Longyearbyen travel guide
Longyearbyen Tourism | Longyearbyen Guide
You're Going to Love Longyearbyen
The edges of our world produce the most interesting destinations and spirited cities; such is true of Longyearbyen, a city of around 2000 people that's part of a larger group of islands that make up Svalbard. Longyearbyen's beauty lies in its warm residents, unique wildlife, Arctic phenomena and the theater of snow-capped mountains that protects the thriving city. Embark on an Arctic adventure of your own!
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Longyearbyen
1. Witness the Polar Phenomena
Because of its proximity to the North Pole, residents of Longyearbyen are used to the odd natural phenomena. Enjoy "midnight sun" from April to August, 'polar night' from November to January and winter viewings of the Northern Lights.
2. Day Trips to Surrounding Islands
Because of its proximity to Oslo and Tromsø, it's surprisingly easy to make Longyearbyen your travel base. Of peculiar interest are: Pyramiden, an abandoned Soviet mining town, and Ny-ålesund, a research-only town of 15 to 35 people.
3. Take Up Dog-Sledding
There are plenty of local expeditioners like Spitsbergen Travel as well as Svalbard Wildlife Service that offer dog-sledding on the snow or on wheels in the summer.
4. Come For the Lively Jazz Fests
The Arctic circle celebrates every opportunity it gets. Every year, in late October and early February, Longyearbyen hosts international jazz festivals that also mark the turn of the season.
5. Book an Arctic Safari
If you're in the Arctic, you might consider booking a tour or safari that take you to the Esmarkbreen Glacier, on open boat trips to view wildlife - like polar bears and reindeer as well as rare sea birds - or let you engage in activities like snowmobiling and ice-caving.
What to do in Longyearbyen
1. A History Of The North
Almost as far north as north goes, the town of Longyearbyen has a robust and interesting history that has developed despite its isolated and extreme conditions. This history encompasses present day tourism and drilling for gas and oil to mining communities, the careful recording of fossils, Arctic languages, whaling and the "Pomors"; Russian settlers who settled the area centuries ago. Of course, many of the exhibits focus on the natural world, since Longyearbyen's waters and glaciers are home to walruses, sea lions, polar bears and more.
2. Standing Alone
Tucked away in Longyearbyen is the Svalbard Church, the world's most northerly church. Its beautiful and iconic red sidings and sharp, triangular gables as well as its bell tower are newly restored as the church was bombed during WWII. Today, the new facade and interiors, while spare and humble, are still bright and welcoming and its A-line roof mimics the mountains that comprise its backdrop. Stop by for a morning sermon and you'll see a cozy interior, complete with arched ceilings and somber wooden panels, as well as a historic altarpiece.
3. Eerie And Amazing
The town of Barentsburg, home to the Pomor culture, is where nearly 500 Russian and Ukrainian inhabitants live today. It's both a testament and a monument. A testament to the fact that the reach of Russia once extended to Norway, and a monument to the last Russian settlement in Svalbard. Even though it's touted in guidebooks as a "curious Soviet era relic" the town still includes the Russian consulate; an athletic complex; the Hotel Barentsburg, which serves hot bowls of pork broth; and a school building operating under the Russian education system. Of course, no Russian settlement can be complete without a bust of Lenin - but don't be surprised if you find it in a state of disrepair.
4. Witness The Beauty Of Arctic Serenity
Witness the beauty of Arctic serenity when you visit the Svea glacier, surrounded by incredible mountains, rushing fjords and misty valleys. The Svea glacier is especially magnificent during the spring and beginning of summer, as some of its smaller formations of ice break off and plunge into the sea, creating incredible waves upon the adjoining shores. The glacier, also known as Sveabreen, rises to 820 feet above seal level. Meanwhile, Gustav is Svea's highest mountain peak, at 4012 feet above sea level.
5. Behold A Massive Expanse Of Ice
Make your base camp at the foot of the Nordenskiold Glacier and you'll be able to behold a massive expanse of ice that seems to stretch for as long as the eye can see. The arctic land that surrounds the glacier is well worth an exploratory hike or two, with its small flowers, glimpses of polar bears, large cracks in the glacier and moraines. The Nordenskiöld Glacier can be traversed on foot or by kayak.
1. A History Of The North
Almost as far north as north goes, the town of Longyearbyen has a robust and interesting history that has developed despite its isolated and extreme conditions. This history encompasses present day tourism and drilling for gas and oil to mining communities, the careful recording of fossils, Arctic languages, whaling and the "Pomors"; Russian settlers who settled the area centuries ago. Of course, many of the exhibits focus on the natural world, since Longyearbyen's waters and glaciers are home to walruses, sea lions, polar bears and more.
