Snowmobile Tour Svalbard: Our Experience
In the winter of 2025, we traveled to Svalbard and took part in several exciting activities. To be honest, everything you do in this Arctic environment feels like an adventure, but the snowmobile tour through the heart of Svalbard was hands down the highlight of our trip. In this blog, we’re sharing our full experience of the snowmobile tour in Svalbard.
Book Your Snowmobile Tour in Advance
Long before we arrived in Svalbard, we had already booked our activities to make sure we didn’t miss out. Once we got there, we noticed that some tours were still available on certain days, but others were fully booked. So it’s definitely a good idea to reserve in advance, especially during busier seasons.
We booked our activities through the Gjestehuset 102 activity website, where all the available tours and spots are clearly listed in one place.
Tour Operator
We booked our snowmobile tour with Svalbard Adventures. There are a few companies offering more or less the same routes and prices, but our experience is specifically with Svalbard Adventures.
Be aware that the price is quite high. Activities in Svalbard are generally expensive, and a full-day snowmobile tour is one of the priciest options. Refunds aren’t always easy to get either, so make sure you book the right date. That said, our tour went ahead as planned, so we had no issues.
Pre-Tour Briefing Snowmobile Tour Svalbard
We were picked up at our accommodation (Gjestehuset 102) by a staff member from the tour company. They came right up to the reception, so make sure you’re ready a bit before the scheduled time. They may arrive early.
Before setting off, we were given a safety briefing and some details about the route, expected weather, and tour duration. We were fully equipped with warm outerwear: a thick snowsuit, boots, gloves, helmet, balaclava, and ski goggles. The only thing we had to bring ourselves was thermal base layers. We also brought an extra pair of thin gloves just in case.
Snowmobiling to Tempelfjorden
After a short introduction to the snowmobiles, the adventure finally began. In a line of ten snowmobiles, we sped across the Arctic landscape at around 50 to 60 km/h. It was absolutely amazing. Driving the snowmobile turned out to be easier than we expected.
We had originally booked a tour to the east coast of Svalbard, but due to weather conditions, we had to turn around early. We had already pushed through a short snowstorm, but about three-quarters into the tour, it became too risky to continue. Luckily, our guides took us in a different direction, and we ended up at Tempelfjorden instead.
In the afternoon, the weather gradually improved, and we were treated to stunning views of vast glacier plains and mountain ranges. At times, we could even see the partially frozen sea. Later in the day, we stopped for lunch. Don’t expect anything fancy, it was just a Real Turmat freeze-dried meal with hot water (surprisingly decent, though). By early evening, we returned to Longyearbyen.
Our Experience: Snowmobile Tour Svalbard
Despite the route change and the relatively large group, we absolutely loved the snowmobile tour. It’s a fantastic way to explore the Arctic wilderness and feel completely off the grid. Of course, we’ve gathered a few practical tips for anyone planning a snowmobile tour in Svalbard:
Weather: Don’t rely too heavily on the forecast, especially the one for Longyearbyen. It’s often inaccurate. Our day started off badly, but by the afternoon we were riding in sunshine.
Driver’s license: Don’t forget your physical driver’s license (category B). It’s clearly mentioned during booking — no license means no participation. We brought an international license as well, but it wasn’t necessary.
Clothing: You’ll be provided with all the outer gear, but it’s still important to bring your own thermal layers and warm clothing underneath.
Toilets: There are no restroom facilities along the route. You’ll be out all day, so bathroom breaks will be… in nature. Stops are made occasionally, so just be prepared for the Arctic version of a toilet break.
More Activities in Svalbard
Curious about what else to do in Svalbard? Check out the other amazing activities we experienced on this Arctic island.
