Spitsbergen Most Popular Tours in February

February in Spitsbergen is a month where the Arctic’s harsh beauty is on full display. The polar night is beginning to recede, with a few hours of twilight each day, hinting at the return of the sun. This period of transition, combined with the still-dominant winter conditions, makes February a prime time for exploring the island. The most popular tours during this month offer a mix of adventure, wildlife observation, and opportunities to experience the unique cultural and historical aspects of Spitsbergen.

One of the standout tours in February is the northern lights expedition. As the polar night gives way to the first light of the year, the chances of seeing the aurora borealis are still high, and the few hours of twilight add a unique dimension to the experience. These tours typically take visitors away from the lights of Longyearbyen to remote locations where the aurora can be seen in its full glory. The contrast of the green and pink lights against the dark, snowy landscape is a sight that leaves a lasting impression. Some tours even combine northern lights viewing with other activities, such as dog sledding or snowmobiling, offering a full Arctic adventure.

Snowmobile tours remain one of the most popular ways to explore Spitsbergen in February. The island’s vast, open landscapes are covered in a thick blanket of snow, creating the perfect conditions for snowmobiling. These tours often include visits to some of Spitsbergen’s most remote and stunning locations, such as the Tempelfjorden, where visitors can see the towering ice cliffs of the Tunabreen glacier. The thrill of speeding across the frozen fjords and through snow-covered valleys, combined with the chance to see wildlife such as reindeer and Arctic foxes, makes snowmobiling an unforgettable experience.

For those interested in the history and culture of Spitsbergen, tours to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg are a highlight. This small mining town, located on the edge of the Grønfjorden, is home to a community of Russian and Ukrainian miners and their families. The town’s Soviet-era architecture and cultural artifacts offer a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for decades. Guided tours of Barentsburg often include visits to the local museum, the Lenin statue, and the town’s theater, where traditional Russian performances are sometimes held. The journey to Barentsburg, often undertaken by snowmobile or boat, adds to the adventure, offering stunning views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.

Dog sledding is another popular activity in February, offering a traditional and environmentally friendly way to explore the Arctic wilderness. Sledding tours are led by experienced mushers who guide the teams of huskies through the snowy landscapes of Spitsbergen. These tours offer a chance to experience the quiet beauty of the Arctic tundra, with the only sound being the panting of the dogs and the crunch of the sled runners on the snow. Many tours also include opportunities to learn about the history of dog sledding in the Arctic and to meet and interact with the huskies.

For wildlife enthusiasts, February offers some of the best opportunities to see polar bears in Spitsbergen. As the sea ice begins to thicken, polar bears move closer to the shore in search of seals, their primary prey. Polar bear safaris, conducted by experienced guides, take visitors into areas where the bears are known to roam. These tours often involve traveling by snowmobile or boat, offering a chance to see other Arctic wildlife along the way, such as seals, walruses, and even the occasional Arctic fox. The stark winter landscape, with its endless expanses of ice and snow, provides a dramatic backdrop for these encounters.

The glaciers of Spitsbergen are another major attraction in February. Ice cave tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the island’s glaciers from the inside. These caves, formed by meltwater during the summer months, are accessible in winter and offer a surreal experience as visitors walk through tunnels of ice that shimmer with shades of blue and green. Guided tours of the ice caves are led by experts who provide safety equipment and share their knowledge of the glaciers and the formation of the caves. The otherworldly beauty of the ice caves, combined with the sense of adventure that comes with exploring them, makes these tours a must-do in February.

A visit to the remote research station of Ny-Ålesund is another popular tour option in February. Located on the shores of Kongsfjorden, Ny-Ålesund is one of the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited settlements. The station is home to a community of scientists who conduct research on the Arctic environment, and tours offer a unique insight into their work. Visitors can learn about the scientific research being conducted in this remote location and explore the surrounding area, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

February in Spitsbergen is a time of adventure and discovery, where the island’s unique attractions are enhanced by the dramatic winter conditions. Whether you’re exploring ice caves, chasing the northern lights, or embarking on a polar bear safari, the tours offered during this month provide a deep and unforgettable experience of the Arctic.