With the midnight sun casting its glow around the clock, Svalbard’s polar summer is a chance to experience the Arctic entirely in daylight.
We spent a week here in July, soaking up Svalbard’s wild, remote beauty, from boat trips along icy fjords to hiking rugged trails. And in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s tiny capital, we uncovered plenty of fun activities unique to this northern outpost.
While it’s not the season for snowy landscapes or northern lights, Svalbard’s summer has its own magic, with access to remote areas you won’t be able to see at other times of the year.
We list 16 fun things to do in Svalbard in summer that capture the spirit of the Arctic.
Planning a trip to Svalbard? Don't miss our 5 Day summer itinerary.
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Fun things to do in Svalbard in Summer
1. Take a speedboat to the world's most northern town
Boat excursion to Ny-Ålesund
One of the most exciting things to do in Svalbard in summer is a boat trip to Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost town on Earth. Once a coal mining settlement and the launch point for the first flight over the North Pole, this tiny town now serves as a hub for Arctic research, with scientists stationed here year-round.
The journey takes about 10 hours round-trip by speedboat, making it a big full-day adventure - but if you’re up for it, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll pass dramatic landscapes and massive glaciers, and have plenty of chances to spot wildlife like puffins, walruses and whales.
Reaching Ny-Ålesund feels incredibly rewarding, and you’ll have two hours to explore. There is a charming gift shop, a small museum, and even a post office where you can send a postcard.
A head's up: if you’re easily prone to seasickness, the long hours on the water might be challenging. Even if you don't get seasick easily, we highly recommend taking Ginger Gravol. It saved us!
✔️ Our Top Tips for your tour to Ny-Alesund:
- Ginger Gravol or a non-drowsy motion sickness remedy is a must - you’ll be grateful you brought it.
- Pack some snacks to tide you over until lunch. You don't eat until after exploring Ny-Alesund (about seven hours into your tour).
- The gift shop and post office accept credit cards, so you won’t need cash.
- Bring a list of addresses and a pen so you can easily send postcards
We booked our tour with Better Moments.
2. Send a postcard from the Arctic
There’s nothing quite like getting mail from the Arctic! I had so much fun sending polar bear postcards to my friends' kids and telling them I was near Santa’s workshop in the North Pole.
Even if you don’t make it to Ny-Ålesund (the world’s northernmost town), you can always send a postcard from the post office in Svalbard's capital, Longyearbyen.
3. Go on a glacier and wildlife boat safari
Wildlife boat safari
Svalbard offers a variety of wildlife and glacier safaris where you explore the scenic fjords by boat. We were so excited to see a pod of beluga whales!
Travelling up the northern coastline toward Billefjorden and Nordenskiöld Glacier is more sheltered and typically has calmer waters than heading along the western coast toward Ny-Ålesund.
You can opt to go by a large vessel, catamaran, enclosed speedboats, Polarcirkel boats or RIB boats. Each has its own benefits:
- Large classic ships: These sturdy vessels provide the most stability and comfort, with spacious outdoor decks and enclosed areas, perfect for longer trips in chilly conditions. We love the character of these traditional ships.
- Hybrid-electric catamaran: a quiet and sustainable choice, this emission-free option is smooth sailing, though it lacks the ice-breaking power of some classic ships.
- Enclosed speedboats: Combine speed with protection from the elements in case the weather turns rough. We did notice that being inside made us feel more seasick, so we stayed in the open back as much as possible.
- Polarcirkel boats: Designed for icy waters and stability, these boats bring you close to glaciers and wildlife with an open view.
- RIB boats: Known for their speed and agility, RIBs are great for fast-paced wildlife spotting with an open view, though they offer less protection from the elements.
For those who are easily prone to seasickness, the larger the boat, the better off you'll be.
If you want to get up close to wildlife as much as possible, the Polarcirkel and RIB boats are the best.
Visit Svalbard is the best resource for exploring boat tour options.
4. Experience the midnight sun
One of the biggest draws of visiting Svalbard during its polar summer is to experience the midnight sun - it doesn't set from late April to August! It's a wild feeling when the sun hangs low in the sky with a constant glow, blurring the lines between day and night. You'll be grateful for those black-out blinds in your hotel.
