Things To Do
in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and administrative center of Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Despite its remote location, it has a surprisingly vibrant community with various amenities such as schools, shops, and a hospital. The town is surrounded by stunning Arctic landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and fjords.
Longyearbyen is known for its unique experiences like dog sledding, polar bear spotting, and the famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
- "God dag" - Good day
- "Takk" - Thank you
- "Ja" - Yes
- "Nei" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $200 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $30 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $5 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $10 - $15
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $100 - $200
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $70 - $120
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, energizing yourself for the day ahead. Afterward, embark on a guided snowmobile tour through the breathtaking Svalbard landscape.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning polar scenery, taking in the serene atmosphere. Continue your snowmobile adventure, exploring remote areas and possibly spotting wildlife.
Return to Longyearbyen and unwind at a cozy restaurant with traditional Norwegian dishes. End the day by contemplating the Arctic magic under the midnight sun.
Join a guided boat tour to spot iconic Arctic wildlife, starting with an early breakfast packed for the journey. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, whales, and perhaps even polar bears.
They’ll serve a light lunch onboard while you appreciate the beauty of the fjords. Continue your wildlife observations as the crew shares insights about this unique ecosystem.
Once back on land, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn more about the region's biodiversity. Cap off your night by enjoying a warm beverage at a local pub.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique Arctic environment and stunning landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage and history of exploration
- Opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and dog sledding
- Midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter
- Small, tight-knit community with a range of amenities
- Low levels of crime and a strong sense of safety
- Research opportunities in Arctic sciences and climate studies
- Extreme weather conditions with long, harsh winters
- Limited access to goods and services leading to higher living costs
- Isolation from mainland Norway and other urban centers
- Short growing season for local food production
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and research sectors
- Dependence on imported goods and supplies
- Potential challenges with health care access and emergency services
Best Activities in Longyearbyen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of Longyearbyen with various hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and the Arctic wilderness.
Experience the thrill of dog sledding across the snowy terrain, guided by professional mushers and teams of huskies.
Take a snowmobile tour through the vast Arctic tundra and experience the beauty of untouched nature while covering large distances.
Join a guided glacier hiking tour to explore the magnificent ice formations and learn about the fascinating geology of Svalbard.
Join a wildlife watching tour to see local fauna, including reindeer, polar bears, and various seabirds, in their natural habitat.
Explore the surreal beauty of ice caves formed by glacial activity, guided by experts who can ensure safety and provide insights into the formations.
Participate in photography tours to capture the stunning natural landscapes, wildlife, and unique Arctic light of Longyearbyen.
Places to Visit in Longyearbyen
Visit one of these nice places.
Akseløya offers stunning panoramic views of Longyearbyen and the surrounding landscape. It's a great spot for capturing the dramatic scenery, especially during the midnight sun or polar night.
While primarily known for its important role in global agriculture, the architecture and the surrounding landscape make for a unique photo opportunity, particularly in the context of conservation and sustainability.
Hiking to the summit provides breathtaking views over Longyearbyen, the fjords, and the vast Arctic wilderness. The trek itself offers many picturesque spots along the way.
The iconic wooden church is a charming subject for photos, especially when framed against the backdrop of the rugged mountains typical of the Svalbard landscape.
The fjord's dramatic cliffs and ice-filled waters create a stunning natural backdrop for photography. Boat tours are available for unique perspectives.
This accessible lookout point provides sweeping views of Longyearbyen and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot for both daytime and nighttime photography.
A short trip to this Russian settlement near Longyearbyen offers a contrast in architecture and culture, providing striking visuals against the Arctic backdrop.
Food in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender reindeer meat slow-cooked with root vegetables and aromatic spices, offering a hearty and traditional taste of the region. Available at several local restaurants including Huset and Kroa.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught from the surrounding icy waters, Arctic char is often prepared grilled or smoked, showcasing its delicate flavor. Look for it at Funktionærmessen Restaurant and Kroa.
Indulge in the sweet, succulent meat of the Svalbard king crab, served in various styles such as steamed, grilled, or as part of seafood platters. Find this delicacy at various local eateries like Fruene and Kroa.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit Svalbardbutikken for a range of locally sourced food products, including Arctic char, Svalbard reindeer meat, and other delicacies. It's also a great spot for picking up picnic supplies or a quick snack.
Explore the offerings of Polar Permaculture for fresh, sustainably grown produce and herbs. They also offer seasonal goods like jams and chutneys made from local berries.
