Top 5 Longyearbyen Day Trips: Explore the Arctic

Longyearbyen, that pretty remote settlement on Svalbard, is sort of a jumping-off point for some incredibly awesome Arctic explorations. It’s almost difficult to know where to begin when thinking about planning excursions. So, let’s explore the top five day trips, each promising a unique perspective on the area’s jaw-dropping nature and intriguing story. Prepare yourself for experiences that could be etched in your mind forever!

1. Discovering the Barentsburg Russian Mining Town

Barentsburg is really a Russian mining town, a settlement that provides a crazy unique glimpse into a different culture so far north. The journey usually involves a boat trip that is scenic through Isfjorden. This really gives that spectacular view of Svalbard’s coastline. Click to know more about the early history. Upon arriving, you might find yourself in another world. Think Soviet-era architecture, a atmosphere that’s profoundly different from Longyearbyen, with glimpses of the Russian mining life.

While there, you’ll want to see the Pomor Museum, that is quite fascinating; it has local artifacts and displays that are dedicated to the area’s Arctic history. I mean, there is a shop selling Russian souvenirs, or that chance to experience Russian cuisine! So you can plan to taste some conventional dishes (possibly with vodka!) and just soak in the peculiar ambience of this fascinating outpost.

2. Glacier Exploring at Nordenskiöldbreen

Nordenskiöldbreen Glacier presents an Arctic landscape that you’d find hard to imagine. Approaching the glacier, typically by boat, gives these jaw-dropping vistas of that blue ice. That massive glacial face that calves right into the sea really puts the awesome power of nature on full display. Sometimes these small bits just break off and create mini icebergs right before your eyes!

A couple tour operators combine this trip that is scenic to Pyramiden (more below), and they really enhance that experience with some wildlife watching opportunities. It’s also a really lovely boat journey back toward Longyearbyen with lots of moments to think over just what you’ve seen and just how little time people actually get to spend here. So why don’t you book the adventure today and discover some wildlife?

3. Hunting for Polar Bears on a Wilderness Safari

When in Svalbard, witnessing these polar bears in their environment is just about the pinnacle of wildlife experiences. Tour operators which might be very good offer specialized safaris, usually via boat or snowmobile (based on that season), to improve those odds of spotting these magnificent creatures. Now it should be understood, though, that these safaris prioritize these bears’ well-being.

Expert guides stick to rigid guidelines to minimize any disturbance. So spotting a bear is not ever promised, that expedition itself, traversing through Svalbard’s rugged landscapes and maybe experiencing other Arctic wildlife, can be very rewarding. If you’re really interested you may be asking about these safaris which place just a huge emphasis on sustainability and safety, making that respectful wildlife experience is their primary aim. That is why it could be wise to familiarize yourself with safety regulations before hunting for polar bears.

4. Exploring the Abandoned Town of Pyramiden

Pyramiden gives you an eerie, really frozen-in-time peek right into a Soviet-era mining settlement that has been abandoned in 1998. Day trips to Pyramiden commonly involve a ship ride that passes these beautiful glaciers and offers a possibility to spot Arctic wildlife.

Guided tours in Pyramiden tend to be pretty available, with nearby experts that have fascinating tales about the town’s history. That perfectly-preserved architecture, that abandoned cultural center, that still-standing sports complex, and this world’s northernmost piano is definitely all of them a stark reminder of a by-gone era. This ghost town provides an unparalleled experience to take into consideration our previous life on earth, almost suspended in a polar deep freeze. So check out how to take photos when visiting a ghost town.

5. Dog Sledding Through the Arctic Wilderness

Going on the experience of dog sledding could be among the more exhilarating methods to link up with that Arctic landscape. Plenty of tour operators near Longyearbyen provide these half-day or these full-day excursions, where that you can easily take control of these very own dog team, and dash through these snow-covered valleys. That connection that’s nearly instant as possible that’s made with these huskies, feeling that cold air for your face, which only gives a exhilarating rush.

What goes on to make it even more incredible could be that knowledge provided. Many operators add trips with warming facilities which provide cups of that cozy cocoa. These books offer understanding of these dogs and details which provide these insights of just how sledding has had it’s effect through all times! Therefore consider experiencing such an original way! Also, here’s an added guide to make the most of that cold arctic day.