5. Discover Longyearbyen's nightlife
For how remote it is, Longyearbyen has a surprisingly good selection of bars. You'll see both locals and travellers meeting up for drinks to celebrate their day of adventures.
One of the best ways to experience the midnight sun is by spending time in a dimly lit bar with no windows and then emerging into the bright sun in the wee hours of the morning. It's a strange feeling!
Check out our list of the 5 coolest bars in Longyearbyen. We include the best bars to hang out with locals and where to get top-notch cocktails.
6. Hike in Svalbard's rugged interior
Foxfonna day hike
Trade the sea for a breathtaking hike into the rugged interior. Hiking here is unlike anywhere else since you need to go with a certified guide who carries a rifle for polar bear safety. Sightings are quite rare in the summer however, as they tend to hunt further north.
If you’re looking for a day hike that showcases the beauty of the landscape, the Foxfonna hike is a fantastic choice. You’ll get to trek over a glacier with crampons, navigate meltwater streams and cross a moraine, all while soaking in sweeping views as you descend toward the flat expanse of the tundra. We hiked on a rainy day, and it was still very beautiful.
Along the way, we encountered wildflowers and spotted reindeer. We took a break at a cozy trapper’s cabin for a heartwarming lunch and coffee, and a friendly retired sled dog also joined us for the journey.
The hike spans about 11 km and using trekking poles helps (our guide provided them). Dress warmly in waterproof gear and wear sturdy hiking boots - the Arctic weather can be unpredictable! Check out our Svalbard packing list.
For a list of more hiking tours, Visit Svalbard is a great resource.
7. Discover Svalbard's art scene
Head over to Nordover, an art center that offers a fresh perspective on Svalbard through its rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection by the talented Norwegian artist Kåre Tveter. His works are a must-see!
Tveter's ability to capture Svalbard's unique light throughout the seasons is mesmerizing. It gave us a new appreciation of the stunning landscapes.
At Nordover, you can also catch a 25-minute film about the history of arts and culture in Svalbard. The film is shown 2-3 times a day, so be sure to check the schedule.
8. Enjoy a cozy dinner and fun lecture in a remote cabin
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Svalbard, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal in a remote cabin while diving into the fascinating history of Svalbard and its polar bears.
The evening wilderness dining tour at Camp Barentz is an absolute gem. Located just a 15-minute drive from Longyearbyen, the cozy cabin is nestled in the Arctic tundra.
We kicked off the night with a shot of aquavit and then settled in for some homemade reindeer stew while warming up next to an open fire. As we enjoyed generous pours of wine and beer, our guide shared unbelievable stories about Svalbard’s first explorers and their encounters with the wild.
It was such a fun and immersive way to connect with the spirit of this incredible region.
Book your wilderness evening tour at Camp Barentz.
9. Dine on local Nordic cuisine
Although Longyearbyen is tiny, it has a culinary scene with casual gastropubs and fine-dining restaurants highlighting modern Nordic cuisine. You'll find local ingredients like reindeer, Arctic char, mushrooms and even seal and whale.
Huset stands out as Svalbard's most acclaimed and upscale restaurant, recognized as one of Norway's best. Their set menu highlights fresh Arctic ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list that has earned the Best Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.
For a more rustic fine-dining experience, check out Gruvelageret. Just a short drive from Longyearbyen, this restaurant is housed in a restored mining shack beneath a glacier, offering a warm yet elevated atmosphere with its wooden interior. They offer a set menu, which is less expensive than Huset.
Our favourite spot for local Nordic cuisine was Restaurant Nansen. It's not as pricy as Huset or Gruvaelageret and everything we tried on their a la carte menu was excellent The friendly service and scenic views from the large windows also enhanced our dining experience.
10. Go for a sauna on the Arctic Sea
SvalBad floating sauna
Longyearbyen's floating sauna is a soothing way to warm up after a day in the Arctic. The heat hits you immediately, relaxing your muscles and helping you unwind. After a good sweat, stepping outside to cool off feels invigorating.
