From December to May, Svalbard turns into a white wilderness where the snowmobile replaces the car. Driving across frozen valleys towards glaciers and the east coast is the signature winter experience in Longyearbyen — together with crawling into a glacier ice cave, mushing a team of huskies and chasing the aurora under the polar night.
Snowmobile and winter tours with live prices
Snowmobile tours from Longyearbyen compared
| Tour | Duration | From (approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private ice cave by snowmobile | 2.5 h | €280 | Short, private |
| Ice cave adventure by snowmobile | 3.5 h | €300 | Best first tour (5/5) |
| Polar night snowmobile to a pingo | 3.5 h | €280 | Dark-season adventure |
| Elveneset, ice cave & frozen waterfall | 5 h | €350 | East side of Adventdalen |
| Van Mijenfjorden « polar bear kingdom » | 8 h | €510 | Long day south |
| East coast expedition | 10 h | €535 | Wild east coast, sea views |
| Isfjord Radio day trip | 7.5 h | €540 | Historic radio station on the coast |
| Northern lights snowmobile | 3 h | €250 | Aurora in a dark valley |
Svalbard: Exploring Ice Cave Adventure by Snowmobile
Best first tour
- Duration: 3.5 h
- Price: from ≈ €300
- Rating: 5/5
- Licence: required to drive
The perfect introduction: a guided ride out of town, then a walk and crawl inside a glacier ice cave with its frozen layers and crystals.
Svalbard: East Coast Snowmobile Expedition
Big adventure
- Duration: 10 h
- Price: from ≈ €535
- Level: good fitness
The classic long ride across valleys and glaciers to the east coast of Spitsbergen, where the sea ice and the chance of wildlife — including polar bears, seen from a legal distance — make the day special.
Svalbard: Snowmobile to Elveneset, Ice Cave & Waterfall
Great all-rounder
- Duration: 5 h
- Price: from ≈ €350
Frozen waterfall, ice cave and views over Sassenfjorden in one half-day.
Ice caves in Svalbard
Every winter, meltwater channels inside glaciers near Longyearbyen become walkable ice caves with blue walls, icicles and frozen streams. They are usually accessible from around November/December to April/May, depending on snow and temperatures. You can reach them by snowmobile, or on foot with snowshoes:
Longyearbyen: Ice Cave Hike with Lunch & Hotel Pickup
No licence needed
- Duration: 6 h
- Price: ≈ €186
- Includes: lunch, pickup
A guided hike to an ice cave with lunch — the best option if you do not drive.
Dog sledding and husky tours
Svalbard has several husky kennels near Longyearbyen, and a dog sledding tour is one of the most memorable winter activities: you drive your own team through Adventdalen or Bolterdalen, then meet the dogs at the kennel. The snow season runs roughly from November/December to May; in summer, some kennels offer wheeled cart rides and husky walks. Tours usually last 2–4 hours and cost roughly €170–300. Availability on booking platforms changes through the season:
Check dog sledding tours on GetYourGuide →
Read also:Svalbard Northern Lights: When & Where to See the Aurora in Longyearbyen (2026–2027)
Snowshoeing and glacier hikes
Prefer silence to engines? Snowshoe hikes take you onto the glaciers above town at your own pace. The Longyearbreen and Larsbreen glaciers are right behind Longyearbyen.
Snowshoeing to a glacier (≈ €265) →
When to go: winter month by month
- November–January: polar night. Short snowmobile and aurora tours, magical atmosphere, limited long routes.
- February: twilight returns, very cold, long tours restart.
- March–April: peak season: long days, deep snow, expeditions to the east coast. Book early.
- May: almost 24-hour light, milder temperatures, end of the snowmobile season.
Full details in our best time to visit Svalbard guide.
What to wear
Operators lend snowmobile overalls, boots, helmet and mittens. Underneath, wear wool base layers, a fleece, warm socks (no cotton) and a balaclava. Temperatures of −20°C are common in March, and wind chill on a moving snowmobile makes it feel much colder.
- ✔ Pros
- Iconic Arctic experience
- Gear and overalls provided
- Access to glaciers and the east coast in one day
- Options without a licence (hiking, dog sledding)
- ✘ Cons
- Cold and physically tiring
- Licence required to drive
- Weather and sea-ice rules can change routes
- Long expeditions are expensive
Quiz: winter in Svalbard
Tap an answer — you will see the explanation instantly.
What do you need to drive a snowmobile in Svalbard?
A car driving licence is enough; passengers do not need one.
When are the best months for long snowmobile expeditions?
Daylight returns and snow conditions are stable in March and April.
How can you visit an ice cave without driving?
Guided ice cave hikes with snowshoes are available and include lunch and pickup.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a snowmobile tour in Svalbard cost?
About €280–350 for 2.5–5 hours and €510–540 for full-day expeditions of 8–10 hours, gear included.
Do I need a licence to drive a snowmobile in Svalbard?
Yes, a valid driving licence. Passengers can ride without one.
When is the snowmobile season in Longyearbyen?
Roughly December to May, with the best conditions from March to April.
Can you visit an ice cave in Svalbard?
Yes, in winter and spring, by snowmobile or on a guided hike, usually from around November/December to April/May.
Is dog sledding available in Svalbard?
Yes, several kennels near Longyearbyen run dog sledding in winter and wheeled rides in summer.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.