There are many excellent tourist winter destinations out there across the globe. Still, nothing beats the glacial landscape of the Svalbard islands. Located in the northernmost part of Norway, Svalbard offers a wide variety of adventures for backpackers.
In this group of wintery islands, you get to do various fun outdoor activities during the dark season that starts in October and ends in February. For those who love trekking, we highly recommended that you plot a schedule to hike up the Platafjellet mountain and take the challenge.
Aside from this, you can try out dog sledding on the snowy plains, too. There are several other field activities to try out, such as exploring mystical ice caves and sightseeing polar bears.
Are you looking for a carefree settlement? If yes, Svalbard also features the cosmopolitan city of Longyearbyen. With many contemporary hotels and roughly 15 restaurants to choose from, your time here will be well-spent.
Moreover, you can also check out the only wine cellar in Longyearbyen and one of the largest throughout the Scandinavian region.
However, perhaps the number one reason to visit Svalbard is the presence of aurora borealis during the dark season. Once you get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring northern lights, you’ll surely come back for more.