Longyearbyen offers a rare chance to explore the Arctic’s wild beauty and unique history. This remote Norwegian town is a hub for extraordinary tours that showcase the Northern Lights, Arctic wildlife, abandoned Soviet towns, and stunning glaciers. We particularly like the Northern Lights tours, especially the Private Northern Lights Tour by Car, for its cozy, personalized experience and expert guidance. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed evening with plenty of opportunities to learn and shoot spectacular photos. Whether you’re after the Aurora’s dance or a quiet night under the stars, Longyearbyen’s tours deliver genuine Arctic magic.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of experiences — from guided walks that reveal the town’s secrets, to wildlife safaris, and full-day boat trips across icy waters. Each tour is designed to highlight what makes Svalbard unique, with options suitable for different interests and activity levels. Read on to find out which of these six best tours in Longyearbyen will make your Arctic adventure unforgettable.
1. Longyearbyen: Private Northern Lights Tour by Car
At number 1, this Private Northern Lights Tour by Car shines for its intimate, flexible approach to seeing the Aurora Borealis. For $217 per person, you get a 3-hour ride led by a local guide who knows exactly where to go for the best chances of spotting the lights. This tour is perfect if you prefer comfort and a personalized experience over large group trips. The guide takes you to a designated viewpoint, where you can enjoy hot drinks and snacks while staring up at the sky. During the drive, you’ll learn fascinating myths and science behind the Aurora, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on comfort and flexibility. The guide’s local knowledge means you’re not stuck in one spot or waiting long for the Northern Lights to appear. The small group setting ensures a cozy atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to ask questions or capture photos. With reviews rating it a perfect 5/5 from six travelers, it’s clear this experience hits the mark for many visitors. Plus, the included hot drinks make those cold Arctic nights more bearable.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers wanting an easy, private, and engaging Northern Lights experience with plenty of chances to learn and photograph the magic.
2. Svalbard: Northern Lights Photography Tour with local expert
At number 2, the Northern Lights Photography Tour offers a fantastic option for those eager to improve their photography skills while chasing the Aurora. Lasting around 4 hours, the tour starts with a pickup from one of ten possible locations in Longyearbyen and takes you to prime spots for capturing the lights. The highlight is the expert guide, who shares tips on camera settings and composition, helping you get stunning shots of this natural phenomenon.
What makes this tour special is its focus on photography. You’ll explore multiple locations, giving you diverse backdrops for your photos, all while enjoying the expertise of someone who knows where and when the Aurora appears. Many reviews praise the guide’s helpfulness and the tour’s flexibility, with one noting, “Pernille was a wonderful guide,” and another calling the experience “absolutely beautiful and amazing.” The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel, making it a convenient option.
This tour is best suited for travelers with a camera who want professional guidance and a chance to capture the Northern Lights at their best. Be prepared for cold nights and variable Aurora activity, but with the right gear and a bit of luck, you’ll leave with unforgettable photos.
Bottom Line: Perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to learn tips and get the best shots of the Aurora in an intimate, guided setting.
3. Longyearbyen: Private Guided Walking Tour
Number 3 on the list is the Private Guided Walking Tour, a superb choice for history and culture buffs. For around 3 hours, this tour takes you through the streets of Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement with over 1,000 residents. Your knowledgeable local guide will share stories about the town’s fascinating history, from its coal-mining origins to its current status as an Arctic hub.
What makes this tour stand out is its personal touch and depth of insight. You’ll see key sites, learn about local laws, and get tips for photography along the way. Reviewers describe the guide as “extremely friendly” and “well-read,” able to explain complex history in a clear, engaging way. The walk includes plenty of photo opportunities, especially with the town’s colorful buildings and rugged Arctic backdrop.
This experience suits travelers interested in cultural history and local life, those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of chances to ask questions. It’s also a good choice if you want a personalized experience without the crowds.
Bottom Line: A highly personalized, informative walk ideal for history lovers and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Longyearbyen’s story.
4. Longyearbyen: Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour
At number 4, the Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour combines adventure and wildlife spotting. Over about 5 hours, you’ll travel in search of Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard rock ptarmigan, with a special focus on photography. The tour includes both driving and walking, giving you opportunities to find animals in their natural habitat while capturing images of Arctic landscapes.
