Longyearbyen is a photographer’s dream, especially if you’re fascinated by stark Arctic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the shimmering dance of the Northern Lights. The town’s remote location in Svalbard offers a unique canvas that’s hard to match elsewhere. What we particularly like is how these tours blend technical learning with authentic Arctic scenery. For instance, the Northern Lights Photography Tour not only offers a chance to see the Aurora Borealis but also teaches you how to best capture it—an essential skill for any serious photographer.
While all three experiences give you a taste of Svalbard’s wild beauty, each one caters to a different kind of shutterbug. Whether you want to chase the Northern Lights, hunt for Arctic wildlife, or explore abandoned Soviet towns, you’ll find something that fits your style. Below, we highlight these top photography adventures in Longyearbyen, sharing what makes each special and who it’s best suited for.
1. Svalbard: Northern Lights Photography Tour with local expert
At number one, this 4-hour Northern Lights photography tour in Svalbard stands out for its combination of expert guidance and ideal viewing locations. The tour begins with a hotel pickup and includes visits to handpicked spots where the lights are most vivid and less obstructed. The guide, with extensive local knowledge, helps you find the best angles and explains how to set your camera to capture the Aurora Borealis’s fleeting beauty.
What makes this tour genuinely valuable is the focus on learning camera techniques for night photography, making it perfect for both amateurs eager to improve their skills and more experienced shooters chasing that perfect shot. With a maximum of 4 hours, it’s a manageable experience that fits well into a longer Arctic adventure. Reviewers rave about the guide Pernille, describing her as “a wonderful guide” who made the experience “absolutely beautiful and amazing.” The small group size allows for personalized tips, and early booking is recommended as Northern Lights tours tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a focused, high-quality opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights with expert guidance, ideal for those wanting a hands-on learning experience amid stunning scenery.
2. Longyearbyen: Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour
The second spot on our list is the Wildlife Safari & Hiking Photography Tour, a 5-hour adventure designed for nature lovers. This trip combines wildlife spotting with hands-on photography opportunities, particularly targeting Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic foxes, and the Svalbard rock ptarmigan. It’s ideal if your main goal is capturing Arctic animals in their natural habitat, with the added bonus of exploring the rugged terrain around Longyearbyen.
The tour is run by a local Norwegian company, which means insider knowledge about animal behavior and best shooting times. The small-group setting, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel, makes it comfortable and flexible. Warm drinks and snacks keep you energized during the chilly exploration. While the tour is primarily a wildlife hunt, it’s also a chance to practice landscape and bird photography in a genuine Arctic environment. One reviewer noted, “The guides are very knowledgeable about local wildlife and spot animals quickly,” making it clear that this is a serious nature photography experience.
Bottom Line: If your focus is on wildlife, especially Arctic mammals and birds, this is a thoughtfully organized tour that balances adventure and photography with local expertise.
3. From Longyearbyen: Pyramiden Private Photo Tour w/ Transfer
For those craving a more exclusive experience, the Pyramiden Private Photo Tour offers an 8-hour trip to the abandoned Soviet mining town. This tour combines history, architecture, and panoramic vistas—perfect for photographers seeking dramatic landscapes and a touch of cultural intrigue. The trip includes a private transfer, giving you the flexibility to focus on your shots without feeling rushed.
Pyramiden’s Soviet-era buildings, set against a backdrop of glaciers and mountains, provide endlessly interesting compositions. The tour also emphasizes landscape photography, encouraging you to capture the stark contrasts of the Arctic environment. With a reputation of mixed reviews (rating 3.9/5), it’s clear that the experience varies depending on weather and timing. Still, many visitors find the abandoned town both eerie and photogenic, especially with good lighting. The tour’s length and private nature make it ideal for photographers wanting a personalized, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: This private tour suits photographers who want to combine history, architecture, and mountain vistas into a full-day adventure, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with long, flexible outings.
How to Choose Your Best Photography Experience in Longyearbyen
Picking between these options depends on what kind of images you hope to capture and how much time you have. The Northern Lights Tour is perfect if chasing the Aurora is your priority and you’re eager to learn camera tricks in a short window. The Wildlife Safari caters to those wanting to photograph Arctic animals in their natural habitat, with the added bonus of a more active exploration. If you’re after a dramatic landscape and history photos, the Pyramiden Private Tour provides a unique, private setting with stunning mountain and abandoned town shots.
Consider your budget, physical readiness, and specific interests—whether it’s Aurora borealis, wildlife, or Arctic architecture. Book early, especially during peak Aurora viewing season (winter months), to secure your spot in these popular tours.
Final thoughts
Longyearbyen offers a variety of photography opportunities that can satisfy both casual shutterbugs and seasoned professionals. The Northern Lights tour is a must for Aurora chasers, while the wildlife safari offers great chances to capture Arctic animals in action. For those interested in history and landscapes, the Pyramiden Photo Tour delivers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse of Soviet relics against a rugged Arctic backdrop.
No matter your focus, these tours provide excellent value by combining expert guidance with access to extraordinary scenery. To get the most out of your trip, plan ahead and book early—these experiences fill up fast, especially during prime Aurora season. Capture your Arctic adventure in a way that lasts a lifetime with these specially curated photography tours in Longyearbyen.