More than just a jumping-off point for the wonders of the Arctic Circle, remote and quirky Longyearbyen (pronounced ‘long ear bin’) is well worth your time. Like any tricky-to-get-to destination, you’ll be rewarded for the effort of travelling to this remote spot, where reindeer amble calmly down colourful nameless streets and snowmobiles far outnumber the cars.
Home to the world’s northernmost school, uni, post office, airport, and even cinema, it’s a proper town town, with a population of around 2,000 residents year round. But what is there to do in this Norwegian outpost, you ask? Well, from husky sledding and skiing to sampling a tipple or two at the Svalbard Brewery — here’s a rundown of the very best things to do in Longyearbyen.
1. Follow North Pole explorer footsteps
As a bit of an explorer yourself it’s possible you’re interested in expeditions past, which makes the North Pole Expedition Museum the place to be. Independently owned and set out over two floors, this celebrated spot gives you real insight into the heroic efforts made by pioneers to reach the North Pole at the turn of the last century.
Many of these expeditions are shrouded in mystery and controversy, so the museum aims to draw back the curtain and detail the personal stories of the explorers themselves. As well as pictures and original expedition film footage, you’ll discover old newspaper clippings and even models of the original planes and ships taken by explorers on their missions.
Visit the museum before sailing off on: Arctic Highlights
2. Try a craft beer at Svalbard Brewery
Another of ‘the world’s northernmost’ things, Svalbard Brewery is a lovely little microbrewery specializing in craft beers that was established in 2011. The only one of its kind operating in this environment, it’s a special place — and not only because the founders had to change Norwegian law in order to allow alcohol to be brewed legally in Svalbard.
As well as crafting some pretty fantastic beers, the brewery is sustainably run — even calling themselves ‘trailblazers in circular economy practices’. By burning production waste, the brewery is actively generating its own energy — with the excess used to heat the actual building. Meaning you can actively have a guilt-free drink so time for another then… Skål!
3. Savour polar chocolate at Fruene
Swapping one treat for another at Fruene — a café-come-chocolatier specializing in homemade cakes, coffee and, yep, you guessed it — chocolate. Originally founded as a cozy meeting place for locals, Fruene is now world-famous for its melt-in-the-mouth chocolates, some even shaped into the region’s national animal — the mighty polar bear.
It’s the perfect place to while away the hours and escape the Arctic chill after chasing a glimpse of the Northern Lights. You may find yourself spending much more time here than you thought.
Treat your sweet tooth before embarking on: Realm of the Polar Bear
4. Sign up for a polar bear selfie
Speaking of polar bears, you’re guaranteed to spot one in Svalbard… but maybe not the one you’re expecting. Still confused? Well, the image in our header offers a pretty big clue. The island archipelago of Svalbard is well known for its polar bear inhabitants — in fact, there were once more bears than people. They’re known to frequent more of the northern part of the island — but it’s not out of the question to see one wandering close to Longyearbyen. In fact, you’re not allowed to leave town without a rifle for protection.
You know you’re heading into polar bear country when you spy that iconic polar bear warning sign — five of which are on the outskirts. The most famous one is found on the eastern edge of town… the perfect spot for a mauling-free polar bear selfie! Plus, it’s a great spot to keep an eye out for Arctic foxes, reindeer, puffins, and barnacle geese.
Try your luck at spotting a real ursus maritimus on: Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth
5. Soak in Platåfjellet’s panoramic views
If you’re looking to go hiking in Svalbard, then you could do worse than hiking up Platåfjellet. Translating to ‘Plateau Mountain’, it soars 464 metres (1,522 ft) above Longyearbyen below and — as the name suggests — its distinct flat surface lets you enjoy the best views possible of the surrounding region.
A round-trip hike to the summit takes around three to four hours depending on your fitness and is considered fairly strenuous. It’s completely worth it as you’ll get to see sweeping vistas of the Bjørndalen valley, the Blomsterdalen mountain, and the towering Fuglefjella bird cliffs.
Another great way to see the surrounding scenery is via kayak. Paddle through one of Svalbard’s most historic fjords, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife including beluga whales, walrus, and bearded seals.
6. Pay your respects at Svalbard Church
Open 24 hours round-the-clock, Svalbard Church is arguably a major hub for socializing in Longyearbyen — particularly from November through to January when the sun never rises. An inclusive space for the entire community, it offers coffee mornings, board game nights, and even musical productions on top of traditional religious services.
A charming little spot adorned with a religious fresco behind the altar, it lies up a hill in the oldest part of town. It’s a perfect place to meet the locals and ‘chew the fat’ on life in Longyearbyen.
7. Go dog sledding in Svalbard’s wilderness
Dog sledding and snowy wildernesses seem to go hand in hand — and in that regard, Longyearbyen does not disappoint. There are multiple operators in town to help you fulfil your dream of ‘mushing’ (AKA dog sledding) — whether that’s in the winter or summer months.
Winter (November to May) is arguably the most magical time as this is when you’ll stand the best chance of seeing the famous Aurora Borealis. Careening at speed with a husky squad through the snowy landscape as the Northern Lights glistens is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
That being said, the summer months (June to October) are also a good time to enjoy this exhilarating dog-led experience. With no snow, sleds are on wheels — plus you’ll have armed guards with you for protection against polar bears. But the best part of all? Post-ride, you’ll get to visit the puppy yard — and who doesn’t love a snuggle with a puppy?
Make mush before or after sailing on: Realm of the Polar Bear
8. Hike down into Svalbard’s ice caves
Now, if you thought that Svalbard’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains were otherworldly, then wait until you see the region’s ice caves. These caves, formed by meltwater channels beneath the glaciers, reveal stunning ice formations, crystal-clear blue hues, and actual walkways through the ice — the kind of thing you’d expect in a James Bond movie.
Reached by dog-sled, snowcat, or hiking, tours of these spectacular geographical formations need a guide and necessary safety equipment. But they’re well worth a visit, and excursions can be arranged from town between November and May.
9. Seek history at the Svalbard Museum
Svalbard was officially discovered by the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596, and since then it’s been used for whaling, trapping, mining, scientific exploration, and tourism. You can get insight into this 400+-year history at the Svalbard Museum, touching on everything from the iconic housing colours, costumes, flora and fauna, and even palaeontology.
The Museum itself is found in the same building as UNIS — the University Centre at Svalbard — right in the heart of Longyearbyen. It’s open year-round and easy to reach by foot.
Learn colourful local history to prep for: Arctic Highlights
10. Explore the ghost town of Pyramiden
Rounding off our best things to do in Longyearbyen is Pyramiden — a former Soviet coal mining settlement that lets you step back in time to the USSR. Back in the 1980s, around 1,000 people called this place home — which takes its name from the pyramid-shaped mountain behind it.
Dwindling coal prices, difficulty in extracting it from the mountain, and the catastrophic Vnukovo Airlines Flight 2801 plane crash in 1996 contributed to its closure. It’s now mostly visited by sea birds and Arctic foxes and makes for a great day trip from Longyearbyen.
11. Pull out all the stops at Huset
If you’re looking to treat yourself, head to Huset’s fine-dining restaurant and wine cellar. Widely considered one of the best restaurants in the whole of Norway, its name literally translates to ‘The House’ — so expect to feel right at home.
The restaurant collaborates with local fishermen, trappers, and foragers who overwinter on Svalbard — so all ingredients are as fresh as they can be. Specializing in small dishes, you can expect to tuck into seasonal fare — the 14-course tasting menu is a real knockout. Add the wine pairing for that extra special something. There’s over 1,000 different varieties in the cellar — one of the largest in all of Scandinavia.
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