If you want to experience something raw and real, you need to know what it’s like to explore Svalbard. It’s a realm where polar bears outnumber people, with around 3,000 bears roaming this Arctic wilderness. It’s the perfect Arctic destination for photographers and adventurers. With less than 3,000 inhabitants, it’s a chance to experience one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
Longyearbyen, a mining town, serves as the gateway to this remarkable region. Tourism has grown over the last several years, yet many hidden gems remain beyond the standard tours. The archipelago’s dramatic seasonal changes become especially important when you want to witness specific wildlife behaviours or natural phenomena.
Your Svalbard tours will be exceptional since no other Arctic location is available in quite the same way. Summer months between May and September give you the best chance to see polar bears if wildlife watching tops your list. Glaciers cover about 60 percent of this extraordinary landscape, creating stunning backdrops for photography and exploration.
Here’s where I share my local knowledge about the place and help you learn about the hidden secrets that make Svalbard’s visit truly unforgettable.
The Real Svalbard: What Most Tourists Miss When They Explore Svalbard
The real Svalbard goes way beyond those postcard shots of polar bears on ice floes. People who take a closer look when they explore Svalbard find a realm where nature and humanity create an amazing balance, something that standard tours often miss.
Why Svalbard has more than polar bears
Wildlife spotting draws more visitors to Svalbard. But the archipelago has so much more to offer. The landscape itself tells countless stories through its diverse features. Blue sea ice surrounds majestic mountains, and glaciers stretch endlessly across 60% of the land. The Arctic silence here creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
This place means much more than just pretty views. Two-thirds of this fragile environment stays protected through seven national parks and 23 nature reserves. This preservation keeps one of our planet’s last true wildernesses intact.
The sort of thing I love about this place is how it changes throughout the year. Each season alters the map completely. You’ll see everything from the colourful tundra of Polar Summer to spectacular Northern Lights in winter and endless snowy landscapes during the Sunny Winter.
The hidden charm of Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen catches visitors off guard with its lively character. This tiny metropolis houses residents from nearly 53 different countries, despite sitting in one of Earth’s most remote spots. A former mining settlement has grown into a town full of unexpected amenities and unique local customs.
Some charming quirks stand out here. Streets don’t have names, and everyone takes their shoes off before entering buildings. Shopping costs less than you’d expect for an Arctic destination thanks to the town’s duty-free status.
A warm community spirit lives beneath the industrial exterior. First-time visitors are amazed by the variety of services here. Local restaurants serve delicacies like Svalbard reindeer and cod from the Isfjord. The modern kulturhus (Culture House), built in 2010, shows over 100 movies yearly and houses a big library and popular café.
Local life in the Arctic Circle
Life in Longyearbyen requires some unique adaptations. The sun doesn’t rise for months during polar night and doesn’t set for weeks during midnight sun. These extreme light patterns affect everything from vitamin D levels to sleep cycles.
The daily routine here looks nothing like anywhere else. Winter brings darkness where locals wear headlamps to work, while Northern Lights dance overhead during lunch breaks. Summer’s perpetual daylight creates its own unique rhythm of life.
Safety shapes local habits in unusual ways. Everyone must carry a weapon outside town limits to protect against polar bears. The community stays remarkably united despite these challenges.
The town’s special character shows in how it keeps people here. You’ll hear “I only planned to be here for one year, but I’ve been here for many years now” almost every day. This deep connection to Svalbard, home to about 2,100 people, tells you everything about its unique appeal.
Secret Spots Only Locals Talk About
A local resident once told me that the real magic of this archipelago lies in places tourists rarely find. My time on these islands taught me about spots that give you authentic experiences when you visit Svalbard, places where tour buses and crowds don’t exist.
Hidden valleys and quiet glaciers
A magical frozen world exists beneath the glaciers that stretch from towering summits near Longyearbyen. Few visitors ever see these ice caves that form in summer months as meltwater cuts through ancient ice. The silent caverns reveal an amazing blue world of icicles and delicate snow crystals unlike anything else on Earth.
These hidden spaces fascinate explorers with their 1000-year-old plant remnants frozen in time, perfectly preserved in transparent ice walls. The locals know exactly where to find the best entrances and safest routes. They often reach these caves by hiking up the glacier’s foot before finding impressive meltwater channels.
Safety comes first. You’ll need proper equipment like headlamps, crampons and helmets. Skip the crowded tours and go for smaller local excursions that let you combine this experience with dog sledding or snowmobiling right to the cave entrances.
