Spitsbergen Most Popular Tours in March

March in Spitsbergen marks the return of the sun after the long polar night, with the first rays of sunlight bringing a sense of renewal to the Arctic landscape. This period of transition, where winter still holds sway but the days are gradually lengthening, is a fantastic time to explore the island. The most popular tours in March offer a mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and opportunities to experience the stunning natural beauty of Spitsbergen in a unique way.

One of the top tours in March is the snowmobile expedition to the East Coast of Spitsbergen. This tour takes adventurers across the island’s vast, frozen landscapes to the remote eastern coast, where the Arctic wilderness is at its most raw and untouched. The journey offers stunning views of towering glaciers, frozen fjords, and snow-covered mountains, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes. The East Coast is known for its rugged beauty, and the experience of traversing this remote area by snowmobile is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.

Dog sledding tours remain incredibly popular in March, offering a traditional and immersive way to explore the Arctic. As the sun returns, the landscapes of Spitsbergen are bathed in a soft, golden light that makes the experience of dog sledding even more magical. Tours typically start in Longyearbyen and take participants deep into the wilderness, where the silence of the snow-covered tundra is broken only by the sound of the sled dogs’ paws. These tours often include stops at remote cabins, where participants can warm up with hot drinks and learn about the history of dog sledding in the Arctic.

For those interested in photography, March offers some of the best opportunities to capture the unique beauty of Spitsbergen. Photography tours are designed to take advantage of the island’s stunning landscapes and the returning light, with professional guides helping participants capture the perfect shot. The contrast between the snow-covered mountains and the deep blue of the Arctic Ocean, combined with the soft light of the March sun, creates ideal conditions for photography. Whether you’re interested in landscapes, wildlife, or the northern lights, these tours offer a chance to hone your skills and create lasting memories.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find March to be an excellent time for polar bear safaris. As the sea ice begins to retreat, polar bears move closer to the shore in search of food, making sightings more common. These safaris, often conducted by snowmobile or boat, take participants into areas where polar bears are known to roam. Experienced guides track the bears, ensuring that visitors can observe these magnificent creatures safely and responsibly. The thrill of seeing a polar bear in its natural habitat, against the backdrop of Spitsbergen’s stunning winter landscape, is an experience that few forget.

Another popular tour in March is the visit to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This secure facility, located near Longyearbyen, is designed to preserve a wide variety of plant seeds from around the world in case of global crises. Tours of the Seed Vault offer a rare glimpse into this important facility, with experts explaining its purpose and the critical role it plays in global food security. The stark, futuristic architecture of the Seed Vault, set against the icy landscape of Spitsbergen, makes it a fascinating and thought-provoking destination.

March is also a great time to explore the island’s glaciers, with ice cave tours being a particular highlight. The caves, formed by meltwater during the summer, 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 March.

For those looking to experience the northern lights, March is one of the best months to do so. As the polar night ends and the sun returns, the chances of seeing the aurora borealis are still high, and the few hours of darkness each day provide ample opportunity for sightings. Northern lights tours take visitors to remote locations away from the lights of Longyearbyen, where the aurora can be seen in its full glory. The experience of standing under the Arctic night sky, with the northern lights shimmering above, is one that stays with you long after you’ve left Spitsbergen.

March in Spitsbergen is a time of contrast and beauty, where the harshness of winter is softened by the returning light. The most popular tours during this month offer a deep and immersive experience of the Arctic, whether you’re exploring glaciers, chasing the northern lights, or embarking on a polar bear safari. The unique conditions of March make it a truly special time to visit Spitsbergen.