Caving · Svalbard
How to choose
Two ice cave options out of Longyearbyen, separated by a 140 € price gap. Backyard Svalbard's hiking tour (170 €, 6h, Sporty level) takes you deeper into the experience on foot, covering more ground through glacial terrain and rewarding the effort with extended time inside the ice. Arctic Footsteps (310 €, 4h, Occasionally sporty) gets you there by snowmobile, cutting the physical demand but adding the cost of the machine. If raw immersion and value matter most, the 6h hike wins. If you want the snowmobile adrenaline combined with the cave, the premium is the point.
Compare · 2 offers
Our picks
Ice Cave Hiking from Longyearbyen in Svalbard
At 170 €, the 6h hiking tour with Sporty physical level delivers the longest cave exposure and the highest physical intensity for the lowest entry price.
Ice Cave Experience by Snowmobile from Longyearbyen in Svalbard
At 310 €, the 4h snowmobile-to-ice-cave route stacks two high-impact Arctic experiences into a single outing.
Frequently asked questions
How intense is it inside an ice cave in Svalbard?
The glacial environment is physically demanding: uneven ice surfaces, tight passages and temperatures well below freezing make every step count. The hiking tour (Sporty level) pushes harder than the snowmobile option (Occasionally sporty), but both require full focus once inside the cave.
What is the most intense moment of the experience?
Entering the cave itself is the peak moment. The transition from Arctic daylight into the blue-hued glacial interior, with ice formations pressing in from all sides, is the sensory hit most participants remember. On the hiking tour, reaching the cave after a sustained 6h effort amplifies that impact.
Is prior caving or glacial experience required?
No prior caving experience is required for either tour. The Sporty physical level on the hiking tour means a reasonable baseline fitness is expected, while the Occasionally sporty snowmobile option is accessible to a wider range of participants.
What language are the tours conducted in?
Both tours operate exclusively in English, as listed in the verified tour data.
Can I do these tours year-round in Svalbard?
Svalbard ice caves are typically accessible in winter and spring when the glacier is stable and safe to enter. Exact seasonal availability depends on conditions each year, so check directly with the operator before booking.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -9.5°C | 41.7 mm | Possible |
| February | -10.5°C | 42.4 mm | Possible |
| March | -12.1°C | 30.2 mm | Possible |
| April | -6.7°C | 29 mm | Possible |
| May | -1.3°C | 21.2 mm | Possible |
| June | 3.4°C | 22 mm | Possible |
| July | 6.4°C | 39.5 mm | Good |
| August | 5.3°C | 40.7 mm | Good |
| September | 2.2°C | 49.2 mm | Possible |
| October | -3.9°C | 48.9 mm | Possible |
| November | -5.8°C | 40.6 mm | Possible |
| December | -9.6°C | 51.1 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers and a waterproof outer shell rated for sub-zero Arctic temperatures. For the 6h Sporty hiking tour, add crampons or ice cleats if not provided by Backyard Svalbard, and pack high-energy snacks to sustain effort across the full duration.
Getting there
Both tours depart from Longyearbyen, the main settlement on Svalbard: Backyard Svalbard meets at Vei 6062-1E, while Arctic Footsteps picks you up directly from your accommodation in town.
See also
Caving elsewhere
Other activities in Svalbard
Updated March 2026