Ever wondered what it feels like to live in a place where the sun never sets? In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, you can experience the rare phenomenon of the Arctic summer, when daylight stretches uninterrupted for months.
Regular readers will know I'm a huge fan of visiting this Arctic archipelago. I've been to Svalbard in the summer twice, and seen how it compares to visiting at other times of the year.
From early May until the end of August, the midnight sun shines brightly over Longyearbyen, turning day and night into a seamless experience. During June and most of July, there is no darkness at all in this remote settlement, the northernmost permanently inhabited town on Earth.
Though Longyearbyen is home to just around 2,000 residents, it boasts a cinema, library, swimming pool, museum, shopping mall, school, and many other amenities one would expect in a much larger town.
But the real allure lies outdoors, and so the relatively mild weather of the summer is a wonderful time to visit.
Svalbard Travel Resources: Quirky Facts About Longyearbyen – Find Accommodation in Longyearbyen – Travel Insurance – Book Tours & Experiences – Car Rental in Longyearbyen
Under the constant sunlight, visitors can embark on a variety of unique Arctic adventures, including boat trips, hiking, and ATV tours. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Discover Glaciers on a Boat Tour
One of the best ways to explore Svalbard’s rugged beauty is by boat, where you can see iconic glaciers and the hauntingly preserved mining town of Pyramiden. With luck, you may also spot polar bears, whales, walrus, and vibrant birdlife like puffins.
I was lucky enough to visit not one but two of Svalbard's fantastic glaciers close to Longyearbyen on my summer Svalbard cruise from Britain via the coast of Norway. But there are plenty of boat trips from Longyearbyen itself, too.
Most vessels offer both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, which come in handy given Svalbard’s changeable weather. Sunglasses and a windproof jacket are essential; sunlight reflecting off the glacial ice can be dazzling, and strong Arctic winds are common.
Many boat operators now use electric or hybrid-powered vessels to minimise environmental impact and reduce noise, making it easier to fully absorb the pristine beauty around you.
Paddle in the Arctic Waters with Kayaking
For those looking for an active and immersive experience, kayaking tours offer a peaceful way to get close to Svalbard’s coastline and wildlife.
Although most tours don’t reach the glaciers, the serene Adventfjord area provides stunning scenery and a chance to see Arctic birds and other wildlife.
Typically lasting around four hours, these tours are often available in both morning and evening sessions. Double kayaks make them accessible to couples and less experienced paddlers.
Explore Longyearbyen’s Mountains on Foot
The rugged mountains surrounding Longyearbyen are ideal for hiking, but exploring beyond town comes with risks due to the lack of marked trails and the potential presence of polar bears.
Local regulations require anyone venturing outside of Longyearbyen to be armed, so joining a guided hike with an experienced, armed guide is the safest and most practical option.
Guided hikes can range from short, introductory outings to full-day treks and even multi-day expeditions. As long as you’re dressed warmly, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape no matter the hour.
Off-Road Biking: A High-Energy Way to Explore
If you’re after a faster-paced adventure, try an off-road biking tour on a fat bike. Many bikes come with electric assistance to help you cover more ground comfortably.
Guided tours take riders across Longyearbyen’s old roads, riverbeds, and sandy beaches, all of which are easily navigable with the wide, thick tyres of fat bikes.
Dog Sledding, Even in Summer
Dog sledding may seem like a winter-only activity, but in Svalbard, you can experience it in the warmer months too.
During the summer, the dogs pull wheeled carts instead of sleds. This option provides a rare opportunity to enjoy this traditional Arctic activity even in the absence of snow.
Advent Valley ATV Tours
For thrill-seekers, an ATV safari through Advent Valley offers a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.
Lasting around 3.5 hours, this tour includes a stop at Svalbard Husky, where you can meet the sled dogs and enjoy a short break.
Local regulations allow ATVs only on designated roads, but there are still plenty of picturesque views, historical sites, and wildlife spotting opportunities around Longyearbyen.
Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes are frequently spotted along the routes.
Photography Under the Midnight Sun
With endless daylight, photographers will find ample opportunities to capture Arctic landscapes and wildlife in unique lighting. After the summer solstice, the light shifts subtly in the early hours, offering varied conditions for dramatic shots.
Private photography guides are available, but solo photographers can also capture many amazing sights by exploring the town independently.
A Walking Tour of Longyearbyen’s History
Longyearbyen’s landscape is steeped in history, with remnants of mining infrastructure now part of Svalbard’s protected cultural heritage.
Begin your self-guided history tour at the Svalbard Museum, which covers the town’s mining and whaling past, Arctic wildlife, and the Svalbard Treaty.
From there, walk to Svalbard Church, a simple yet charming spot offering views over the town. The church is open 24 hours and is a popular site for community gatherings.
To complete your tour, visit the North Pole Expedition Museum, which showcases the island’s history as a staging point for explorers headed to the North Pole.
Check Off Your ‘Northernmost' Experiences
No visit to Longyearbyen is complete without experiencing some of the northernmost “firsts.” From the world’s northernmost supermarket to the northernmost library and full-service hotel, there are countless opportunities for unique memories.
For those flying in, you’ll be arriving at the northernmost airport with scheduled flights. But keep in mind: one item to avoid on this list is the hospital!
Meet Retired Huskies at the Husky Café
One of Longyearbyen’s newest and most popular spots, Café Huskies is a hit with visitors and locals alike. The café is home to several retired sled dogs, each known for its friendly, calm nature.
Visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, or a light meal alongside these furry companions, though the café can become busy when a cruise ship is in port.
Svalbard Travel Resources: Quirky Facts About Longyearbyen – Find Accommodation in Longyearbyen – Travel Insurance – Book Tours & Experiences – Car Rental in Longyearbyen
Whether you embark on an ATV tour, relax at the Husky Café, or simply walk through town under the midnight sun, each experience offers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of this resilient Arctic community, living year-round at 78 degrees north.
For those brave enough to venture this far, Longyearbyen offers the chance to experience summer in a place where daylight is endless and adventure is always within reach.
Have you visited Svalbard in the summer, or are you planning to do so? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences down in the comments.
