Spitsbergen: Must-Go Tours in February

February is still part of the polar night in Spitsbergen, but by the end of the month, daylight begins to return, casting a beautiful twilight glow over the island. The extreme conditions create a magical atmosphere for adventurous travelers looking to explore the Arctic’s frozen wilderness. Despite the cold, there are several must-go tours that make a visit to Spitsbergen in February a memorable experience, from thrilling snowmobile expeditions to serene Northern Lights chases.

A snowmobile tour is a must in February, as the island is still covered in thick snow, making it an ideal time for this exhilarating activity. Snowmobile safaris take you far beyond Longyearbyen, into the heart of Spitsbergen’s wild landscapes. You’ll zoom across frozen fjords, navigate between towering glaciers, and possibly even spot Arctic wildlife such as reindeer and Arctic foxes. Many tours include stops at remote points of interest, such as ice caves or historical sites, offering a perfect blend of adventure and discovery.

For those with a passion for photography, February offers the last chance to capture the Northern Lights before the return of the sun. A Northern Lights tour in February is essential for anyone hoping to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. Guides will take you to the best viewing spots, away from the artificial lights of Longyearbyen, where you can marvel at the aurora borealis in all its glory. The combination of the dark sky and snow-covered ground creates a perfect setting for capturing breathtaking photos of the colorful auroras dancing overhead.

Another must-do in February is a dog sledding tour. As the polar night begins to wane, the twilight hours provide a stunning backdrop for a dog sledding adventure. Traveling across the snow-covered tundra with a team of huskies is a quintessential Arctic experience, offering a unique way to explore Spitsbergen’s rugged wilderness. Dog sledding tours are available for all experience levels, and whether you’re driving your own team or riding as a passenger, the thrill of gliding across the snow is unforgettable.

Ice cave tours are also highly recommended in February. The island’s glaciers form intricate ice caves during the winter, and guided tours take you inside these frozen wonders. Walking through the crystal-clear ice tunnels, illuminated by the soft light filtering through the glacier, is an otherworldly experience. The caves are constantly changing, with new formations created each year, making every visit unique. Expert guides provide fascinating insights into the glacier’s formation and the geology of the region.

For history buffs, a visit to Pyramiden, an abandoned Soviet mining town, is a must. February’s cold and snow only add to the eerie atmosphere of this ghost town, where time seems to have stood still. Guided tours take you through the remnants of Soviet-era buildings, including a theater, gymnasium, and apartment blocks, offering a glimpse into what life was like in one of the northernmost settlements in the world. The frozen relics of Pyramiden provide a haunting yet fascinating look at Spitsbergen’s past.

For a more interactive historical experience, a tour of Longyearbyen’s coal mines is another excellent option. Mining was once the backbone of Spitsbergen’s economy, and tours of the now-closed coal mines give visitors insight into the harsh conditions miners faced in the Arctic. The tours take you deep underground, where you’ll learn about the history of coal mining on the island and the challenges of extracting resources in such a remote and unforgiving environment.

A wildlife safari by snowmobile or snowcat is a great way to experience Spitsbergen’s unique fauna. February is an excellent time for wildlife spotting, as the snow makes it easier to track animals such as reindeer, Arctic foxes, and even polar bears. While polar bear sightings are rare, they are possible, and experienced guides know the best areas to visit. These tours take you deep into the wilderness, where you can enjoy the silence and solitude of the Arctic while keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Finally, for a more leisurely tour, consider a guided visit to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This secure facility, buried deep within a mountain, houses a vast collection of seeds from around the world, safeguarding global biodiversity. While you cannot enter the vault itself, guided tours provide fascinating information about the vault’s mission and its importance to global agriculture. The Seed Vault is a symbol of Svalbard’s unique position as a hub for scientific research and conservation, making it a thought-provoking addition to any February itinerary.