7 earth friendly activities
Travelling to Svalbard have a CO2-footprint, but there’s a few things you can do during your stay to even out the impact. Check out these earth friendly activities for your stay in Longyearbyen!
1. Hike to Sarkofagen
What could be better than experiencing the unique Arctic landscape from a mountain top? The hike to Sarkofagen, boasts panoramic views from 519 m.a.s.l. Surrounded by magnificent views in all directions, this is a hike you should not miss! The hike begins in Nybyen, at the highest point in Longyearbyen. The route takes us through the valley towards the glacier. From here we cross the glacier and head up a stony ridge to Sarkofagen. The glacier crossing is a simple one, as it is a stable glacier, and we will not need to use ropes. The guide will go first and lead the way and you can concentrate on enjoying the spectacular nature. If we are lucky, we might find some fossils!
2. Dogsledding
Try one of the coolest experiences on Svalbard, where incredible views and combined with a great sense of achievement, as you steer your own dog sled through the wilderness. Being immersed in Svalbard’s wilderness is a very special experience. There are no birds or motors here, and it is so completely silent - quite unique, particularly for those who live in busy cities.
3. Electrical biking
Combine comfort and efficiency on our electric bike tour, enabling you to see a range of Longyearbyen’s sights while getting close to nature. The birdlife is at its best during the summer months, and silently moving through the wilderness will bring you close to the action.
A tour around Longyearbyen will give you a good introduction to the town, before the tour continues towards the Burma Road and then towards West Point. In this area, a number of locals have cabins, and many seabirds come here to search for food in the seasonal lakes. Despite being at 78 degrees north, the birdlife and flora here is unique and impressive, and you can silently – and eco friendly – enjoy it from your bike.
4. Skiing from coast to coast
Do you dream of experiencing a more exciting Spitsbergen than that you might see while staying in Longyearbyen? If you are a fan of cross country skiing, then this 50km long skiing trip is the perfect introduction to the unbelievable landscape of Svalbard. During the course of four days, we will cross the glaciers of Spitsbergen from west to east. A 50 kilometre long adventure through an amazing part of Svalbard. This is an expedition for those who are not quite ready for Spitsbergen from North to South (a trip covering 550km over about 30 days), but who still yearn for a taste of the incredible glacial landscape the island has to offer.
5. Svalbard Museum
Visit the Svalbard Museum at the University Centre. It boasts a great introduction to all parts of Svalbard life, from the early whale hunters and trappers, through to coal mining and present day tourism. There’s also a nice section with polar books, as well as great gift shop.
6. Kayaking on the Isfjord
Join us on a fantastic paddling experience in the Isfjordfantastic paddling experience in the Isfjord, Svalbard’s second longest fjord. With kayaks as our method of transport, we will make our way through one of the world’s starkest landscapes, without leaving a trace of our passage behind us. During the trip, you will experience the powerful landscape of Svalbard and its mighty glacier faces, and gain an introduction to the mining and hunting heritage of the region. The Isfjord boasts all the elements that make Svalbard so unique, and a kayak tour here can easily be defined as an adventure. This is a fantastic area to paddle in, with soaring mountains and massive glaciers creating a frame around the fjord itself. The glaciers calve straight into the sea, creating icebergs that float around us, and inquisitive seals and thousands of birds will keep us company during our expedition.
7. Beer tasting at Svalbard Brewery
Join us at Svalbard Brewer and get insight into the fascinating story of how the northernmost brewery got started. Svalbard Brewery was established in 2011 and tapped its first beer in August 2015. Six years of effort went into changing the law from 1928 which banned the manufacture of alcohol on Svalbard. Robert Johansen, founder of Svalbard Brewery, has been the most important factor for the establishment of a brewery at 78 degrees north. Now you can get the full story and taste the locally produced beer containing 2000-year-old glacial water from the Boge glacier on Svalbard.
