Husky Yard Visit, Eider Duck Birdwatching & Arctic Picnic

A peaceful guided walk through Longyearbyen, visiting the historic husky yard and enjoying a picnic beside a calm eider duck colony.

2-3 hours

Duration depends on the group needs and the weather

11:00
* or upon request

Meeting outside "Visit Svalbard" (Tourist Information Center)

June — August

Period (most of the birds remain in June–July 15)

1,250 NOK/person

Price (for non-private tour)

Easy Walk in Longyearbyen to a Historic Husky Yard and Eider Duck Colony

A peaceful guided walk through Longyearbyen to a historic husky yard, located near one of the area’s largest summer eider duck colonies.

Enjoy friendly huskies, local stories, birdlife, and a calm Arctic atmosphere — a soothing and refreshing experience in nature.

Seasonal note: By late July, most birds have left the colony. However, small groups may still pass by the kennel, so occasional sightings around the dog yard are possible.

Suitable for the whole family
and all ages!

A gentle and easy sightseeing walk in Longyearbyen, suitable for families and guests of all ages. Meet friendly huskies in The Kennel, enjoy eider duck birdwatching right beside it, and experience Svalbard’s Arctic nature at a relaxed pace.

Relaxing and informative tour that adds high value to your stay.

A peaceful and informative Svalbard experience combining local history, sled dog culture, eider duck colonies, eiderdown traditions, and an Arctic picnic — a meaningful highlight that adds real value to your stay in Longyearbyen.

For orientation

This map represents where the locations mentioned in the description text.

There are plenty of things to show you!

Our easy Arctic walking tour is perfect for families, couples, and guests of all ages who want to experience Longyearbyen’s nature, local history, huskies, birdlife, and a peaceful picnic without a strenuous hike.

Visit a Historic Husky Yard

Visit a traditional husky yard connected to Berit and Karl Våtvik, and hear the story of how this place became part of Longyearbyen’s local dog sledding culture.

Your guide will walk you on the terrain situated on a gentle tundra covered slope towards the dog yard share stories about traditional dog sledding in Svalbard — how sled dogs were used for transport, safety, exploration, and everyday life in the Arctic. After you having a picnic, you will meet friendly huskies and learn why dog yards remain an important part of Svalbard’s history, identity, and living culture.

Experience One of Longyearbyen’s Special Eider Duck Colonies

In summer, the historic husky yard is surrounded by one of the largest common eider colonies around Longyearbyen. The birds nest close to the dogs because the huskies help keep Arctic foxes away, creating safer nesting conditions for the eider ducks.

This peaceful setting gives guests a rare chance to watch and listen to nesting eiders while learning about the special relationship between people, dogs, and Arctic birdlife.

The eider duck is the source of one of the world’s warmest, rarest, and most exclusive natural downs

You will also hear about local and only trapper Tommy Sandal, who help care for the eider colony during the nesting season. After the birds have left their nests, the remaining eiderdown is carefully collected and used in handmade local products.

During the tour, guests will be shown a real sample of this soft, light, and exceptionally warm natural material.

Enjoy a peaceful Arctic picnic with warm drinks and snacks while watching birds

We stop at a calm picnic spot with tables and benches near the bird colony. Here, you can relax with traditional hot drinks and snacks while enjoying the soothing sounds of eider ducks nearby.

This is a quiet, authentic Arctic moment — perfect for slowing down, taking photos, and connecting with the natural surroundings.

The Arctic Tundra is always a beautiful walking ground.

You can either enjoy the different kinds of blooming flowers during summer or the fluffy looking cotton grass and rich colors of autumn. Your guide is happy to share facts and stories with you about the area and our interesting life here.

Practical info

The tour includes:
- Suitable for the whole family and all ages!
- A guided, easy walking tour through Longyearbyen with a local guide who is passionate about the town’s history, culture, and everyday life in the High Arctic.
- Birdwatching and local storytelling near one of the area’s largest eider duck colonies, where you may also spot other Arctic birds nesting and moving through the landscape.
- A live presentation of eiderdown collected by a local trapper, where you can see this exceptionally warm natural material up close and learn about handmade local down products connected to traditional Arctic craftsmanship.
- Certified guiding by an experienced polar bear guard, with a strong focus on safety, local knowledge, and respectful travel in Svalbard’s unique nature.
- Several lovely photos from the experience, shared with you afterwards as a memory from your visit.
- A peaceful picnic by the bird colony, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nesting birds, with traditional hot drinks and snacks included.
In addition:
- Both predefined and private sightseeing routes can be customized by duration, and difficulty to match your physical condition, preferences, and comfort level.
Cancellation policy:
- If cancelled 22 days or more prior to departure 100 % refund
- If cancelled 22-7 days prior to departure 50 % refund
- Cancellation less than 7 days prior to departure is a "no show" and does not qualify for any refund. You may apply to your insurance company for a refund if you provide a medical certificate.
- If Svalbard Villmarkssenter decides to cancel a trip due to weather conditions or any other reasons, you will receive a full refund!

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