Svalbard Ice Cave Tour: Our Experiences
In the winter of 2025, we traveled to Svalbard and took part in several unforgettable Arctic adventures. While every activity in this icy wilderness offers a unique experience, the Svalbard ice cave tour was the perfect way to kick off our trip. It’s not too long or physically demanding, making it ideal for a first encounter with the extreme Arctic environment. Here’s what you can expect based on our experience!
Booking Your Svalbard Ice Cave Tour in Advance
Well before our trip to Svalbard, we booked all our activities in advance. And we’re glad we did. While some tours still had spots available when we arrived, others were fully booked on certain days. If you’re visiting during high season, securing your spot early is highly recommended.
We booked our tours through the activity page of Gjestehuset 102, which conveniently lists all available tours and open slots.
Our Tour Operator: Spitsbergen Adventures AS
For our Svalbard ice cave tour, we chose Spitsbergen Adventures AS. There are several operators offering similar experiences with comparable pricing, but our personal experience is only with this one.
Be aware that tours in Svalbard are not cheap, even hikes like this one come at a premium. Refund policies can vary, and some may be strict, so double-check the terms before you book. In our case, everything went smoothly and as scheduled.
Svalbard Ice Cave Tour: What to Expect
We were picked up directly at our accommodation (Gjestehuset 102) by a representative from the tour company. Make sure to be ready a bit earlier than your scheduled time, as they may arrive ahead of schedule.
After a short safety briefing and being equipped with crampons, we started hiking straight from Nybyen. The trail leads several kilometers uphill through a snow-covered valley, offering stunning views of Longyearbyen and the surrounding mountains, especially if the weather cooperates.
About 90 minutes later, we reached the entrance of the ice cave. A short descent via ladder took us into the glacier, where we explored the cave’s inner chambers. The layout of the cave changes every year due to glacier movement, making each visit unique. Inside, we had a quick lunch break with Real Turmat, the classic freeze-dried Arctic field meal. Surprisingly tasty with hot water! We returned to Longyearbyen by late afternoon.
Our Thoughts on the Ice Cave Tour Svalbard
This hike was a great introduction to the wild landscapes of Svalbard. The scenery along the trail was breathtaking, and descending into a glacier is something you won’t forget. That said, it wasn’t the most thrilling activity we did; our snowmobile tour definitely wins that title! But for a low-impact adventure with beautiful views and a taste of the Arctic, it’s a great choice.
Ice Cave Tour or Trollsteinen Hike?
If you’re deciding between this tour and the Trollsteinen hike, keep in mind that they likely share much of the same route. Trollsteinen is a rocky peak offering panoramic views, while the ice cave takes you inside a glacier. Unless you’re up for multiple hikes, we’d recommend choosing one or the other to avoid repetition.
What You’ll Need at the Ice Cave Tour Svalbard
The only gear provided was crampons. You’ll need to bring your own warm winter clothing, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots, these are essential for comfort and safety in Arctic conditions.
Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our Google Maps travel guide to Svalbard for top spots, tips, and more adventures in the Arctic.
