Greater than only a jumping-off level for the wonders of the Arctic Circle, distant and quirky Longyearbyen (pronounced ‘lengthy ear bin’) is properly value your time. Like every tricky-to-get-to vacation spot, you’ll be rewarded for the hassle of travelling to this distant spot, the place reindeer amble calmly down vibrant anonymous streets and snowmobiles far outnumber the vehicles.
Dwelling to the world’s northernmost college, uni, submit workplace, airport, and even cinema, it’s a correct city city, with a inhabitants of round 2,000 residents yr spherical. However what’s there to do on this Norwegian outpost, you ask? Nicely, from husky sledding and snowboarding to sampling a tipple or two on the Svalbard Brewery — right here’s a rundown of the perfect issues to do in Longyearbyen.
1. Observe North Pole explorer footsteps
As a little bit of an explorer your self it is doable you are desirous about expeditions previous, which makes the North Pole Expedition Museum the place to be. Independently owned and set out over two flooring, this celebrated spot provides you actual perception into the heroic efforts made by pioneers to achieve the North Pole on the flip of the final century.
Many of those expeditions are shrouded in thriller and controversy, so the museum goals to attract again the curtain and element the non-public tales of the explorers themselves. In addition to photos and unique expedition movie footage, you’ll uncover outdated newspaper clippings and even fashions of the unique planes and ships taken by explorers on their missions.
Go to the museum earlier than crusing off on: Arctic Highlights
2. Strive a craft beer at Svalbard Brewery
One other of ‘the world’s northernmost’ issues, Svalbard Brewery is a stunning little microbrewery specializing in craft beers that was established in 2011. The one considered one of its type working on this atmosphere, it’s a particular place — and never solely as a result of the founders needed to change Norwegian regulation with the intention to enable alcohol to be brewed legally in Svalbard.
In addition to crafting some fairly implausible beers, the brewery is sustainably run — even calling themselves ‘trailblazers in round financial system practices’. By burning manufacturing waste, the brewery is actively producing its personal power — with the surplus used to warmth the precise constructing. That means you’ll be able to actively have a guilt-free drink so time for an additional then… Skål!
3. Savour polar chocolate at Fruene
Swapping one deal with for an additional at Fruene — a café-come-chocolatier specializing in home made desserts, espresso and, yep, you guessed it — chocolate. Initially based as a comfy assembly place for locals, Fruene is now world-famous for its melt-in-the-mouth goodies, some even formed into the area’s nationwide animal — the mighty polar bear.
It’s the proper place to whereas away the hours and escape the Arctic chill after chasing a glimpse of the Northern Lights. You might end up spending rather more time right here than you thought.
Deal with your candy tooth earlier than embarking on: Realm of the Polar Bear
4. Join a polar bear selfie
Talking of polar bears, you’re assured to identify one in Svalbard… however perhaps not the one you’re anticipating. Nonetheless confused? Nicely, the picture in our header provides a reasonably large clue. The island archipelago of Svalbard is well-known for its polar bear inhabitants — in reality, there have been as soon as extra bears than individuals. They’re identified to frequent extra of the northern a part of the island — but it surely’s not out of the query to see one wandering near Longyearbyen. The truth is, you’re not allowed to go away city with no rifle for defense.
You recognize you’re heading into polar bear nation once you spy that iconic polar bear warning signal — 5 of that are on the outskirts. Probably the most well-known one is discovered on the japanese fringe of city… the proper spot for a mauling-free polar bear selfie! Plus, it’s an awesome spot to maintain an eye fixed out for Arctic foxes, reindeer, puffins, and barnacle geese.
Strive your luck at recognizing an actual ursus maritimus on: Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth
5. Soak in Platåfjellet’s panoramic views
In case you’re seeking to go climbing in Svalbard, then you might do worse than climbing up Platåfjellet. Translating to ‘Plateau Mountain’, it soars 464 metres (1,522 ft) above Longyearbyen under and — because the identify suggests — its distinct flat floor enables you to get pleasure from the very best views doable of the encircling area.
A round-trip hike to the summit takes round three to 4 hours relying in your health and is taken into account pretty strenuous. It’s utterly value it as you’ll get to see sweeping vistas of the Bjørndalen valley, the Blomsterdalen mountain, and the towering Fuglefjella chicken cliffs.
