Longyearbyen.
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Overview

Longyearbyen, (pronounced lungyer-byin) is the largest populated area, and capital of the Norwegian region of Svalbard. The settlement is generally regarded as the northernmost town in the world as well as the most easily accessed frontier in the Arctic, and is an ideal base for the greater exploration of Svalbard and the high Arctic.

Understand

Longyearbyen is the largest populated settlement on the Svalbard archipelago, located in the high Norwegian Arctic.

The settlement is named after American entrepreneur John Munro Longyear (1860-1922), who as head of the Arctic Coal Company founded the town and the neighboring coal mine, the first large mine on Svalbard. However, the final operating mine, Mine 7, closed in 2025, and the economy of Longyearbyen is now driven primarily by scientific research and tourism.

With approximately 2,500 inhabitants, the town is the de facto "capital" of the islands, and is today a vibrant, modern, and international settlement with much of the character of mainland Norwegian towns. It has an airport, a school, a shopping centre, hospital, hotels, restaurants, and a university. People from approximately 40 different countries call Longyearbyen home, and this is reflected in the events offered in the town.

Longyearbyen lies on the southern side of Adventfjorden, stretched out along the Longyearelve (Longyear River). The centre of the town lies near the coast on the east side of the river, with the district of Skjæringa across the river, the district of Nybyen to the south and the airport to the west. Adventdalen, the valley housing Longyearbyen's only operational mine (#7), stretches out to the east.

Longyearbyen 78° North is a free pamphlet, available at most lodges and sometimes at the airport, which has a detailed map of the city and listings of all its facilities.

Svalbard's climate is a combination of a cold Arctic climate tempered by the North Atlantic Current, an arm of the Gulf Stream. Nordenskiöld Land is the warmest and wettest part of the archipelago, caused by the convergence of mild and humid air from the south and cold air from the north. Average summer temperatures are typically 4 to 6 °C (39 to 43 °F) while average winter temperatures are −12 to −16 °C (10 to 3.2 °F). Longyearbyen experiences midnight sun from 19 April to 23 August, and polar night from 14 November to 29 January. The sun is under the horizon from 26 October to 16 February however, the sun is not visible in Longyearbyen until 8 March due its location. Snow covers the town from late September to May.

Get in

There is the possibility of chartered services to other bases on Svalbard, but these are generally reserved for scientists and those travelling on expeditions to the North Pole. Sightseeing by plane or helicopter is not allowed under the environmental laws.

The airport has a little souvenir shop, which also sells some snacks. Svalbard is officially outside the Schengen Area. The Norwegian government has imposed identity checks on individuals wishing to enter and leave the mainland going to and coming from Svalbard, with the border between the latter and the rest of Norway being treated as an external Schengen border. A Schengen visa must be multiple entry to return through Norway, or any other Schengen country, for cruise passengers continuing for example to Iceland.

Airport shuttle buses ( one way, return for adults) connect with all flights arriving and departing at the airport. Taxis are also available.

Apart from passport control when returning to mainland Norway, passengers also need to go through customs control at their first stop in mainland Norway – usually Tromsø or Oslo; this is due to the duty-free status of Svalbard (see below for shopping for alcohol). If your flight gets routed Longyearbyen – Tromsø – Oslo, all formalities are handled at Tromsø, with Oslo-bound passengers having to pick up their luggage, even if it is checked through to Oslo on their baggage tags.

By boat Longyearbyen's port is accessible only in the summer when the pack ice recedes. For dates, see the port website. There are weekly freight boats to and from Tromsø. Organised sightseeing tourist boats offer day trips to Barentsburg, the active Russian town, and Pyramiden, a Russian settlement that was abandoned in 1998, throughout the summer months.

Get around

There is no public transportation aside from the airport shuttle bus. Visitors who leave the town centre without a guide should be aware that polar bears can be seen anywhere on the islands at any time of year. Leaving the central area of Longyearbyen without a hunting rifle is not recommended. Rifles can be rented from several places in the town, or alternatively, a guide can be hired for expeditions.

On foot Walking is a viable option, although rather tedious if you need to move around outside the centre, especially when the weather is bad. Although rarely needed, the town centre features a few pedestrian crossings. In winter, be aware of snowmobiles which use tracks not congruent to the roads that cars use.

By bike Most of the hotels and hostels, and some of the tour operators, offer bike rentals in the summer season.