In the warmer months, don't miss Street Food Saturdays, where local vendors gather to offer a diverse array of street foods, from reindeer burgers to freshly smoked Arctic char.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Longyearbyen is situated in a delicate Arctic ecosystem. It is important to respect local wildlife and natural features by following marked paths, not disturbing animals, and adhering to waste disposal guidelines.
Given the harsh Arctic climate, layering and dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial. Locals appreciate when visitors are prepared for cold conditions, showing respect for the environment and personal safety.
Longyearbyen is a small community where peace and tranquility are valued. Keeping noise levels down, especially during late hours, shows respect for the residents and their way of life.
Safety
Tipping in Longyearbyen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Longyearbyen, tipping is not a common practice, primarily due to the high cost of living and the local culture. Service charges are typically included in bills at restaurants and hotels, and employees are generally paid a fair wage. However, if you receive exceptional service and wish to express your appreciation, leaving a small tip is welcomed but not expected.
Most businesses in Longyearbyen accept credit and debit cards, and cash payments are less common. The local currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). It's advisable for visitors to carry a card, as some establishments may have limited cash acceptance or do not accept foreign currency. ATMs are available, but they might charge fees for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter in Longyearbyen lasts from late October to mid-February. During this time, visitors can experience polar nights, where the sun does not rise above the horizon. Expect extreme cold temperatures, ranging from -10°C to -20°C. Activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and viewing the Northern Lights.
Spring in Longyearbyen runs from mid-February to late June. This season sees the return of the sun, with longer days and increasing temperatures. Temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C. It’s a great time for snow activities, and as the snow melts, wildlife begins to reappear. The landscape transforms with stunning scenery, perfect for photography.
Summer extends from late June to late August. This season is characterized by the midnight sun, where the sun never sets. Temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and boat trips to see wildlife such as polar bears, seals, and birds. The scenery is lush and vibrant, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.
Autumn in Longyearbyen occurs from late August to late October. This season marks the transition from summer to winter and features beautiful fall colors. Temperatures begin to drop, ranging from 0°C to 5°C. The wildlife is active, and it’s a good time for photography as the landscape changes. It's also an ideal period for Northern Lights sightings as the nights become darker.
Longyearbyen at Night
Hiking in Longyearbyen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning glacier hike providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and opportunities to see local wildlife.
While primarily a seed bank, the area around it offers great hiking trails with picturesque views of the Arctic scenery.
A hike with some steep sections leading to the summit of Hiorthfjellet, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Longyearbyen and beyond.
A beautiful valley offering a range of hiking opportunities, ideal for both short and extended treks.
Hiking along the stunning shores of Isfjorden allows for incredible views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Aiports
How to reach Longyearbyen by plane.
The only airport serving Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with mainly domestic flights and some international connections.
Located approximately 1,000 km from Longyearbyen, Tromsø Airport is the nearest major international airport in mainland Norway.
Situated about 1,200 km from Longyearbyen, Bardufoss Airport serves both domestic and some international flights, primarily to the Arctic region.
Located approximately 1,350 km from Longyearbyen, this airport serves as a hub for flights in Northern Norway and beyond.
The main international airport in Norway, located about 2,200 km south of Longyearbyen, serves as a gateway to various international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Citizens of Norway residing in Longyearbyen, often working in various sectors including education and research.
Individuals from different countries employed in Longyearbyen, primarily in the tourism, mining, and research industries.
Individuals enrolled in educational institutions, such as the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), often involved in research and studies related to Arctic sciences.
Visitors to Longyearbyen for leisure and exploration, particularly in summer and winter seasons, contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Due to the polar environment, skiing is a popular activity in Longyearbyen, with opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing.
Snowboarding is also enjoyed during the winter months, with local terrain providing suitable slopes.
Dog sledding is a cherished traditional sport that draws visitors and locals alike to explore the stunning Arctic landscape.
In the summer months, hiking becomes popular, with trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and wildlife.
Ice climbing on nearby glaciers is an adventurous sport for those seeking a challenge in the Arctic environment.
Fishing, both in the sea and on frozen lakes, is a common recreational activity for locals, especially during the summer.
During the warmer months, cycling is a favored way to explore the area, with mountain biking options available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longyearbyen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many traditional dishes in Longyearbyen feature meat and seafood, most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as vegetable-based stews, salads, and plant-based burgers.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find that many eateries in Longyearbyen cater to this dietary need, offering gluten-free bread, pasta, and other alternatives.