Svalbard
Seasons & Specialities
Svalbard Photo Tours & Expeditions
Svalbard – The Arctic Pearl
Svalbard is one of the highlights of the Arctic, mainly due to the magnificent landscape that greets you. With peaks 1700 metres high, mighty glaciers, fjords, and valleys, many people fall in love with this place. The permafrost and Arctic climate characterise the landscape, but because of the warm Gulf Stream, the land is not as frozen and desolate as you might expect. In addition, the plants, birds, and animals give life to the landscape and make it well worth exploring and photographing.
Svalbard is an area of 61,022 square km distributed on the islands of Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, Barentsøya, Kvitøya, Prins Karls Forland, and Kong Karls Land as well as several smaller islands. The archipelago is ruled by Norwegian law and is located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The northernmost settlement in the Arctic is Longyearbyen - at 78 degrees North - with about 2400 citizens. WildPhoto Travel has been a local company in Longyearbyen since 2013.
Seasons in Svalbard
We often get the question: When is the best time to visit Svalbard? The answer depends on your interests, desired light conditions, and whether you are primarily a landscape or wildlife photographer (or both). For photography, Svalbard offers five different seasons between mid-March and mid-October, each with its own unique appeal. To explore each season in detail, click on the images or buttons below, or you can scroll down to discover the photographic specialties of each season and the Arctic wildlife and landscapes you can photograph in Svalbard.
Svalbard
Winter Extreme
The main focus of a Svalbard Winter Extreme expedition is Arctic winter light and landscape photography. In March and early April, the light conditions are exceptional, with beautiful blue, pink, and orange tones. Although wildlife is less abundant compared to the summer season, the combination of animals against the dramatic winter scenery creates striking opportunities for wildlife photography.
A truly unique Arctic photo adventure!
Svalbard
Winter Glow
Mid-April is the time when the midnight sun is returning to Svalbard. With no nights (dark hours), photography opportunities are available almost 24 hours a day, with red and orange colours. The landscape and mountains are still covered with snow, and migratory birds start returning. With less sea ice it is easier to see polar bears, and if you are lucky, also a polar bear mother with cubs. From the beginning of May, it may also be possible to explore the Hinlopen area in the east.
Landscapes and wildlife in magic light
Svalbard
Spring Awakening
From mid May the transition from winter to early summer starts. The birds are moving into breeding mode and there is a lot of life and activity - especially in June. The snow melts and gives space for green patches where short-grown flowers will bloom from the second half of June. With warmer temperatures and sun 24 hours a day, the sea ice is breaking up in the fjords leaving fewer areas for polar bears to hunt seals. Less sea ice also allows us to explore farther northeast of Svalbard.
Arctic Birds and Wildlife in Springtime
Svalbard
Summer Dream
In mid-July the sea ice around Svalbard is retreating, forming a gap between the islands and the drifting sea ice. In the following weeks some polar bears and seals are following the pack ice north, while the remaining animals have to stay on land without sea ice. Most of the seabirds are leaving their nesting areas in the first half of August, but there are still many birds to photograph.
Summertime in the Arctic
Svalbard
Autumn Magic
The golden light from late August can be really spectacular. Wildlife remains in the archipelago, with polar bears roaming the pack ice in the north in search for food. Walruses and seals rest along the shore, or on drifting glacier ice in calm fjords. While migratory birds prepare for their journey south, there are still many species to photograph. The colourful skies offer dramatic contrasts, perfect for photographing the Arctic's landscape and wildlife as the winter soon returns.
Enjoying the Magic Autumn Light
Special Photo Opportunities
We also offer specialised photography tours and expeditions focused on particular activities, areas, and species. These trips are designed with itineraries, durations, and guide teams fine-tuned to the photographic experiences we want to offer our guests and partners. While some of these opportunities may also be available on the seasonal photo tours and expeditions listed above, we organise dedicated specialist trips to maximise opportunities for underwater photography and other niche interests.
Svalbard
Below Surface
The underwater world in Svalbard is amazing with unique photo opportunities of sea ice, icebergs, seabirds and sea mammals. Few photographers have had the chance to do snorkelling or polecam photography in Svalbard, and this Below Surface expedition is designed for photographers who want to explore and photograph with underwater cameras. We offer the opportunity to snorkel with your camera or use polecam systems from the Zodiacs or the side of our expedition ship.
Underwater Photography & Snorkeling
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Learn more
Below is a selection of some WildPhoto Expert Tips to help you learn more about Svalbard and wildlife and landscape photography. These tips are ideal for preparing for an upcoming WildPhoto trip, or if you are seeking information and inspiration about Svalbard.
Photography
How to Photograph Polar Bears
Learn more about where, when and how to photograph polar bears in Svalbard, and what is the recommended photo gear to bring on a polar bear photography expedition.
Travel preparation
Wildlife & Nature
Arctic Birds of Svalbard
Learn about bird species, camera gear, and tips for photographing Arctic birds.
Travel preparation
Svalbard Weather
Learn about sea ice, wind, and waves in Svalbard to better understand and forecast Arctic weather conditions.