Best things to do in the Summer | Travel Guide
Your Longyearbyen travel guide in the summer, by Gjestehuset 102.
It’s almost 1 AM on a clear July night, and you’re standing outside in full golden light. The fjord looks like polished steel. The sun hasn’t dropped below the horizon in weeks, so there’s no real darkness to speak of. A few reindeers wander past the road like they own the place. And somewhere out across the water, a glacier is quietly calving into the sea. That’s when you understand why people leave a piece of their heart in Svalbard.
Summer at 78° north is short, a little wild, and honestly the easiest time of year to visit. The weather is kinder, the days are impossibly long, and the whole archipelago feels more alive. We put this guide together from the questions our guests ask us most: the best things to do, what to actually pack, where to eat, and a few quieter spots that don’t make most travel lists.
So if the Arctic is on your mind this summer, here’s everything we’d tell you over the front desk!
Why Visit Svalbard in Summer?
Longyearbyen is the northernmost inhabited settlement on Earth – closer to the North Pole than to Oslo. From late April to late August, the Midnight Sun never sets, bathing the islands in 24 hours of daylight. Temperatures hover between 3°C and 10°C (37-50°F), the snow melts back to reveal stark tundra, and the fjords open up for boat tours.
Summer is when Svalbard feels most alive. Migratory birds return by the millions, Arctic flowers push through gravel, and the days feel endless. It’s also the most accessible season for first-time visitors; no polar night, no extreme cold, and a full menu of hikes, cruises, and cultural experiences waiting.
When to Visit: June vs. July vs. August
Choosing when to visit Svalbard in summer depends on what you want to see.
June is the freshest month. Snow still clings to the mountains, the light is razor-sharp for photography, and boat tours are just starting to run as the sea ice retreats. This is the quietest of the summer months, perfect if you want fewer crowds.
July is peak season. Warmest temperatures, full access to boat trips towards Billefjorde, and lush (by Arctic standards) green tundra. Book accommodation early as rooms fill fast.
August brings the first hint of autumn. The light softens around the edges, and hillsides turn rust-orange. Wildlife is active and fattening up for winter. It’s our personal favourite.
Here is what we recommend you do when you visit during the summer season:
1. (Just) enjoy and make the most of the Midnight Sun
The midnight sun in Svalbard lasts from 19 April to 23 August – the longest continuous midnight sun period anywhere in Norway. That means 24 hours of real daylight, and the strange, wonderful, slightly disorienting experience of heading to bed while the sun shines bright through your window.
Some visitors set an alarm for 1–2 AM at least once, just to step outside and stand in warm golden light at midnight. It sounds gimmicky, but it isn’t. It’s one of those moments that makes this destination feel genuinely unlike anywhere else on Earth!
Best for: Everyone.
Local tip: The view from the old Cableway Central (Taubanesentralen) above town is one of the best free vantage points in Longyearbyen for midnight sun photos.
2. Hike the Tundra and Mountains Around Longyearbyen
Hiking in Longyearbyen is spectacular; open valleys, fossil-rich slopes, and views that stretch forever. If you only do one hike in Svalbard, make it the one to Plateau Mountain (Platåfjellet). This guided hike starts from the historic Cableway Central and delivers panoramic views over Longyearbyen, the Adventfjorden, and the surrounding Arctic peaks.
The trail is moderate in difficulty and takes around 3-4 hours. A licensed guide is legally required when leaving Longyearbyen on foot, due to polar bear presence, but that also means fascinating stories about Arctic geology, Svalbard history, and local wildlife along the way.
Other popular hikes include:
Sarkofagen: a classic full-day hike with sweeping views over Longyearbreen glacier.
Trollsteinen: a rocky pinnacle hike for the more experienced, with dramatic glacier overlooks.
Hiorthfjellet: across the fjord, combines with kayaking. A real Arctic adventure!
Important safety note: You cannot hike outside the marked town limits of Longyearbyen without a guide carrying a rifle. This is for protection against polar bears – they live throughout the archipelago, even in summer. All guided tours can be booked through the Activity Planner: https://gjestehuset102.no/svalbard-activities/
3. Glacier and wildlife Safari on the Fjords
Svalbard’s fjords come alive in summer. On a wildlife boat tour from Longyearbyen, you might spot walruses hauled out on rocky shores, bearded seals floating on ice floes, beluga whales, minke whales, and thousands of seabirds, including the irresistibly adorable puffin.
