Tours
Explore different activities and tours in Svalbards backyard with us on authentic encounters with nature. Every tour can be tailored for those who seek the extraordinary experience.
Day tours & Expeditions
Discover the Arctic like never before with our tailored tours on Svalbard.
From thrilling ski adventures to serene hikes,
our expert guides ensure a personalized, unforgettable experience in this stunning wilderness.
Day tours
Ski touring
Ski touring
in our backyard
Departure: February to May
Explore Arctic peaks and carve through pristine slopes! Svalbard offers the perfect blend of adventure and breathtaking nature for an unforgettable experience.
Ski touring under the midnight sun
Departure: April to May
Explore Arctic peaks and carve through pristine slopes! Svalbard offers the perfect blend of adventure and breathtaking nature for an unforgettable experience.
Ski touring & snowmobile
Departure: February to May
With the help of the snowmobile, you’ll reach places few have seen, and you’ll then ski through terrain so rugged and untouched through these remote landscapes that will leave you breathless.
Ice adventures
Ice cave
hiking
Departure: November to April
Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as we venture deep into the heart of a glacier, uncovering its shapes and icy dimensions. Marvel at the sheer scale of this frozen wonder.
Ice climbing & snowmobile tour
Departure: February to May
Ice climbing is an exhilarating winter sport that is rapidly gaining popularity. We have both autumn climbing and Ice climbing and snowmobiling
Ice cave & snowmobile tour
Departure: February to April
Glide through pristine wilderness on a snowmobile to visit a beautiful ice cave with shimmering blue ice and intricate patterns that captivate your senses.
Hiking
Hiking touring with private guide
Departure: All year around
Do you need a family-friendly hiking tour or a more challenging adventures to the peaks in Svalbard? Create your unique hike in Svalbard with a private guide.
Glacier hike with snowshoes or spikes
Departure: All year around
During winter walk with snowshoes or spikes. An easy glacier walk, viewing ice formations and crevasses while learning intriguing Arctic stories in a secure and comfortable environment.
Glacier hike and RIB-boat adventure
Departure: July to September
Discover Borebreen Glacier on a guided Arctic trip that includes a picturesque boat ride, ice trekking, and a glacier-top lunch.
Longyearbyen sightseeing
The Global Seed Vault and iconic places
Departure: All year around
The tour that will take you to the outside entrance of the Global Seed Vault placed out of town as well as visiting other iconic places around Longyearbyen.
Northern lights hunt by car - Private
Departure: October to March
The best way to hunt the northern lights is by private car – you do not have to wait in line to get in and out of the bus and no people walking in front of your photos.
Polar plunge, sauna and arctic sightseeing
Departure date: All year around
Start with a walk through Longyarbyen with a guide ending up at the seafront for a polar plunge in the cold Arctic water followed up by a warm air in the sauna.
One night and 2 days in the Arctic
Departure: All year around
Get the full Arctic experience when staying 1 night and 2 days in the wilderness under the northern lights or midnight sun. The professional guide will show you a side of Svalbard that few ever see. This is an easy hiking tour and is for everyone who want to get the unique Svalbard experience.
Wildlife photo safari tour
Departure: only may to September
Lets meet the Arctic wildlife in its own habitat outside town.
During the polar summer we’ll take you to different areas primarily outside town to look for Arctic animals like birds, Svalbard reindeer and the Arctic fox.
Multiple day tours & expeditions
Skiing expeditions in Svalbard are a remote backcountry experience defined by vast glaciers, snowcovered peaks, and unique polar safety requirements. It involves longer tours or overnight stays. Some tours can be done privately as well (mostly with a minimum amount of participants.
From coast to coast skiing across the wilderness
Ski crossing from coast to coast: 4 days
Departure: March
A 4-day ski crossing expedition on Svalbard in the Arctic wilderness traveling from east to west. This tour offers expect breathtaking landscapes, raw nature, and the thrill of true polar exploration as a perfect introduction to cross country skiing.
Ski crossing to Barentsburg: 10 days
Departure: March
This 10-day ski crossing on Svalbard offers glaciers, polar landscapes, and Arctic conditions in the most beautiful surroundings with a connection to one of Earth’s most wildest regions focused on team work, endurance and fun.
Ski crossing Svalbard to Ny-Ålesund: 7 days
Departure: May
This 7-day Arctic cross-country skiing expedition through Oscar II Land towards Ny-Ålesund offers cultural, historical and scientific site. This is largely untouched by tourism and will give a perfect combination of adventure, spectacular and solitude.