By car Car rentals are available at the airport (Arctic Autorent) and in the town centre (Svalbard Auto), but vehicle inventory is very limited, so reservations are recommended. Given the high prices and the few roads to drive on, this option makes little sense for tourists, as everyone booking tours will be picked up free of charge at their accommodation.

See

There are many possibilities for walking and sight-seeing in the immediate Longyearbyen area. Walking out of the settlement into the fjord, you will see the old cemetery and several abandoned mine buildings.

North Pole Expedition Museum. Displays materials and ephemera from the era of polar exploration using dirigibles and other aircraft, mainly by Norwegians, Italians and American explorers.

Galleri Svalbard. Permanent exhibitions of Kåre Tveter, lithographies from the Recherche expeditions and a 'Svalbard collection' with maps, books and local currency. The adjoining café, shop and artists' workshops are free to visit.

Svalbard Museum. This museum features many displays about the human history of the archipelago, especially whaling and mining, as well as various exhibits about arctic flora and fauna.

Svalbard Church. The world's northernmost church. Always open, and has coffee and cookies for the visitors. Also sells postcards, books, etc., – just leave the money in a bowl.

Animals. Reindeers roam free in the city. You can also see polar foxes and birds.

24-Hour Sundial. Not big, but it does 24 hours a day in the summer.

Do

A wide variety of activities including hiking, dog-sledding, kayaking and snowmobile safaris and ice-caving and more are offered by Svalbard's many tour companies. The largest operators are Spitsbergen Travel and Svalbard Wildlife Service (SWS).

Dog Sledding with Green Dog. Green Dog offer a variety of dogsledding trips all year round. These range from 3-hour trips to 5-day expeditions. During the summer guests can experience dogsledding on wheels, with specially-made sleds which seat 2-3 persons.

Year round activities with Spitsbergen Travel. Snowmobile safaris, ice caving, hiking, boat trips etc. Safaris vary from 4 hours to 10 hours. Snowmobile tours and ice-caving are offered during the winter season. Generally between December and mid-May, dependent on the snow conditions. Experienced and safety-conscious guides. Destinations include: Elveneset, Tempelfjorden, Pyramiden, Barentsburg and the East Coast. During the summer months the waterways open up and the midnight sun shines on Svalbard. Thousands of migratory birds come to the area, and nest in the cliffs. You can enjoy the landscape and wildlife with an open boat trip to the bird cliffs, a calving glacier or to a popular fossil hunting location, with experienced guides. One possibility is a demanding yet rewarding trip to Trollsteinen (849 m over sea level) or a hike from sea to summit.

Esmarkbreen Glacier. Across the Isfjorden (2-3 hours by boat). Scenic glacier across the bay, colored a striking blue. Drop a cube in your glass for an Arctic martini. Often combined with cruises to Barentsburg.

Barentsburg. The Russian settlement of Barentsburg is accessible from Longyearbyen by boat. Organised tours are available. Accommodation and meals can be found at the Hotel Barentsburg, for prices somewhat lower than you would find in Longyearbyen.

Pyramiden. Across the Isfjorden from Longyearbyen (2-3 hours by boat) lies Pyramiden, a Russian mining settlement that was abandoned in 1998. A small Russian contingent is now based on-site to prevent vandalism and take care of basic infrastructure needs. As of 2013, basic accommodation in Pyramiden is available at the Tulip Hotel, including cooked meals. A small number of converted shipping containers, located on the old docks, are also available to rent. Bringing your own food and water may be recommended. Contact the Russian company Trust Arcticugol, which maintains the town of Pyramiden, for booking. Because Pyramiden is no longer inhabited, a hunting rifle is required for protection if you are not part of a tour group. Polar bears are frequently seen in the area.

If you have multiple days to spare then your options really open up: how about a week-long snow scooter trip or 11 days by boat around all of Spitsbergen (from around ) For a real Arctic experience, you can arrange to join a trip to the North Pole.

Events In late October, Longyearbyen hosts the annual that draws large crowds. This marks the beginning of the dark season when daylight and the sun is about to leave Svalbard.

Polarjazz. Generally features a wide variety of different music styles.

Buy

Svalbard's shopping is concentrated in and around the two-story Lompensenteret shopping mall and the supermarket. Most shops are only open M-F 11:00-18:00, and Sa 11:00-14:00.

Svalbardbutikken. Svalbard's sole supermarket and department store rolled into one. A hot deli offers a few staples and occasionally some ethnic themes. Open weekdays from 11:00 to 20:00, reduced hours Sa-Su.