One other nice solution to see the encircling surroundings is through kayak. Paddle by considered one of Svalbard’s most historic fjords, retaining your eyes peeled for wildlife together with beluga whales, walrus, and bearded seals.
6. Pay your respects at Svalbard Church
Open 24 hours round the clock, Svalbard Church is arguably a significant hub for socializing in Longyearbyen — notably from November by to January when the solar by no means rises. An inclusive house for all the neighborhood, it provides espresso mornings, board recreation nights, and even musical productions on prime of conventional non secular providers.
An enthralling little spot adorned with a spiritual fresco behind the altar, it lies up a hill within the oldest a part of city. It’s an ideal place to fulfill the locals and ‘chew the fats’ on life in Longyearbyen.
7. Go canine sledding in Svalbard’s wilderness
Canine sledding and snowy wildernesses appear to go hand in hand — and in that regard, Longyearbyen doesn’t disappoint. There are a number of operators on the town that will help you fulfil your dream of ‘mushing’ (AKA canine sledding) — whether or not that’s within the winter or summer time months.
Winter (November to Could) is arguably probably the most magical time as that is once you’ll stand the very best probability of seeing the well-known Aurora Borealis. Careening at velocity with a husky squad by the snowy panorama because the Northern Lights glistens is really a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
That being mentioned, the summer time months (June to October) are additionally a very good time to get pleasure from this exhilarating dog-led expertise. With no snow, sleds are on wheels — plus you’ll have armed guards with you for defense in opposition to polar bears. However the very best a part of all? Submit-ride, you’ll get to go to the pet yard — and who doesn’t love a snuggle with a pet?
Make mush earlier than or after crusing on: Realm of the Polar Bear
8. Hike down into Svalbard’s ice caves
Now, if you happen to thought that Svalbard’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains have been otherworldly, then wait till you see the area’s ice caves. These caves, fashioned by meltwater channels beneath the glaciers, reveal beautiful ice formations, crystal-clear blue hues, and precise walkways by the ice — the form of factor you’d count on in a James Bond film.
Reached by dog-sled, snowcat, or climbing, excursions of those spectacular geographical formations want a information and mandatory security gear. However they’re properly value a go to, and excursions might be organized from city between November and Could.
9. Search historical past on the Svalbard Museum
Svalbard was formally found by the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596, and since then it’s been used for whaling, trapping, mining, scientific exploration, and tourism. You may get perception into this 400+-year historical past on the Svalbard Museum, concerning every little thing from the long-lasting housing colors, costumes, wildlife, and even palaeontology.
The Museum itself is present in the identical constructing as UNIS — the College Centre at Svalbard — proper within the coronary heart of Longyearbyen. It’s open year-round and simple to achieve by foot.
Study vibrant native historical past to prep for: Arctic Highlights
10. Discover the ghost city of Pyramiden
Rounding off our greatest issues to do in Longyearbyen is Pyramiden — a former Soviet coal mining settlement that allows you to step again in time to the USSR. Again within the Nineteen Eighties, round 1,000 individuals known as this place dwelling — which takes its identify from the pyramid-shaped mountain behind it.
Dwindling coal costs, problem in extracting it from the mountain, and the catastrophic Vnukovo Airways Flight 2801 aircraft crash in 1996 contributed to its closure. It’s now principally visited by sea birds and Arctic foxes and makes for an awesome day journey from Longyearbyen.
11. Pull out all of the stops at Huset
In case you’re seeking to deal with your self, head to Huset’s fine-dining restaurant and wine cellar. Broadly thought-about the most effective eating places in the entire of Norway, its identify actually interprets to ‘The Home’ — so count on to really feel proper at dwelling.
The restaurant collaborates with native fishermen, trappers, and foragers who overwinter on Svalbard — so all substances are as recent as they are often. Specializing in small dishes, you’ll be able to count on to tuck into seasonal fare — the 14-course tasting menu is an actual knockout. Add the wine pairing for that further particular one thing. There’s over 1,000 totally different varieties within the cellar — one of many largest in all of Scandinavia.
