Northern Lights Photo Safari
Leave the lights of Longyearbyen behind and travel slowly into Adventdalen in search of the aurora borealis above Svalbard’s polar-night landscape.
The clear Arctic air, dark winter sky and open valley create a remarkable setting for observing and photographing the northern lights. When conditions align, green, violet and occasionally red structures may move across the sky above the mountains.
This is a relaxed photo safari suitable for beginners and experienced photographers. We help you prepare the camera, choose suitable settings and work with the longer exposure times required for aurora photography.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. The route and stops are adapted to cloud cover, local weather, visibility and the best opportunities available during the evening.
Aurora colours above the polar-night landscape
Adventdalen offers open views of the northern sky, snow-covered mountains and the distinctive radar installations that have become a recognised foreground for aurora photography near Longyearbyen.
What makes this experience special
Adventdalen after dark
Travel away from the strongest town lighting into the open polar-night landscape east of Longyearbyen.
Practical camera guidance
Receive help with manual exposure, focus, ISO, aperture and shutter speed for northern lights photography.
Open Arctic skies
The broad valley provides expansive views and several possible stopping places according to the conditions.
Suitable for beginners
No previous night-photography experience is required, although a camera with manual settings is recommended.
Hotel pickup included
You are collected from your accommodation and returned after the photo safari.
Private option available
The experience may also be arranged privately by contacting Svalbard Photography directly.
Photograph one of nature’s most unpredictable displays
Every aurora is different. Sometimes the light appears as a quiet arc; at other times it develops into moving curtains, rays and changing colours.
From Longyearbyen into dark Adventdalen
After pickup, we leave the central lights of Longyearbyen and drive slowly into Adventdalen. The exact stopping places are selected according to cloud cover, visibility, wind and the potential position of the aurora.
The valley’s broad horizon makes it possible to observe a large part of the sky. Snow, mountains, roads and radar antennas provide distinctive foreground elements for photographs.
Svalbard lies far north of the main auroral oval. For that reason, the display may sometimes appear towards the south rather than directly north of the observer.
How to capture the aurora successfully
Northern lights photography generally requires a stable camera and longer exposure times. A tripod is therefore essential and must be brought by the guest.
We help you select a wide aperture, suitable ISO value and shutter speed based on the brightness and movement of the aurora. We can also assist with manual focus and checking image sharpness in the dark.
Guests using smartphones are welcome, but results depend strongly on the phone model, available night mode and the stability of the device.
How the two-hour photo safari may unfold
The timing and number of stops depend on weather, cloud movement and aurora activity.
Pickup in Longyearbyen
You are collected from your accommodation before the scheduled departure.
Drive into Adventdalen
Leave the town centre and travel towards darker observation locations.
Choose the best stop
Your guide evaluates visibility, clouds, wind and the position of any aurora activity.
Prepare the camera
Set up the tripod and receive practical help with exposure and manual focus.
Observe and photograph
Photograph the sky and Arctic landscape while adapting settings as the light changes.
Return to your accommodation
After approximately two hours, you are driven back to your pickup location.
Everything you need to know
Included in the tour
- Two-hour guided northern lights photo safari
- Transport into Adventdalen
- Photography guidance during the tour
- Help with exposure and manual focus
- Several possible observation stops
- Pickup from your accommodation
- Return to your accommodation
- Guiding in the agreed language
What to bring
- A sturdy tripod
- Camera with manual settings
- Wide-angle lens with a bright aperture
- Fully charged camera batteries
- Spare batteries kept warm
- Warm layered winter clothing
- Insulated boots, hat and gloves
- Headlamp with a red-light mode if available
- Personal medication
Natural conditions, accessibility and refreshments
Northern lights sightings cannot be guaranteed. Cloud cover, wind, visibility and solar activity determine whether the aurora can be observed during the tour.
Drinks and snacks are not served on this experience. Guests should eat beforehand and bring their own water when required.
The vehicle has no specialised wheelchair adaptations. Assistance may nevertheless be possible, and a foldable wheelchair can be transported in the luggage compartment. Please contact Svalbard Photography before booking to discuss individual requirements.
Planning your northern lights photo safari
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, including the drive and photography stops in Adventdalen.
Are northern lights guaranteed?
No. The aurora is a natural phenomenon, and visibility depends on clouds, weather and solar activity.
Do I need to bring a tripod?
Yes. A tripod is essential because northern lights photography normally requires longer exposure times.
Do I need photography experience?
No. The tour is suitable for beginners, and practical assistance with camera settings is provided.
Can I use a smartphone?
Yes, although image quality depends on the phone model, available night mode and how steadily the phone can be supported.
Are drinks or snacks included?
No. Drinks and snacks are not served on this tour.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. You are collected from your accommodation and driven back after the tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The vehicle is not specially adapted, but a foldable wheelchair can be carried. Please contact the operator before booking.
Which languages are available?
The tour can be guided in English, Norwegian, German and Swiss German.
Can the safari be booked privately?
Yes. A private version may be arranged directly with Svalbard Photography.
Photograph the Arctic sky beyond Longyearbyen
Travel into Adventdalen for a relaxed evening of aurora observation, practical photography guidance and polar-night landscapes.
