Svalbard travel guide - Wikitravel Svalbard in the Arctic Sea All settlements in Svalbard are located on the main island of Spitsbergen (or Vest-Spitsbergen). Barentsburg — sole remaining Russian settlement, population 400 Hornsund — Polish research station, population 10 in winter, around 20-30 in summer. Longyearbyen — the "capital" and main Norwegian settlement with a population of 1,800 Ny-Ålesund — the most northerly civilian settlement in the world, population under 100 Sveagruva — population 210 The other islands of Svalbard are uninhabited and, as they are all nature reserves, generally inaccessible without special permission. The islands can be divided into two groups: the Spitsbergen group of Barentsøya, Edgeøya, Nordaustlandet and Prins Karls Forland, and the more remote islands of Bjørnøya, Hopen, Kong Karls Land and Kvitøya.

House in abandoned Grumant mine Understand[ edit ] Svalbard is the northernmost tip of Europe and, a few military bases aside, its settlements are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet. Located between the 76° and 81° parallels, they are far more northerly than any part of Alaska and all but a few of Canada's Arctic islands. In fact, they would be permanently locked in by ice if not for the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream, and it is this comparative warmth that makes them habitable. The islands cover a total of 62,050km2, the largest of which are Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya. The combined permanent population is less than 3000, nearly all of which is concentrated in the main settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg on Spitsbergen. The islands are governed by Sysselmann på Svalbard, literally if slightly awkwardly translated into English as the Governor of Svalbard; this is not a single person, but the administrative team responsible for police, fire, rescue, and other public services on the islands.

History[ edit ] The islands were allegedly first discovered by Viking explorers in the 12th century. However the first recorded voyage here was by the Dutch in 1596, landing on the northwest of Spitsbergen. This coast served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1905; five years later it officially took over the territory. However, the Svalbard Treaty gives "absolute equality" to other nations wishing to exploit mineral deposits, and Russia continues to maintain a significant population on the island. Although part of Norway, Svalbard remains a neutral territory. There is a currently standing treaty that any sign of human presence from before 1946 must remain untouched, including loose objects. For this reason, the area around Longyearbyen is littered with interesting artifacts including disused mining equipment, bits of rope and shovels, etc. Economy[ edit ] Remains of an abandoned coal mine, Longyearbyen Coal mining is the major economic activity on Svalbard.

The treaty of 9 February 1920 gives the 41 signatories equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still mining are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs many of the local services, and provides most of the local infrastructure. There is also some trapping of seal, fox, and walrus. Tourism has also become increasingly important and now powers the economy of the main settlement Longyearbyen , changing it significantly. Nonetheless, the place is not exactly swarming with tourists. Geography[ edit ] Svalbard from above Svalbard is barren, rugged and desolate. Its mountains look like giant, precipitous slag heaps: steeply piled stacks of rubble, eroded by rain with peaks jutting out at improbable angles. Higher mountains are permanently covered in snow and many valleys are filled with glaciers.

There are no trees on the islands and the most common vegetation is a brownish green moss, the colour of dead grass, that sprouts patchily up the mountainsides. However, many exotic Arctic flowers bloom here during the warm season. Climate[ edit ] Blue ice, Esmarkbreen Svalbard literally means "cold edge", an apt name for this northern land. The climate is Arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current. Summers are cool (July average 6.1°C, 43°F) and winters are cold (January average -15.8°C, 4°F), but wind chill means that it usually feels colder. The North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year. The high travel season is during Svalbard's brief summer, from June to August, when it's light and not too cold outside. However, the so-called "light winter" (March-May), when there is both sunlight and snow, is also increasingly popular for winter sports. Svalbard features the midnight sun from April 20 to August 23, although the sun itself is often hidden behind dense banks of fog.

Conversely, the sun stays under the horizon during the polar night from October 26 to February 15. Holidays[ edit ] Norwegian and Russian public holidays apply in their respective settlements, but there are a few local festivals of interest: Polar Jazz, end of January. 4-5 day jazz, blues, and bluegrass festival. Sunfest Week, around March 8th. A celebration of the end of the polar night. Dark Season Blues [1] . Blues festival in end of October. An appropriately blues-themed way to mark the approach of winter. KunstPause Svalbard, around 14 November. An arts festival timed to match the beginning of the polar night. Get in[ edit ] Getting in is expensive and time-consuming. In legal theory, citizens of the 41 signatories of the Svalbard treaty (including such unlikely countries as Afghanistan and the Dominican Republic) need no visas or other permits to visit – or even work – in Svalbard. However, in practice it's nearly impossible to arrive in Svalbard without a stopover in Norway.