2. Standing Alone
Tucked away in Longyearbyen is the Svalbard Church, the world's most northerly church. Its beautiful and iconic red sidings and sharp, triangular gables as well as its bell tower are newly restored as the church was bombed during WWII. Today, the new facade and interiors, while spare and humble, are still bright and welcoming and its A-line roof mimics the mountains that comprise its backdrop. Stop by for a morning sermon and you'll see a cozy interior, complete with arched ceilings and somber wooden panels, as well as a historic altarpiece.
3. Eerie And Amazing
The town of Barentsburg, home to the Pomor culture, is where nearly 500 Russian and Ukrainian inhabitants live today. It's both a testament and a monument. A testament to the fact that the reach of Russia once extended to Norway, and a monument to the last Russian settlement in Svalbard. Even though it's touted in guidebooks as a "curious Soviet era relic" the town still includes the Russian consulate; an athletic complex; the Hotel Barentsburg, which serves hot bowls of pork broth; and a school building operating under the Russian education system. Of course, no Russian settlement can be complete without a bust of Lenin - but don't be surprised if you find it in a state of disrepair.
4. Witness The Beauty Of Arctic Serenity
Witness the beauty of Arctic serenity when you visit the Svea glacier, surrounded by incredible mountains, rushing fjords and misty valleys. The Svea glacier is especially magnificent during the spring and beginning of summer, as some of its smaller formations of ice break off and plunge into the sea, creating incredible waves upon the adjoining shores. The glacier, also known as Sveabreen, rises to 820 feet above seal level. Meanwhile, Gustav is Svea's highest mountain peak, at 4012 feet above sea level.
5. Behold A Massive Expanse Of Ice
Make your base camp at the foot of the Nordenskiold Glacier and you'll be able to behold a massive expanse of ice that seems to stretch for as long as the eye can see. The arctic land that surrounds the glacier is well worth an exploratory hike or two, with its small flowers, glimpses of polar bears, large cracks in the glacier and moraines. The Nordenskiöld Glacier can be traversed on foot or by kayak.
Where to Eat in Longyearbyen
If the Arctic adventures have whet your appetite, stop by Kroa at Basecamp Spitsbergen. Meals range from 95kr for a small soup to between 119kr-260kr for generously portioned mains.
When to visit Longyearbyen
How much you love winter will determine the best time to travel for you. Summer is from around June to August and temperatures are 39°F to 43°F. Winters begin from September and last until May, with the temperature dropping to 10°F to 3°F
How to Get to Longyearbyen
Plane
Travelers land at Svalbard Airport Longyear. To get to the city center, use a airport shuttle bus SAS Flybussen for 60kr or a taxi for 75kr.
Train
Because of its isolated location and position as an island, there are no trains going into Longyearbyen.
Car
Though travelers can get around via car once in the city, there are no roads to get in.
Bus
Boats stand in place of buses coming into Longyearbyen. However, even these travel only in the summer, once the pack ice has melted. Ferries come in from neighboring islands and Barentsburg.
Airports near Longyearbyen
Airlines serving Longyearbyen
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
Lompensenteret - The main district in Svalbard that houses its major shopping center, many eateries, a grocery store and hotels.
Popular Neighborhoods in Longyearbyen
Nybyen - This district makes up a small part of the city and is home to the Galleri Svalbard and multiple guesthouse-style accommodations.
Basecamp Spitsbergen - Another main part of the city that has major amenities like hotels, tour operators, cafes and restaurants.
Where to stay in popular areas of Longyearbyen
How to Get Around Longyearbyen
Public Transportation
To get around, bikes can be rented from 150kr and 300kr from Poli Arctici or Basecamp Spitsbergen.
Taxi
The two companies, Svalbard Maxi Taxi and Longyearbyen Taxi charge around 100kr to 150kr to get to the airport.
Car
Rent a car at the airport from Arctic Autorent or in the city from Svalbard Auto. Book ahead, as stock is limited. Fares start at 890kr/day.
The Cost of Living in Longyearbyen
Shopping Streets
Everything you need in one location - that's how shoppers like it in Longyearbyen. The Lompensenteret is the city's shopping mall, and opposite is the sole supermarket Svalbardbutikken.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk is 28kr and a dozen eggs cost 48kr.