Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arctic Cruises departing from Longyearbyen

Information about Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the world's northernmost permanent settlement and the gateway to almost every expedition cruise around Svalbard. Located at 78° North, deep inside Adventfjorden, this small Arctic town is home to around 2,500 people from more than 50 nationalities.

Although many travelers only spend one night here before boarding their expedition ship, it's well worth arriving a day or two early. Longyearbyen has a fascinating history as a coal mining town and today combines colourful wooden houses, excellent museums, cosy cafés, and stunning mountain scenery. You don't have to go far to spot wildlife either, it's common to see Svalbard reindeer, Arctic birds, and, if you're lucky, even Arctic foxes around town.

The town is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most hotels, restaurants, cafés, museums and shops are within walking distance of one another, making it an ideal place to relax before or after your expedition.

Click here to find out what to do in Longyearbyen

Interesting facts about Longyearbyen

During the summer, the Midnight Sun shines continuously for around four months, while in winter the town experiences the Polar Night, when the sun never rises above the horizon.

One of the first things you'll notice is that many hotels, galleries, churches and even some cafés ask visitors to remove their shoes before entering. It's a long-standing local tradition dating back to the mining days and gives many buildings a surprisingly cosy atmosphere.

Longyearbyen is completely cashless. You won't find an ATM, and almost everywhere accepts card payments.

Because polar bears live all around Svalbard, you must not leave the town limits without appropriate safety equipment and someone qualified to carry a rifle. Within Longyearbyen itself, however, it is perfectly safe to walk around on your own.

The town is also remarkably safe in another way: locals often leave laptops, cameras and even wallets unattended in cafés without worrying about theft.

Pictures of Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard 🇳🇴 | The World's Northernmost Town (Travel Guide & Fun Facts)
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