The best viewpoints for northern lights
The locals say you need to escape Longyearbyen’s artificial glow to see truly spectacular aurora displays. One resident put it this way: “The best Northern Lights I have experienced are well away from the bright lights of town”.
Island residents suggest these spots for photographers wanting perfect aurora shots:
- Varden’s cairn on Platåfjellet gives you sweeping views of Isfjorden below while the sky dances above
- Locals gather around Sukkertoppen area when major displays light up the sky
- Longyearbyen becomes “a magical place, lit only by street lamps, the northern lights and the moon” during polar night, when the sun stays 6 degrees below the horizon
The phenomenon feels different each time you see it. Many locals describe it as “mythical” and “magical”. They’ll even run outside in their pyjamas when word gets around about particularly brilliant displays.
Underrated hikes near town
Bjørndalen, just west of Longyearbyen, has flat, easy terrain where you’re almost guaranteed to see wildlife. Arctic foxes and reindeer roam freely here. They have no natural predators, so they’re used to humans and let you get amazingly close.
The locals say you should combine Bjørndalen with a hike up to Fuglefjellet (“Bird Mountain”). You’ll get rich wildlife sightings and panoramic views of Isfjord.
Lars glacier is another local favourite. From there, you can push on to Trollsteinen (a challenging seven-hour trek reaching 850 metres above sea level), or take the slightly easier five-to-six hour path to Sarkofagen. Both routes offer views that one local says are “hard to match”.
History buffs will love following the old cableway route through Advent Valley. Coal once moved directly from mines to the harbour on this path. Now it’s an “off-road” adventure across fascinating Arctic tundra that blends Svalbard’s activities with historical stories.
Unusual Activities Worth Trying When You Explore Svalbard
If you’re looking for an adventure beyond typical Arctic experiences, let me share a few extraordinary activities that can take a Svalbard visit to new heights.
Fat biking in the Arctic
Fat bikes offer an exciting way to explore Svalbard’s landscape. The bikes come with impressive 12 cm (4.8 inch) tyres that handle snow, loose rocks, mud and sand easily. These bikes treat the environment better than standard mountain bikes.
You can ride almost anywhere during winter, while summer rides follow old roads, beaches and riverbeds. These bikes are available to casual cyclists too. I was surprised how easy they were to ride. Local guides tell fascinating stories about flora, geology, mining history and World War II during tours.
A multi-day expedition creates a remarkable experience. Some Arctic wildlife tours go from Longyearbyen toward Tempelfjorden with snowmobile backup. You might bike next to glaciers and mountain peaks while spotting reindeer, arctic fox, or even polar bears. Summer brings over 16 hours of midnight sun daily, perfect for long adventures.
Wild camping under the midnight sun
Longyearbyen Camping, the world’s northernmost campsite, offers a unique experience. You won’t see stars here. Instead, the sun lights up your tent while you doze, often with reindeer and fox roaming nearby.
An electric fence protects the campground from polar bears during summer. Campers need their own polar bear protection equipment outside summer months. This site dates back to 1976, right after Svalbard’s airport opened. Local authorities created it to stop wild camping around Longyearbyen.
Multi-day wilderness camps mix activities like glacier hiking and kayaking with camping. These trips include polar bear watches and let you camp right next to magnificent glaciers.
RIB boat tours to remote islands
RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) safaris let you explore Svalbard’s coastline and watch wildlife up close. These special vessels blend speed, safety and comfort. They can reach remote spots where larger ships can’t go.
Many tours follow the sea ice edge and approach glacier fronts when possible. These spots are perfect to spot the Arctic’s king: the polar bear. You’ll get floating suits, life vests, shoes and goggles from local operators to stay safe and comfortable.
RIB adventures usually include warm lunches and hot drinks while you explore spectacular fjords and calving glacier fronts. These exciting tours need simple physical fitness. They aren’t suitable for pregnant people or those with back problems.
Visiting the Svalbard Brewery
Svalbard Brewery stands as the world’s northernmost brewery and shows how Arctic brewing works. You can taste their unique beers right where they’re made every Friday from 16:00 to 22:00.
The brewery’s story follows former miner and pilot Robert Johansen. He spent over five years convincing the Norwegian government before opening the brewery in 2015. Their beer’s special ingredient? Water from a 2,000-year-old glacier.
Visitors can taste five different beers while learning about brewing. The 90-minute experience shows how determination turned impossible dreams into reality in this remote Arctic location.