What makes this tour appealing is its emphasis on local knowledge and wildlife behavior, giving you a better shot at seeing elusive animals. The guides are Norwegian locals who know where to find wildlife and how best to photograph it, with reviews emphasizing their helpfulness and expertise. The inclusion of warm drinks and snacks makes it comfortable, even in cold weather.
It’s suited for active travelers who enjoy both nature observation and photography, especially during the months of June to August when birdlife is at its peak. Be prepared for some physical activity, but the experience offers a rewarding look at Arctic fauna in a pristine setting.
Bottom Line: A great choice for wildlife lovers and photographers eager to get close to Arctic animals in their native environment.
5. Longyearbyen: Pyramiden & Glacier Arctic Boat Tour
Number 5 is the Pyramiden & Glacier Arctic Boat Tour, a full-day adventure that combines majestic glaciers, ghost towns, and Arctic wildlife. Traveling in an open RIB boat, you’ll sail from Longyearbyen to Pyramiden, the abandoned Soviet mining town. During the approximately 9-hour trip, you’ll enjoy views of the Nordenskiöld Glacier and rugged cliffs, with chances to spot Arctic seabirds and possibly seals or polar bears.
This tour offers a mix of history, scenery, and wildlife, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day on the water. The guided tour of Pyramiden reveals its eerie, Soviet-era architecture, while the boat ride provides breathtaking vistas of glaciers and icy landscapes. The lunch at the Pyramiden restaurant adds comfort to this rugged adventure.
The tour has a 4.3/5 review rating, with comments highlighting the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery. The long duration is best suited for active travelers comfortable with boat trips and outdoor conditions.
Bottom Line: A full-day, scenic, and historical experience perfect for those interested in glaciers, ghost towns, and Arctic wildlife.
6. From Longyearbyen: Pyramiden Private Photo Tour w/ Transfer
Finally, number 6 offers the Pyramiden Private Photo Tour, an 8-hour private trip focusing on landscape and architectural photography in the abandoned Soviet town. For those who want to capture the stark beauty of Soviet architecture and Arctic vistas, this tour provides a personalized experience tailored to your interests.
The tour includes transportation from Longyearbyen, allowing ample time for exploring and snapping images. The guides are experienced in helping you improve your landscape photography, and you’ll learn to make the most of the unique ruins and rugged scenery. The tour’s reviews note the opportunity to see “breathtaking vistas,” with some describing the architecture as “fascinating to photograph.”
Ideal for serious photographers or travelers seeking a private, flexible day out, this trip offers a deep dive into Pyramiden’s history and stunning scenery with plenty of time to focus on your shots. Expect a full day of exploration, with potential for great images and a better understanding of Soviet Arctic life.
Bottom Line: Best suited for photography enthusiasts wanting an exclusive, in-depth exploration of Pyramiden’s ruins and landscapes.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Longyearbyen
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and how active you want to be. If your main goal is witnessing and photographing the Northern Lights with minimal fuss, the Northern Lights tours and photography-focused options are excellent choices. For travelers curious about Longyearbyen’s history and local life, the guided walking tour offers a deep, personal perspective. Wildlife lovers should consider the wildlife safari, especially if they enjoy combining outdoor activity with photography.
Full-day adventures like the Pyramiden boat tour or the private photo tour of Pyramiden are perfect for those wanting to explore Arctic history, glaciers, and abandoned towns in depth. Budget considerations, activity levels, and specific interests like wildlife or photography should guide your choice. Booking early is wise, especially during peak Aurora season from September to March.
Final Thoughts
Longyearbyen’s array of tours means there’s something for every Arctic explorer. Whether you’re after the Northern Lights, keen to photograph icy glaciers and ghost towns, or eager to learn about the local history and wildlife, this town delivers. For a cozy Aurora experience, the private car tour offers a relaxed, intimate way to see the sky’s dance. Wildlife and photography fans will love the safari and Pyramiden tours, which combine rugged scenery and close encounters with Arctic animals or haunting Soviet architecture.
Whatever your interest, booking early guarantees you’ll secure a spot on these popular experiences. The Arctic wilderness isn’t always forgiving, but it’s always awe-inspiring. Now, it’s time to choose the adventure that calls to you and start packing your warm layers.