Ski camp expeditions - to the top of Svalbard:
Ski Camp: 4 days Newtontoppen
Departure: May
A 4-day ski ekspedition. The area is known for its good snow conditions with the sourrouding Atomfjella. This will be an experience out of the ordinary. The trip starts with 180 km snowmobile transport.
Ski camp: 6 days Bünsow Land
Departure: April
Get the full Arctic ski experience for this ski camp expedition in Bünsow Land. The professional guide will show you a side of Svalbard that few ever see. We will be spending our days ski touring under the midnight sun.
Ski camp: 3 or 4 days Nordenskiõld land & national park
A 3 or 4 day trip. Embrace your adventurous spirit with our unique expedition tours in the stunning mountain landscapes near Longyearbyen.
Sailings (also combined with ski touring)
Ski & Sail Svalbard expedition
Departure: May
Extend your ski season with Svalbard skiing and sailing in the Arctic! Explore snowy peaks by day and sail through stunning fjords by night.
Sail & Explore Svalbard expedition
Departure: Tailor-made
Embark on a tailored Arctic adventure! Experience unmatched comfort, stunning landscapes, and expert guidance on an unforgettable journey.
Private polarcircle boat exploration
Departure: Tailor-made
Do you want to experience the Arctic wildlife, Artic scenery, birdlife, glacierfronts, waterfalls etc. then a private tour might be the best solution to experience more.
Personalized and tailor-made tours
Day or multiple day tours
We specialize in private tours to give the best Svalbard has to offer and so you are certain a tour will happen instead of waiting for it to reach the minimum limit for it to happen. We focus on the “tailor-made” aspect, allowing guests to set the pace and choose locations based on real-time weather unlike large group bus excursions. The journey is tailored to your interests. Do you have an interest please feel free to contact us.
Personalized and tailor made programs
Create your own unique Arctic dream adventure with Backyard Svalbard. We specialize in crafting personalized and tailor-made programs that cater to your unique interests, group size, and skill level. You can also adjust our standard tours to your needs.
Private hiking touring winter or summer
Tailor-Made program is possible
Backyard Svalbard offers unique hikes in our backyard. Our professional guides and our tour designers will create your next Svalbard tour based on your wishes.
Ski touring & snowmobile tours
Tailor-Made program is possible
Do you want to spend a day out in the Arctic wilderness, maybe combine several excursions into one day maybe using a snowmobile as the gateway for your adventure. Explore ice caves, summits, special places, wildlife etc.
Let us create a Svalbard program
with the best Arctic adventures for you
Ready to explore the wild beauty of Svalbard but don’t know where to start or end? We can help create a program for you including hotel and excursions for your unforgettable visit to Svalbard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our tours, what to bring, and how to prepare for your Arctic adventure. If you have any other queries, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
1. What is included in the Ski and Sail package?
The package includes accommodation on board the sailing vessel, guided ski touring with certified guides, safety equipment, meals during the trip, and transfers in Longyearbyen. Ski gear rental is available upon request for an additional fee.
2. Do I need prior ski touring experience?
Yes, participants should have prior ski touring experience and be comfortable skiing in variable terrain. Good physical fitness is essential, as the Arctic conditions can be challenging.
3. What is the best time of year for Ski and Sail in Svalbard?
The season typically runs from late April to mid-May, offering long daylight hours and excellent snow conditions for ski touring.
4. What safety measures are in place during the tour?
Our certified guides are experienced in Arctic safety and carry avalanche and navigation equipment at all times. The sailing vessel is equipped with advanced safety gear, and we closely monitor weather conditions to ensure your safety.
5. How many participants are on each trip?
To ensure a personalized experience, group sizes are kept small, typically ranging from 6 to 10 participants.
6. What kind of skiing terrain can I expect?
The terrain varies from gentle slopes to steeper descents, with opportunities to explore untouched Arctic snowfields and breathtaking glacier landscapes.
7. Do I need to bring my own ski gear?
You are welcome to bring your own ski gear, but we also offer high-quality ski equipment for rent. Please let us know in advance if you need to rent any equipment.
8. What kind of clothing and gear should I pack?
We recommend packing warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing suitable for Arctic conditions. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
9. Are meals included on the boat?
Yes, all meals are included while aboard the vessel, and we cater to dietary preferences if informed in advance. Expect delicious, hearty meals to fuel your adventures.
10. What wildlife might we encounter?
While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, you may spot polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes, and a variety of seabirds during your trip. Our guides ensure all wildlife interactions are safe and respectful.
