Sunny Winter | 1 March – 16 May
The perfect time to explore Svalbard by snowmobile and dog sledding. You can experience ice caves, go on ski expeditions, and take an ice bath! The light is constantly changing, and you can witness everything from the "blue hour" to pastel lights.
Experience the Sunny Winter on Svalbard
As mid-February approaches, the sun finally returns to Svalbard after a long, dark season. February is renowned for its stunning pastel colours and spectacular landscapes, making this time of year a favourite among locals and photographers alike. The magical light continues into March, with the days gradually growing longer. The sunny winter season is when Svalbard comes to life, allowing you to explore valleys and glaciers by dog sledding or snowmobile – classic Svalbard activities that offer unforgettable experiences.
Constantly changing light conditions
The sunny winter season in Svalbard offers incredible natural experiences and magical light that must be seen. The clear, crisp Arctic air and beautiful mountains make this a truly special place. The sunny winter is the season for the "blue hour," and if conditions are good, you can also see the northern lights in the evenings until the end of March. Around mid-April, the midnight sun returns, and it is light around the clock!
Explore the ice caves
Ice caves are channels formed by meltwater on the glaciers during the summer. When winter comes, these freeze and are covered by snow, creating channels and cavities within the glaciers. With local knowledge, you can venture into the glaciers and explore these amazing caves. These natural wonders create an enchanting world of ice crystals and blue hues. Ice cave tours take you into the heart of the glaciers, where you can wander through narrow passages and large chambers. The ice caves change from year to year, so you never know what formations the glacier has created. You can expect to see icicles, beautiful snow crystals, and fascinating layering in the ice walls.
Activities for everyone
Travel across snow-covered plains and through narrow valleys, experiencing the raw, untouched nature up close. Snowmobiles allow you to cover large distances and see much of Svalbard's spectacular landscape. Another popular activity is dog sledding. Have you truly experienced Svalbard as a real Svalbardian if you haven't gone dog sledding? We're not sure! Feel the thrill and joy of being pulled by eager huskies through the snowy landscape. This is an authentic Arctic experience that brings you closer to nature. The sunny winter is also a perfect time for skiing! Whether you are an experienced skier or a beginner, there are many routes that let you explore Svalbard's winter landscape on skis. We organise several long and short ski expeditions, so there are opportunities for both beginners and seasoned adventurers!
Fun facts about the sunny winter on Svalbard
The sun’s return is a major event on Svalbard. On 7 March, it rises above the mountains in Longyearbyen for the first time since the polar night, and the occasion is marked with local celebrations. It’s traditional to wear sunglasses (regardless of the weather) and enjoy solboller, sweet buns filled with vanilla custard, made specially for the day.
On Svalbard snowmobiles are a vital mode of transport during the winter months. Remarkably, there are more snowmobiles than residents on the archipelago. They’re a familiar sight, parked outside homes, businesses, and along the streets, and are used for everything from daily commuting to thrilling adventures.
Two items that might not typically be associated with one another, sunglasses and cold cream, are essential during the sunny winter months on Svalbard. The sun can be intensely bright, especially when reflecting off snow and ice, so sunglasses are a must if you’re spending time outdoors.
Cold cream, meanwhile, helps protect your skin from the biting Arctic chill. On windy days, the cold can be particularly harsh on exposed skin, making a good protective cream an important part of your winter routine.
At the dog kennel Green Dog on Svalbard, the dogs enjoy long, happy lives. Each year, new litters of puppies are born and raised to become future sled dogs, trained for both work and adventure.
When the dogs grow too old for daily tours, they’re lovingly adopted by families on Svalbard or on the mainland. These retired sled dogs remain active and enthusiastic, often joining their new families on shorter outings, making them ideal companions and cherished pets.