Although Svalbard is a part of Norway, it has a separate border (mainland Norway is part of the Schengen area, whereas Svalbard is not). This means if you are taking a nonstop flight from Oslo to Svalbard, you do not need to pass through Norwegian immigration, and only need a visa if airside transit requires it for your nationality. However, if taking a flight with a stopover in Tromsö (as is likely on SAS flights), you will need to pass through immigration in Oslo (make sure to have arranged your papers for this in advance), board the flight from the domestic terminal, and, during the stopover in Tromsö, pass through exit immigration. Therefore, if you need a visa for Schengen, be extremely careful about whether your Oslo-Svalbard flight stops in Tromsö, as this determines whether you will need a Schengen visa. By plane[ edit ] Longyearbyen has the largest airport on the islands (: LYR [2] ).

SAS (Scandinavian Airline Systems [3] ) has scheduled flights from Oslo (IATA: OSL [4] ) Su-F (4.5 hours, US$150-350 each way), and from Tromsø (IATA: TOS [5] ) Su-Th (1.5 hours, US$100-300 each way). Budget airline Norwegian Air ( [6] ) has started flights between Oslo-Gardermoen (IATA:OSL) and Longyearbyen-Svalbard (IATA:LYR) on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Flying time is approximately 3 hours. There are also occasional charters from Murmansk (IATA: MMK [7] ) or Moscow . SAS considers flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromsø domestic, so a SAS EuroBonus award ticket from anywhere in Scandinavia to Svalbard costs just 10,000 EuroBonus points. This little loophole is well known by SAS frequent flyers and award availability is quite limited, so book well in advance if planning to use this. SAS flights can also be bought over the Internet either direct from SAS or via certain meta agents.

The majority of flights are very expensive when booked on line but if you book well in advance you can usually find a few cheap flights a week. If you are flying to Longyearbyen from far away, a cheaper option may be to book a round the world flight (RTW). RTWs are specially-priced tickets which cover travel over several continents, several countries, or a certain (large) number of miles. Note that some flights arrive at odd hours (such as 3AM). Many outdoor activities on Svalbard demand that you are 100% fit, and you might not be if your flight arrive at 3AM and your activity starts at 7AM. By boat[ edit ] A number of operators offer cruises around Svalbard in the high season. These are the only practical means of visiting the more far-flung bits of the archipelago like Ny-Ålesund , but they don't come cheap: a typical 3-day cruise starting from Longyearbyen may cost you from 7900 kr (c. US$1500, cheapest cabin, twin sharing).

There are also longer cruises, some starting all the way from Oslo , with rates going up to US$9500 for a 12-day trip. There are countless cruise operators, but they all seem to book on the same boats. Spitsbergen Travel [8] runs MS Fram and theMS Nordstjernen (1969), formerly a Swedish Navy ship, both refitted in 2000 for cruises. Other small ship favorites are the Antarctica Dream, Clipper Adventurer, MV Plancius, Ortelius, Akademik Vavilov, Ioffe, and the Polar Pioneer. Most of these vessels have been designed to plow the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean as well and comfortable facilities. While none of these can be described as "luxurious", other vessels such as the Le Boreal, Sea Spirit, and Le Diamant are larger and designed to cater to the luxury traveler. Some operators specialize in small ship cruise options and land safaris, such as Adventure Life and Haka Expeditions . If you want a full-fledged cruise ship, P&O [9] usually also drops in a few times a year on two-week trips.

Actual passenger services to Svalbard are very limited. In the summer there is a cargo ship service from Tromsø once a week. The journey takes 2-3 days and prices are generally at least as steep as flights, but this cannot be considered as a usual measure of transport, as passengers are usually not allowed onboard. Very seldom, cargo ships also operate from Murmansk to Barentsburg , but this service has in recent years been reduced to one rotation per year. There is also the Polish sailing yacht Eltanin, which provides supplies for research stations. It sails once a year from Gdynia (usually May); however, the journey takes about 3 weeks [10] . Get around[ edit ] The only "highway" links the Longyearbyen airport to the Mine 7 via Longyearbyen. It is for the most part unsealed and anyway very short. There are paved streets in the settlement of Longyearbyen itself and many of the local residents tend to have cars. Snowmobiles are common transportation in wintertime. Travel between islands and settlements can be done by plane or helicopter any time of year. Boats can be used in summer.

MS Polargirl runs a mail service several times a week between Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Pyramiden and passengers are taken on these trips. Many people go with an expectation of seeing a polar bear on a boat safari. This is possible but by no means guaranteed. Talk[ edit ] The official language is Norwegian . However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian are spoken. Soviet-style propaganda, Barentsburg Svalbard's visitors come mostly to experience Arctic nature at its rawest and most powerful. The islands feature untouched glaciers and craggy mountains, but also polar bears, caribou, a peculiar short legged reindeer, polar foxes, whales, seals and walruses. Svalbard is renowned for its variety of birds, including Arctic Terns, Arctic Fulmar and Puffins. Whales can be spotted off the coastlines particularly during late summer. Humpback whales, Orcas, Beluga Whales, and Narwhals all frequent the ocean waters near Svalbard. During the short summer, the melting snow in the milder parts of the islands give place to vast stretches of tundra vegetation, sometimes dotted with delicate flowers.

