Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Svalbard

Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost community

Longyearbyen is the main settlement of the Norwegian Spitsbergen archipelago. This Arctic town, it is located at 78° north, is one of the world’s northernmost communities and boast of being even the worlds northernmost town.

Mining settlement

Longyearbyen even has its own university, the UNIS, that offers Arctic studies. The town was originally established as a coal mining settlement in 1906 and was named Longyearcity, after one of the American owners of the mine. Today the mining is of minor importance and Longyearbyen has become the administrative centre of the Norwegian Spitsbergen archipelago.

Longyearyben, the Gateway for the Arctic

Your Arctic expedition starts from the seat of local government and Norway’s main administrative centre on Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen. The small colourful community of approx. 2000 inhabitants has developed from being a typical mining community into a
community with a number of businesses and industries and a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities. It is a modern place with facilities such as a supermarket, outdoor shops, several pubs and hotels. In general, the population on Longyearbyen is rather young, with many small children. 

Leisure and cultural activities abound. Since there are no roads between the settlement areas on Spitsbergen, snowmobiles (in winter) and boats are a common means of transportation. Locals are very fond of outdoor activities, as well as taking weekend trips to cabins and huts. In Longyearbyen the midnight sun begins in the second half of April and lasts until almost the end of August, whilst in contrast the Arctic Night lasts from 28 October to 2 February.

Longyearbyen serves as the main gateway for the Arctic around Spitsbergen because of its modern airport which has regular flights from Oslo and Tromsø.

Related cruises

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

OTL08-24 Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

28 Jul - 6 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

7700 USD

Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation with a visit to Kvitøya

HDS10-24 This cruise around Spitsbergen gives you a great chance to see whales, foxes, reindeer, seals, and polar bears. The expedition will make a landing on the island of Kvitøya, a site of historical significance, and home of a large walrus population.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

8 Aug - 17 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation with a visit to Kvitøya

PLA10-24 This cruise around Spitsbergen gives you a great chance to see whales, foxes, reindeer, seals, and polar bears. The expedition will make a landing on the island of Kvitøya, a site of historical significance, and home of a large walrus population.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

9 Aug - 18 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

A classic three island voyage: Ice, Inuit and Remoteness

PLA11-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

18 Aug - 31 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

10800 USD

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes
Up to $1300 OFF

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

A classic three island voyage: Ice , Inuit and Remoteness

HDS12-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

25 Aug - 7 Sep, 2024

Berths start from:

6650 USD

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