Longyearbyen offers some of the most incredible photography opportunities in the Arctic. With its unique blend of rugged landscapes, stunning auroras, and Arctic wildlife, it’s a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re chasing the elusive Northern Lights, capturing hardy reindeer and foxes, or exploring abandoned Soviet towns, this tiny Norwegian town has something for every shutterbug. We’re especially fond of the Northern Lights Photography Tour with a local expert because it combines professional guidance with the flexibility to chase the aurora across the beautiful Svalbard landscape.
While it’s tough to pick a favorite, the range of experiences—from the night sky’s glow to daytime wildlife sightings and historic sites—makes Longyearbyen a must-visit for anyone wanting to photograph the Arctic’s stark beauty. Below, we break down the top three photography tours to help you decide which fits your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a Northern Lights photography tour, perfect for capturing the aurora with expert help; a Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour, ideal for snapping reindeer, foxes, and birdlife; and a Private Pyramiden Photo Tour, offering a chance to photograph an abandoned Soviet mining town with your own guide. Each experience offers a different slice of Arctic life, all with a focus on photography and adventure. Now, let’s look at each in detail.
1. Svalbard: Northern Lights Photography Tour with local expert
This Northern Lights Photography Tour is a favorite for its focus on capturing the spectacular aurora borealis in a landscape that looks like a snow globe. The tour lasts about four hours and starts with pickup from your hotel in Longyearbyen, making logistics a breeze. The guide brings years of experience in Arctic photography, helping you find the best spots and set up your camera to get those perfect shots.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of expert guidance and freedom to explore. You can expect to visit multiple locations, each offering different backdrops for the lights—whether it’s icy fjords, snowy hills, or frozen lakes. The guide is skilled at explaining camera settings, so even if you’re new to night photography, you’ll leave knowing how to shoot the Northern Lights with clarity. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s flexibility: “Absolutely beautiful and amazing! Pernille was a wonderful guide!”
This tour is best suited for travelers eager to master night photography and capture memorable Arctic images. While the price isn’t listed, it’s generally a good investment for serious photographers wanting expert insight. Keep in mind that Northern Lights are unpredictable—you’ll want to be flexible with your schedule.
Bottom Line: Perfect for photography enthusiasts wanting professional advice in a comfortable Arctic setting, with multiple photo stops and nighttime magic.
2. Longyearbyen: Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour
For those interested in daytime photography, the Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour offers a chance to capture Svalbard’s iconic animals and landscapes. This five-hour tour combines driving in search of Arctic wildlife with opportunities for on-foot photography. The tour emphasizes finding Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard rock ptarmigan, especially during the summer months when birdlife is abundant.
What makes this tour special is the combination of vehicle and hiking, giving you versatility in composition and perspective. Your guides are local Norwegians with in-depth knowledge of the area, enhancing the chances of wildlife sightings and helping you position yourself for the best shots. A typical day includes picking you up at your hotel and returning with warm drinks and snacks—so you stay comfortable despite the cold.
Guests highlight the experience, noting the guides’ insights and the chance to see rare animals up close. One reviewer shared, “Our guide was fantastic, giving us multiple sites and helping us get photos of Arctic foxes in their natural habitat.” This tour suits travelers who want a mix of adventure and wildlife photography, with a focus on nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife lovers and photographers eager to document Arctic animals and landscapes during daylight hours, with a knowledgeable local guide leading the way.
3. From Longyearbyen: Pyramiden Private Photo Tour w/ Transfer
If you’re after something truly extraordinary, the Pyramiden Private Photo Tour offers an 8-hour excursion to an abandoned Soviet mining town. This private tour includes transfer from Longyearbyen, giving you exclusive access to explore and photograph Pyramiden’s hauntingly preserved architecture and Arctic vistas. The site’s Soviet-era buildings, combined with stunning mountain views and Arctic surroundings, make for compelling images.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Soviet architecture and breathtaking vistas. The guide shares insights into the town’s history, adding context to the photographs you’ll take. The tour is suitable for serious photographers interested in landscape and architectural shots, and the private nature allows for tailored itineraries and shooting angles. Reviews note the consistent quality, though the tour’s longer duration means a full day’s commitment—perfect for those wanting an in-depth experience.
While it has a slightly lower rating (3.9/5), most guests appreciate the unique opportunity to document an Arctic ghost town. It’s especially attractive for history buffs or landscape photographers who love capturing remote and haunting places.
Bottom Line: A compelling choice for photographers wanting to combine Arctic scenery with eerie Soviet architecture, all in a private, flexible setting.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider what kind of photography excites you most. If you want to master the Northern Lights, the Northern Lights Photography Tour offers expert guidance and multiple locations. For daytime wildlife shots, the Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour provides a dynamic mix of animals and landscapes. If you’re drawn to dramatic Arctic architecture and abandoned towns, the Pyramiden Private Photo Tour is unmatched.
Budget, time, and your personal interests will help narrow your choice. For example, if you have limited time but want to maximize Aurora photos, the first tour is ideal. If you’re more interested in Arctic wildlife, the second is your best bet. For a full-day, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Pyramiden tour delivers a unique story and stunning visuals.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak viewing season from September to March, when the Northern Lights are most active. Keep in mind that Arctic weather can be unpredictable—be prepared for cold, and dress warmly.
Longyearbyen offers a spectrum of photography adventures that cater to different interests and skill levels. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, documenting Arctic wildlife, or exploring abandoned Soviet towns, these tours promise unforgettable moments. For the aspiring Arctic photographer, planning ahead and choosing the right experience will ensure you capture the true essence of Svalbard’s icy wilderness.