Half-day and full-day tours depart regularly from the harbour. Small-group zodiac boats get you closest to the action; larger expedition vessels cover more ground. Wildlife sightings in July and August are genuinely excellent.
Another awesome trip we highly recommend, is the one that sails towards Billfjorden, where you get a magnificient view of Nordenskiold Glacier, and also the ghost town Pyramiden (from the boat), a Soviet coal-mining settlement abandoned in 1998, frozen in time.
The full-day boat trip from Longyearbyen sails past seabird cliffs, seals lounging on ice floes, and (if you’re lucky) beluga whales. The boat trips that sail towards this fjord are the Wildlife and Glacier tour, Speedboat to Billefjorden and Nordenskiöld Glacier, and Fjord Safari to Nordenskiöld Glacier. You can see other boat trips here.
Tip: Bring binoculars and dress warmer than you think you need to. It’s always colder on the water than on shore.
4. Kayaking in the Arctic Fjords
Kayaking is one of the most peaceful and surprising Arctic experiences. Glide past floating ice, watch kittiwakes dive, and listen to the quiet creak of a glacier in the distance.
Guided kayaking tours are available for all skill levels, with beginner-friendly options on calm fjord water and longer expeditions for more experienced paddlers.
The silence out on the water is extraordinary. Mountains reflect in the sea. Arctic terns dive overhead. You’ll hear the distant rumble of calving ice and nothing else. This is one of those experiences that stays with you. Tours typically run from Adventfjorden. No experience necessary – dry suits and full instruction are included. We can help you book directly from reception or even before you arrive. The list of kayak tours are here.
Best for: Active travellers, anyone seeking something off-the-beaten-path.
5. Explore our museums
For a deeper sense of where you are, spend a couple of hours at the Svalbard Museum. This is one of the most engaging regional museums in Norway. It covers the archipelago’s rich history of trapping, whaling, coal mining, and polar exploration, and gives real context to everything you’re experiencing outside.
Admission (museum): Around 160 NOK for adults. Open daily from 09:00 until 17:00. Great for a slow morning or an afternoon break between excursions.
5. Tour a real Arctic Coal Mine
Longyearbyen began as a mining town, and you can still go underground in Gruve 3 (Mine 3), a decommissioned coal mine just outside town. You’ll suit up in real miner’s overalls, crawl through narrow passages, and learn about the brutal, fascinating history that built this town.
It’s a brilliant rainy-day option and one of the most popular things to do in Longyearbyen for travelers who want something different. You can check and book the tour here.
6. Eat and Drink Your Way Through Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen has a genuinely impressive food and drink scene for a town of around 2,500 people perched in the High Arctic! Some of these are:
Svalbard Bryggeri – World-famous for using glacial meltwater in their craft beers. Tours and tastings available. The Longyearbyen Polar Beer is a must
Gruvelageret – cozy historic restaurant serving Arctic specialties like reindeer and Arctic char.
Fruene Kaffe – the world’s northernmost chocolate shop and a beloved local café.
Cafe Huskies – relaxed and cozy cafe with huskies inside, which makes it unique.
Kroa – a casual, popular pub with good food and a lively atmosphere. Great for meeting other travellers.
Local secret: Alcohol is significantly cheaper in Svalbard than on mainland Norway – there’s no state monopoly here. Local craft beers are a worthy treat.
7. Bird-watching in the Arctic
Svalbard is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations, and summer is when it truly peaks. Over 180 species have been recorded here, with millions of seabirds arriving to nest along the cliffs.
Look for:
• Atlantic puffins nesting on cliff faces
• Arctic terns — the world’s longest migrant, flying from Antarctica to nest here
• Little auks in enormous, noisy cliff colonies
• Barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and king eiders on tundra and water
Specialist birdwatching boat tours get you remarkably close to nesting colonies in a responsible way. These trips include the Puffin Safari Tour and The Bird Jumping in Trygghamna.
Best for: Nature enthusiasts, photographers, birdwatchers of all levels.
When: June and July are the prime nesting months.
8. Walk Through Longyearbyen and Discover Longyearbyen’s Mining History
The landscape around Longyearbyen tells a fascinating story of hard work, isolation, and resilience. Old mining infrastructure – cableways, and the ruins of mine’s past – dot the hillsides, and guided history walks bring them to life.