Eat

Eating out in Longyearbyen (as with all of Norway) is expensive, with the simplest sit-down meals usually costing over . There are several small cafés in the town centre, and also a restaurant and bar at the Radisson SAS Hotel. Many places serve traditional Norwegian food. Some serve Svalbard specialties such as seal and whale. Delivery is usually available, arranged through local taxis for about .

Mix kiosk. Hot dogs, sausages, burgers and sandwiches, sometimes offered on sale at what are bargain prices for Svalbard. Also has a limited supply of groceries, along with snack foods and sweets. Prices are high compared to Svalbardbutikken, but the kiosk is open longer hours.

Barentz Pub & Spiseri. Cosy atmosphere, pizza, burgers, steak. The world's northernmost bar, skilled bartenders, often live music, busy on weekends.

Coal Miners’ Bar & Grill. Another cosy/bar restaurant in a similar vein and with similar offerings to the Barentz pub – not surprising as they're owned by the same company. Sometimes has events on, check with the reception staff.

Fruene AS. Espresso, sandwiches, salads and daily specials such as soups and Thai dishes. One of the few locations in town with free Wi-Fi.

Stationen. Cosy bar/restaurant with a whale hunting station theme, featuring arm chairs for some tables. Burgers, meat, fish and whale on the menu, along with some soups and salads. Lunch runs from 11:00–15:00.

Huset. Huset is a fine dining restaurant and is also offering space for conferences and events.

Kroa. Portions are huge, making the prices more palatable.

Restaurant Nansen. Restaurant Nansen offers a modern menu with an Arctic twist. Reindeer, seal and whale are often available.

Funktionærmessen Restaurant. Funktionærmessen offers fantastic views and a French inspired menu.

Vinterhagen Restaurant. Authentic Arctic food in a formal setting, expect to see salmon, whale and seal as the only meats on the menu.

Drink

Svalbard's tax-free status makes alcohol a lot cheaper than on the mainland.

Kroa Bar. Offers a range of decent drinks and meals in a pleasant environment.

Nordpolet. Sells a full range of beer, wines and spirits, but quotas apply and you must show your plane ticket to purchase. Special opening hours around public holidays and religious festivals.

Svalbard Bryggeri. It is the world's northernmost brewery. The beer is partly based on thawed ice water from the Bogerbreen glacier. Beer tasting for groups by appointment.

Svalbar. Good bar with reasonably priced cafe food.

Sleep

The full service hotels are fairly expensive, especially during the high season. Discounts of 20-50% may be available in the October–May low season.

Longyearbyen Camping. Promises an "intensive experience of nature" at the northernmost full-service campsite in the world. Stays per night start at , not including tent rental (/day) or even warm showers (/6 min). The site is open all year round, but the service building (showers and toilets) is open only during the summer. Visitors traveling to Svalbard outside of the high season (end of June until September) will be permitted to use the campsite free of charge, but must bring their own provisions and equipment. If your plans include trekking in Svalbard, the camping site is an excellent place to meet fellow trekkers, seek advice or maybe even join a larger group. You get a certificate if you go skinny dipping in the "Advent Fjord", which, of course, is very cold.

Mid-range A number of guesthouses and homestays offer basic accommodation. Read the small print carefully, as you're often charged extra for breakfast, linens, towels and perhaps even use of the bath.

Coal Miners' Cabins. Comfortable, approximately 2 km from the main shopping area.

Gjestehuset 102. Miner's lodge converted into a basic but comfortable guesthouse, with shared bathrooms and lounge/kitchen; the main downside is the location, a 20- to 40-min walk from the centre. It is however well serviced by the airport shuttle bus.

Mary-Ann's Polarrigg. Former miner's barracks converted into a bed and breakfast. A bit pricier than the competition, but the selling point is the central location.

Basecamp Spitsbergen. The most atmospheric of Longyearbyen's luxury hotels, this one attempts to simulate a trapper's lodge with seal skins and driftwood aplenty.

Funken Lodge. Restaurant, bar, Champagne cellar, sauna, training room and free wireless Internet access. Historical building, now atmospheric hotel. Closed for winter (Dec-Jan). Excellent views down the valley from the restaurant.

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen. The world's northernmost full-service hotel, with restaurant, pub, sauna, free Internet access and a guest computer. Book activities at the reception.