We chose a shared drop-in session, which turned out to be a lot cheaper than a private booking. SvalBad's online reservation process was easy, and we were lucky enough to have the whole place to ourselves.
🌭 Top Tip: Embrace the Finnish tradition of enjoying a salty snack after the sauna. Swing by the nearby Circle K for some hot dogs - they might just be the tastiest in the North!
11. Try a flight at the local brewery
If you’re a beer lover, a trip to Svalbard Brewery is a must. As the world’s northernmost brewery, it offers a diverse lineup of beers, including pilsners, IPA, rich dark ales, and some even barrel-aged in a coal mine. Ari loves their pilsner.
The Brewery Bar & Tap Room welcomes visitors on Fridays from 4 PM to 10 PM, and you can join guided brewery tours and tastings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 6 PM.
Book your brewery tour online.
✔️ Top Tip: Svalbard Brewery is just a three-minute walk from the sauna, making it easy to enjoy a rejuvenating session before treating yourself to some local ale.
12. Go tax-free shopping down Longyearbyen's main strip
One of the best things about shopping in Svalbard is that it’s tax-free. We made the most of it by grabbing some Christmas decorations, outdoor gear, and gifts for our family. Take a stroll down the main strip and be sure to check out these gems:
- The Svalbard Store - this supermarket in Longyearbyen surprised us with its apparel and gift section.
- Spitsbergen Sport - this outdoor clothing store is one of the best we've ever seen. We found premium Scandinavian brands like Aclima and Hestra.
- Skinnboden - here, you’ll discover premium skins, cozy knitwear and stylish footwear.
✔️ Top Tip: Some stores close Sunday, so plan your shopping accordingly.
13. Sip coffee in the company of cute huskies
Cafe Huskies puts a fun spin on the classic cat cafe, letting you sip coffee while spending time with some lovable huskies. When we visited, two fluffy white huskies snuggled near us as we enjoyed lattes and fresh-baked goodies.
Many of the huskies you see around town are actually retired sled dogs who have found new homes with locals.
See more fun things to do in Longyearbyen.
14. Eat at the world's most northern sushi restaurant
Checking off "the world's most northern" places is a lot of fun. Svalbard is also home to the world's northernmost sushi restaurant, and it's more than just a cool claim with its fantastic Japanese dishes.
NUGA offers a range of options, including sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, tempura, gyoza, and ramen. Everything tasted fresh and the sushi rice was perfectly seasoned.
15. Learn about Svalbard's natural and cultural history
Discover Svalbard's fascinating natural and cultural history at the Svalbard Museum, the perfect place to warm up from the Arctic chill. We were impressed by how the exhibits brought history to life, complete with scents that transported us back in time.
A highlight was the restored cabin, offering a glimpse into what life was like in the past. The museum is packed with intriguing artifacts and geological displays, and there’s even an area where you can crawl through a dark tunnel to get a glimpse into a miner's life.
16. Snap photos of signs you won't find anywhere else
In Svalbard, it's a blast snapping photos of signs you simply won't find anywhere else. For instance, there is a sign at the sauna that says "Be Aware of the Walrus" and plenty of "Polar Bear Danger" signs. They are a fun reminder of the wild landscape you are in. Snap a photo for the memories.
We hope you enjoyed these fun things to do in Svalbard in summer!
Bonus: Our top hotel picks in Svalbard
- Where we stayed: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - its central location, fantastic included breakfast and onsite restaurants, Nansen and Barentz gastropub, make this hotel a complete and convenient stay.
- Best Value: Mary-Ann's Polarrigg - this rustic, Arctic-themed hotel offers a more affordable stay with a central location, included breakfast and a unique winter garden restaurant. Shared bathrooms help keep costs down.
- For Luxury: Funken Lodge - a boutique option bringing unexpected glamour to the Arctic. Note that it’s perched on a hill, making access to the main strip less convenient.
Get started on booking your trip to Svalbard
- 🛌 Book your accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚤 Book your tours: Visit Svalbard is a great resource that lists tours.
- ✈️ Compare flights: with Skyscanner
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Trip extension options: Combine Svalbard with a trip to Copenhagen. Summer is the best time to visit this unique city and flights work out nicely between the two destinations.
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