are picked up free of charge at their accommodation.
Can sightseeing be done by plane or helicopter?
Environmental laws do not allow sightseeing by plane or helicopter.
Does a visitor need a Schengen visa?
The Schengen visa rule applies to foreign citizens who need one and travel to or from Svalbard through mainland Norway.