Svalbard: What You Should Do in December

December in Svalbard is nothing short of magical. The Arctic is locked in perpetual darkness, but the northern lights fill the sky with vivid colors that make the polar night come alive. One of the first things you should do upon arriving is embark on a northern lights tour. The absence of light pollution and the vast, open spaces create perfect conditions for witnessing the aurora borealis. Whether on foot, by snowmobile, or on a dog sled, chasing these lights across the sky is a mesmerizing experience.

Dog sledding continues to be a quintessential activity in December. It’s a traditional mode of Arctic transport, and the bond between the sled dogs and the mushers adds to the charm. Imagine gliding silently through a snow-covered valley under the dark December sky, with the only sounds being the panting of the huskies and the sled cutting through the snow. Many sledding tours also offer a chance to stop for a hot drink around a fire, adding a cozy touch to your adventure.

Snowmobiling is another thrilling way to explore Svalbard’s frozen wilderness. In December, the snow is fresh, and the landscape looks pristine. Tours often take you to remote corners of the archipelago, where you can witness incredible Arctic scenery. The feeling of speeding across a frozen fjord, surrounded by mountains and glaciers, is exhilarating. Snowmobiling offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to match.

A visit to Longyearbyen during December offers a unique cultural experience. The town is festively decorated, and the local community embraces the darkness with warmth and cheer. You can explore local shops selling Arctic-themed gifts and clothing, perfect for bringing a piece of the Arctic back with you. The Svalbard Museum is another must-see, providing an insightful look into the history and wildlife of the region, and offering a break from the cold outside.

December is also an ideal time to take a guided tour of the local mines. The history of coal mining in Svalbard is deeply intertwined with its development, and many tours take you deep into the mines, offering a glimpse into what life was like for miners working in the extreme cold and darkness. These tours are both educational and exhilarating, giving you a unique perspective on Svalbard’s industrial past.

For those seeking wildlife, while December may not be prime time for polar bears, you can still spot reindeer and Arctic foxes. These animals are well adapted to the cold and the darkness, and encountering them in their natural habitat adds an element of surprise to any outdoor excursion. Seeing wildlife in such extreme conditions is a reminder of the resilience of life in the Arctic.

After a day of exploring, there's no better way to relax than to visit a traditional Arctic sauna. Several accommodations in Svalbard offer sauna experiences, allowing you to warm up while gazing out at the frozen landscape. The contrast between the heat of the sauna and the frigid air outside is invigorating. Many saunas also offer a chance to take a quick dip in icy waters, a tradition that’s said to be both refreshing and revitalizing.

December in Svalbard is not just about enduring the polar night; it's about embracing it. The lack of daylight transforms the Arctic into a place of wonder and beauty, where every activity takes on a surreal quality. From chasing the northern lights to gliding across the snow on a dog sled, your December in Svalbard will be filled with moments of awe and tranquility.