Wildlife Watching Without the Crowds
Wildlife encounters on these Arctic islands create lasting memories, but most visitors struggle to find animals in their natural habitat without the crowds. My years in Svalbard’s wilderness have taught me how locals watch wildlife in their element.
How locals track polar bears
Svalbard and Franz Josef Land are home to thousands of polar bears, making sightings possible but never guaranteed. Local residents spend their summers searching the north and northwestern parts of Svalbard where ice stays thickest. They know successful wildlife spotting needs patience and a deep understanding of habitat patterns. The law has protected polar bears since 1973, so you won’t find any dedicated “polar bear safaris” here.
Where to see Arctic foxes and reindeer
The best way to spot Svalbard’s charming Arctic foxes is to visit bird cliffs where these clever scavengers gather naturally. Local photographers know specific valleys outside Longyearbyen where foxes come to feed on reindeer carcasses.
Reindeers are much easier to spot. They often walk right through Longyearbyen. You’ll get great views from April to July when males grow their antlers.
Birdwatching in lesser-known areas
Bird lovers should check out Alkefjellet, which means “Bird Mountain of the guillemots”. This amazing cliff is home to about 60,000 Brünnich’s guillemots that nest right on the steep rock face. Late May to June during breeding season gives you the best views.
Also, local guides take small groups to quiet valleys. There you might spot ptarmigan, snow buntings, and the elusive red-throated diver nesting.
How to Explore Svalbard Like a Local
My experiences in the Arctic has taught me that exploring Svalbard like a local starts with understanding this remarkable place’s unique rhythms.
Booking small group or private tours
Small tours create richer experiences, that’s something locals know well. Most quality operators display the “Member of Visit Svalbard” label, showing they’ve earned the Svalbard Tourism Council’s trust. They know local conditions inside out and deliver authentic adventures. Small group tours give you tailored insights and let you connect deeply with wildlife and fellow travellers. Private tours take you to spots larger groups can’t reach, which creates magical moments away from the crowds.
What gear locals actually use
Skip the tourist outfits. Svalbard locals keep it practical with smart layering:
- Base layers: Wool tops and bottoms
- Mid-layers: Several fleece or wool layers
- Outer layer: Windproof jacket and trousers
Locals pack extra warm clothes whatever the season since weather changes faster here. Winter months (October-May) bring temperatures between -30°C and -11°C, so serious protection becomes vital. Pack indoor shoes or warm socks too. It’s customary to remove outdoor footwear before entering homes, hotels, shops and offices.
Respecting nature and local rules
New environmental rules came into effect in January 2025 that affect all Svalbard visitors. You must stay at least 300 metres from polar bears (500 metres from March-June). Drones near bird cliffs are off-limits from April through August. The Governor now requires permits if you plan to camp longer than a week.
Tips for solo and first-time travellers
Solo exploration brings exceptional rewards. Small group activities help you meet fellow adventurers while experiencing Arctic wilderness safely. Smart travellers book their stays and activities well ahead, especially during peak season. Beyond Longyearbyen’s limits, safety becomes crucial. You’ll need polar bear protection gear. The airport shuttle (170 NOK return) drops you right at your accommodation and is a convenient option.
Wrapping Up: Explore Svalbard
Svalbard is one of the last untamed wildernesses. It has countless hidden spots waiting for adventurers who are willing to go beyond regular tours. Polar bears are just the beginning. Soon you’ll find everything from Longyearbyen’s cool vibe to hidden ice caves and the best Northern Lights spots that locals love.
My trips to the Arctic islands taught me something important: real adventures start where tourist trails end. The best ways to experience this unique place include fat biking on snow-covered terrain, camping under the never-setting sun, or taking small RIB boat trips. Wildlife lovers get better experiences when they follow local tips instead of joining packed tour buses.
Each season brings its own magic to Svalbard. Dark winter skies light up with Northern Lights, while summer’s endless daylight is perfect to explore more. These seasonal changes make it feel like different places at different times of the year.
Learn more about some of our local tours. They are a great way to get to places big groups can’t reach. On top of that, wearing proper layers instead of typical tourist gear will boost your comfort throughout the trip.
Nature rules in Svalbard, and we just need to respect and prepare for it well. The islands are remote yet surprisingly easy to reach, making them perfect for adventure seekers who want more than typical tourism. This Arctic gem calls to people who love real wilderness. Get in touch with us today and learn more about the place where nature’s raw beauty shows itself to those who wait patiently.