Are you one of those who associate the concept of city breaks with skyscrapers, traffic noise and chaos? If so, we challenge you to try something completely different – a polar city adventure. In the small Arctic metropolis of Longyearbyen, you will find the best of both worlds: a wide selection of good restaurants, hotels and shopping – and magnificent nature-based experiences just a stone’s throw from the main street.
Longyearbyen, the main settlement in the Svalbard archipelago, has a population of around 2,400 who come from more than 50 different countries. These nature-loving people have tight bonds in harsh climatic conditions, with the Arctic wilderness right on their doorstep. The wilderness begins in the town centre – and it’s virtually endless!
However, the Polar Night is not the time to hike the length or breadth of Svalbard. The Polar Night, the time of the year when the sun is well below the horizon and it’s dark around the clock, is the time to enjoy, taste and see. You will be surprised by the excellent opportunities Longyearbyen offers for exploring and challenging your senses. Seal carpaccio at Huset? A vintage champagne from Funken’s wine cellar from the year you were born? Reindeer pizza at Barentz Gastropub? With some of Norway’s best restaurants, its own brewery and chocolaterie, you have many wonderful culinary experiences to look forward to in the far north.
Under the Polar City Adventure tab, you will find a range of experiences and activities that are perfect for those wanting to experience and get to know Longyearbyen during their visit to Svalbard. You will have plenty of time for socializing, excellent dinners and pleasant experiences in a place that is extremely different from other destinations. Although Svalbard is part of Norway, there is a lot about life in Longyearbyen that is different from the towns and cities in mainland Norway and other parts of Europe.
We encourage you to explore the distinctive features of Svalbard. Talk to the bartender, waiter or waitress about life in Longyearbyen, spend time in our wonderful library and read up on polar literature and everyday life in the Arctic or cheer on the local children on the ski slope (but please don’t photograph people without asking!). We encourage you to explore the distinctive features of Svalbard. Talk to the bartender, waiter or waitress about life in Longyearbyen, spend time in our wonderful library and read up on polar literature and everyday life in the Arctic or cheer on the local children on the ski slope (but please don’t photograph people without asking!).
Although the Polar Night has arrived and it’s dark in Longyearbyen, a wide range of activities awaits visitors, albeit just a bit more urban than during the spring and summer. We recommend visiting the Svalbard Museum! This is the place to immerse yourself in the history, wildlife and industry of Longyearbyen and the exciting exhibitions make it a fun place for children too! The gallery Nordover is also well worth a visit. After a visit at the gallery, why not head up up to Nybyen for a scenic walk where you can spot the remains from the old mining times in the mountain sides.
You can experience the beautiful Northern Lights here until around mid-March. However, they are perhaps most spectacular from November to January when it’s dark around the clock and it’s possible to experience the Northern Lights during the daytime as well. Join a Northern Lights excursion involving dog sledding, a wilderness evening, a snowmobile safari or snowcat. You don’t need to venture far before the artificial light disappears and you can experience the magnificent natural light in the sky.
Regardless of whether the aim of your holiday is delicious food, wonderful nature-based experiences or simply recharging your batteries, you will find the answer in Longyearbyen – the small town with the big city feel, just a stone’s throw from the North Pole.
“Kosen is Norway’s most important and representative contribution to world culture." – Author Knut Faldbakken.
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Longyearbyen
Shh! What’s that sound? Nothing. It is just Arctic silence. As you press the gas, your snowmobile silently starts moving, while it lights up the dark polar night. No sound of a roaring engine. The only thing to be heard is "the Arctic silence".
Longyearbyen
Svalbard Church located in Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost church.
Svalbard Church is part of the Church of Norway and organised by the Bishop in Nord-Hålogaland.
Longyearbyen
Join us for a cozy sleigh ride towed by a snowmobile. This is the tour for you who does not want to drive a snowmobile and rather would like to enjoy the surroundings. You take place on our comfortable sleigh with bus seats and just enjoy the ride.
Longyearbyen
This Northern Light photo-safari takes us leisurely into Adventdalen, where we wait to hopefully with a little luck will be able to watch the colourful lights dancing in the sky.
Longyearbyen
During this Arctic evening, we will take you on an off-road hike in the outskirts of Longyearbyen.
After the hike, we will serve you a two-course dinner in our brand new “explorers club”, and tell you stories about our arctic explorers.
Longyearbyen
Have you ever been in a coalmine before? Join us today and dig deep in the history of Longyearbyen, the miners, all the coal dust and their life in the mountains.
The Mining history is important for the existence of Longyearbyen, where this…
Longyearbyen
Together with a few furry companions from our dogyard, we explore the nearby surroundings while looking for wildlife like birds, reindeer and the occasional polar fox.
Longyearbyen
Join us on a trip to Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and gateway to the Arctic. This was the starting point for famous explorers’ race to the North pole. Roald Amundsen, known as the first person, to reach both to the South- and North pole, used…
Longyearbyen
Basecamp Explorer have a 90 huskies that are eager to take you out on a trip while in Svalbard. On this adventure you will learn how to handle your own team of six dogs. They all have their own names and a friendly personality.
Longyearbyen
Some drive guided tours by taxi or bus, why not try dog sledding on wheels?
Longyearbyen
From fundation to nowadays : how to live in a remote and inhospitable place : a 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen
Are you ready to ascend frozen walls and conquer icy heights? Our ice climbing introduction is perfect for beginners seeking an adrenaline-packed adventure amidst the Arctic wilderness.
Longyearbyen
A round trip with electric bikes enables you to experience a lot of Longyearbyen’s sights in a comfortable and efficient way, while getting close to nature. It is not uncommon to have to stop for reindeer and polar fox when you travel silently and…
Longyearbyen
A private guide is perfect for photographers, families, couples, small groups and people who want a tailor-made programme in and around Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen
This is a relaxing trip together with our dogs where the guide drives the wagon and you enjoy the view. We will tell you about Svalbard and all the different animals we see on our way. This is an activity that suits everyone, so bring the whole…
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen from fundation to nowadays: How to live in a remote and inhospitable place. A 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen with arctic meal.
Longyearbyen
Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard’s rich cultural history.
Longyearbyen
When the snow starts melting at the beginning of June,we start using dog carts instead of sledges. At this trip you drive a 3 person cart with 8 huskies in front.Our guide will help you harness the dogs and drive in front of you with his own team…
Longyearbyen
Welcome to the world’s northernmost brewery.
Longyearbyen
Darkness and minimal light pollution are typically key to witnessing the Polar ‘fireworks’ -known as Northern Lights. Join us for an ATV-safari trip where we head into the darkness and the frozen Advent Valley.