Spitsbergen: Must-Go Tours in May

May marks the beginning of the Midnight Sun season in Spitsbergen, when the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day. This extended daylight creates endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, making it one of the best times to visit the Arctic. The snow is starting to melt, but many winter activities are still available, and the island’s wildlife is becoming more active. May offers a range of must-go tours that allow you to experience Spitsbergen’s unique landscapes and wildlife under the magical light of the Midnight Sun.

One of the top tours in May is a snowmobile safari. While the snow is starting to recede, there’s still enough for an exhilarating snowmobile ride through Spitsbergen’s vast wilderness. Snowmobile safaris take you deep into the island’s wild terrain, where you’ll encounter stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and fjords. The Midnight Sun provides a surreal backdrop, with the Arctic landscape bathed in a soft golden light for hours on end. It’s a thrilling and unforgettable way to experience Spitsbergen’s natural beauty.

For wildlife enthusiasts, a snowmobile or snowcat wildlife safari is a must-go tour in May. The warmer weather brings more wildlife activity, and May is an excellent time to spot reindeer, Arctic foxes, and potentially even polar bears. Guided tours take you to some of the best wildlife-watching areas, where you can enjoy the beauty and solitude of the Arctic while keeping an eye out for these fascinating creatures. The combination of the Midnight Sun and active wildlife makes May a prime time for wildlife watching.

Another must-do tour in May is a boat trip along Spitsbergen’s coastline. As the sea ice continues to melt, boat tours become more accessible, offering a unique perspective of the island from the water. These tours provide stunning views of glaciers, fjords, and icebergs, as well as the chance to spot marine wildlife such as seals, walruses, and seabirds. Boat trips are a peaceful and scenic way to experience Spitsbergen’s natural beauty, and the Midnight Sun adds an extra layer of magic to the experience.

For those seeking adventure, a glacier hike is a must-go tour in May. The milder temperatures make it an ideal time to explore Spitsbergen’s glaciers on foot, and guided glacier hikes offer a chance to see the island’s icy wonders up close. Walking across the glacier’s surface, with its crevasses and ice formations, is an awe-inspiring experience. Expert guides ensure that you explore safely while sharing fascinating insights into the glacier’s formation and the effects of climate change on Spitsbergen’s ice.

A visit to the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden is another must-go tour in May. As the snow begins to melt, the town’s eerie atmosphere becomes even more pronounced, with remnants of Soviet-era life standing frozen in time. Guided tours take you through the town’s empty streets and buildings, offering a haunting glimpse into Spitsbergen’s past. The longer daylight hours of the Midnight Sun allow for extended exploration of this ghostly town, making it a must for history lovers.

For those interested in Arctic science, a tour of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a fascinating addition to your May itinerary. While visitors cannot enter the vault itself, guided tours provide a wealth of information about the vault’s mission to preserve global plant diversity. The Seed Vault is a symbol of Spitsbergen’s role as a hub for scientific research, and visiting the facility offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the efforts to safeguard the world’s agricultural future.

Dog sledding on wheels is a unique tour experience available in May. As the snow melts, traditional sledding becomes difficult, but the eager huskies are still ready for action. Sledding on wheels allows you to enjoy the thrill of dog sledding even as the snow recedes, making it a must-do activity for dog lovers and adventure seekers. The Midnight Sun adds to the experience, with the soft Arctic light creating a magical atmosphere as you glide through Spitsbergen’s tundra.

Finally, a photography tour is highly recommended in May, as the Midnight Sun provides endless opportunities for stunning shots of Spitsbergen’s landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, guided tours offer expert advice on capturing the beauty of the Arctic. The combination of melting snow, active wildlife, and the golden light of the Midnight Sun creates perfect conditions for unforgettable photos.