Northern Lights Tours · Svalbard
How to choose
Northern lights outings in Svalbard range in price from 134 € to 205 €, with durations spanning 2h to 4h across five operators. Several departures run directly from Longyearbyen by car or van. For an accessible outing, one tour operated by See & Explore is rated “Everybody welcome”, costing 139 € for 3.5h. If your focus is capturing the night sky, two dedicated photo tours run between 150 € and 180 €, lasting from 3h to 4h. The most affordable excursion is offered by Arctic Footsteps at 134 € for a 3-hour outing, while the longest option reaches 4h with See & Explore at 180 €. The shortest tour runs for 2h with Backyard Svalbard at 205 €. Choose based on your transport preference, between car or van, and whether you want specialised photography guidance or a straightforward northern lights chase.
6 offers available
Our picks
Longyearbyen: Northern Lights Adventure by Car
Priced at 134 € for a 3-hour tour by car.
Svalbard: Northern Lights Photography Tour with local expert
Runs for 4h at 180 € with a local photography expert.
Longyearbyen: Northern Lights Photo Safari (Max 8 guests)
Priced at 150 € for a 3-hour session limited to a maximum of 8 guests.
Northern Lights Chase from Longyearbyen in Svalbard
Rated “Everybody welcome” and priced at 139 € for 3.5h.
Frequently asked questions
When are northern lights tours offered in Svalbard?
Tours run from September to March across five local operators.
How long do the northern lights tours last?
Excursions last between 2h and 4h, depending on the operator and route chosen.
What are the prices for northern lights excursions?
Prices start from 134 € with Arctic Footsteps and reach up to 205 € with Backyard Svalbard.
What physical fitness level is required?
The outing with See & Explore is rated “Everybody welcome”.
Which languages are used during the tours?
Guidance is available in English and Norwegian on the outing operated by See & Explore.
Where do northern lights tours meet?
For See & Explore, the meeting location is at See & Explore, 6J9V+3VV, SJ, Vei 230, Longyearbyen 9171, Svalbard & Jan Mayen.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -9.5 °C | 41.7 mm | Good |
| February | -10.5 °C | 42.4 mm | Peak |
| March | -12.1 °C | 30.2 mm | Peak |
| April | -6.7 °C | 29 mm | Poor |
| May | -1.3 °C | 21.2 mm | Off season |
| June | 3.4 °C | 22 mm | Off season |
| July | 6.4 °C | 39.5 mm | Off season |
| August | 5.3 °C | 40.7 mm | Poor |
| September | 2.2 °C | 49.2 mm | Good |
| October | -3.9 °C | 48.9 mm | Good |
| November | -5.8 °C | 40.6 mm | Good |
| December | -9.6 °C | 51.1 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear multiple warm thermal layers, winter trousers, insulated boots, thick gloves, and a woollen hat. Pack spare camera batteries in an inner pocket to keep them warm.
Getting there
Tours meet in Longyearbyen, including the departure location at See & Explore, 6J9V+3VV, SJ, Vei 230, Longyearbyen 9171, Svalbard & Jan Mayen.
See also
Other activities in Svalbard
Updated September 2026