Arrival in Longyearbyen

The northernmost town in the world

Information about Arrival at 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.

Interesting facts about Arrival at Longyearbyen

One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.