One of the best free things you can do is simply wander through Nybyen, the upper part of town where the old miners’ barracks still stand (and where Gjestehuset 102 is located). The colourful wooden buildings, valley views, and remnants of another era make this one of the most photogenic walks in Longyearbyen.
– What to Pack for Svalbard in Summer
|
What |
Why |
|---|---|
|
Merino wool base layers |
Warm, moisture-wicking, odour-resistant |
|
Fleece mid-layer |
Essential for warmth during outdoor activities |
|
Waterproof & windproof outer jacket |
Rain and wind are daily realities |
|
Warm beanie, gloves & neck gaiter |
Even in July, wind chill is real |
|
Waterproof trousers |
For boat tours and tundra walks |
|
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots |
Trails can be wet and muddy |
|
Sunglasses |
24-hour daylight and glare off water/snow |
|
Sleep mask |
Absolutely essential for sleeping; you can get this with us at the reception |
|
High SPF sunscreen |
UV levels are high even when it’s cold |
|
Camera + extra batteries |
Cold drains batteries faster than you’d expect |
|
Refillable Water Bottle |
Staying hydrated is important during long hikes and excursions |
|
A small daypack for hikes |
Handy for carrying extra layers, snacks, water, and camera gear |
– Responsible Tourism in Svalbard
Svalbard is one of the most fragile environments on Earth, and climate change is rewriting it in real time. About 65% of the Svalbard archipelago is protected as national park or nature reserve. Visiting responsibly isn’t just encouraged – it’s the culture here, and it matters.
• Stay on marked paths and don’t disturb nesting birds. Arctic vegetation takes decades to recover from a single footprint
• Leave no trace. Don’t take rocks, plants, bones, or any natural material as souvenirs, it’s actually illegal
• Never approach polar bears or any wildlife, and always follow your guide’s instructions
• Book with local operators who follow wildlife guidelines and contribute to the local economy. Use our Activity Page for this.
• Book accommodation directly when possible. It keeps more revenue with the guesthouse rather than third-party platforms – and with us at Gjestehuset 102, you’ll get the best rate and some extra perks for doing so
– Where to Stay in Longyearbyen: About us, Gjestehuset 102
Longyearbyen isn’t a budget destination – accommodation costs reflect the logistics of keeping a hostel running at 78° north. That’s exactly why Gjestehuset 102 has become one of the most-loved places to stay for independent and budget-conscious travellers.
Built in 1946 as the “millionaires’ mansion” for the most skilled and experienced coal miners, Barrack 102 became Gjestehuset 102 in 1999. It’s now home to what the staff will happily call “the happiest visitors in Longyearbyen.”
Located in Nybyen, the upper part of the Longyear Valley, about 2 km from the town centre, it sits among mountain views and Arctic quiet, a short walk from hiking trails and the old mining heritage of the valley.
What makes it special isn’t luxury (we’re honest about this). It’s the atmosphere: the communal kitchen where solo travellers become friends, the friendly, knowledgeable staff who give real local recommendations, and the sense that you’re staying somewhere with actual history and soul.
With 61 beds in single, double, and four-person rooms, it works for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups alike. And booking directly on our website means the lowest rate, plus a discount on some Svalbard trips.
– Tips for first time travellers
1. Book tours before you arrive. Popular trips fill up weeks in advance in July.
2. Cash is rarely needed. Cards work everywhere, even on small boats.
3. You’ll remove your shoes indoors. It’s a Svalbard tradition rooted in old mining-town etiquette. Pack comfy slippers or warm socks.
4. Respect the polar bear rule. Don’t leave town limits without a guide.
5. There’s no Schengen visa needed for Svalbard itself – but you’ll pass through mainland Norway, so check your visa needs accordingly.
6. Tipping isn’t expected, though always appreciated for great service!
– Ready to plan your Summer Adventure?
The Arctic has a way of staying with you. The light, the silence, the sense that you’ve stepped slightly outside the normal world, it lingers long after you’ve flown home.
When you’re ready to come north, we’d love to host you. Book your stay at Gjestehuset 102 → and let us be your warm, friendly basecamp for everything Svalbard has to offer.
Got questions before you book? Get in touch – we love helping guests plan the trip of a lifetime.
See you in Longyearbyen!