Note that although it is technically possible to prepare your own excursion while on Svalbard, the lack of infrastructure, the necessity of carrying (and knowing how to use) a rifle outside the settlements, as well as the harshness of the environment even during the summer make pre-organized activities with professional guides a necessity for most visitors. Activities can be booked online or in Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen has a couple of museums and the world's northernmost church. The Soviet-era settlements of Barentsburg , still running fitfully, and Pyramiden, abandoned in the 1990s, make offbeat attractions, being home to (among other things) the world's two northernmost Lenin statues. Both can be visited by cruise or snowmobile from Longyearbyen . Costs[ edit ] Svalbard is by most measures horribly expensive: mainland Norway is bad enough, but on Svalbard everything costs even more. Accommodation in cheap guesthouses costs on the order of 500 kr/night and sit-down meals nudge up closer to 100 kr each - both figures you can very easily double if you want to stay in a full-service hotel.

Guided activities start at about 500kr per day (e.g. trekking and kayaking) but can go to 1000kr and above for tours requiring specialist equipment. One way to cut costs significantly is to camp and self-cater, bringing all your supplies from the mainland. There is, however, a full service grocery store in Longyearbyen. Frozen and dry goods are on par with or even a little cheaper than in Norway, while perishable items arrive via air freight and are more expensive. Svalbard's duty-free status means that alcohol and sports clothing, etc. are actually much cheaper than on the mainland. Learn[ edit ] The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), [11] . A private foundation run by four Norwegian universities, offers university-level courses in arctic biology, geology, geophysics and technology. Several hundred students, half of them exchange students from outside Norway, attend yearly. Work[ edit ] Citizens of Svalbard Treaty signatory countries need no permits to work on Svalbard; you can even set up your own mine if so inclined.

In practice, work opportunities are rather more limited, although there is some seasonal tourist industry work available during the summer if you have the requisite skills and language abilities (Norwegian will come in handy). The Governor of Svalbard does, however, have the right to boot you off the island if you cannot support yourself. Polar Bears[ edit ] The biggest threat on Svalbard is polar bears (isbjørn), some 500 of which inhabit the main islands at any one time. Six people have been killed by polar bears since 1973, the most recent in August 2011, so if travelling outside settlements you are required to carry a rifle at all times to protect yourself. They can be rented for about 150 kr and up per day, but starting 2009, a valid gun license is now required; those without a gun license can apply for temporary permission to rent a rifle: all that is required is to fill out an application form ( [12] ) and a certificate of good conduct (i.e. proof of no criminal record) which can be e-mailed to the Svalbard Police Department.

Processing may take up to 4 weeks, but has been known to work even on the same day with some luck. However, for most people, it's better to stick to guided tours. Do not underestimate the speed of polar bears (you cannot outrun one). Polar bears can be extremely unpredictable and are far more dangerous than European brown bears. Note that you are in no way allowed to kill polar bears without it being an immediate threat to your life. Polar Bears do not generally look upon humans for food, but it is important to realize that they are naturally curious creatures and will carefully assess the environment around them. A really hungry bear will eat almost anything. As a general rule of thumb, the younger the bear, the more dangerous they will become because they are inexperienced, have limited hunting skills and may have a hard time catching prey. Polar Bear Survival[ edit ] Most bears will run away when confronted by humans, or at least attempt to avoid an encounter, even if they are curious. Many situations can be assessed with some common sense and knowledge of bear behaviour. If there is time, your first step should be to determine what kind of polar bear(s) you are dealing with, and whether it is interested in you or not.

Remember to play it safe, though. It is always best not to count on the bear avoiding you. If the bear moves directly toward you, make yourself visible early and also make noise. Shouting , clapping your hands or starting an engine will make the bear aware of you. This may be enough to cause the bear to withdraw. If the bear is still interested in you, you should be prepared to use a signal pistol with crack cartridges, or shoot a warning shot from a rifle to scare it away. Killing a polar bear should be the last thing that you resort to. If you are forced to kill or severely injure a polar bear, aim at the chest or the shoulder. DO NOT shoot a polar bear in the head. If it's a female polar bear charging at you and her cubs are tagging along, DO NOT kill any of her cubs or else the bear will become even more aggressive towards you. Once a polar bear is killed, YOU MUST contact the local authorities to arrive on the scene and immediately notify the Governor of Svalbard. Other Dangers[ edit ] Another lesser (but more likely to meet) wildlife danger is Arctic Terns.

When they have eggs, they are very protective of their nests and they will scream and try to scare you off - but also might actually peck your head bloody. You are not allowed to hit them even when they are attacking. The one trick that works is to have a stick of some sort and wave it in circles above your head. The birds get confused and can't decide what point to attack, so you can get away safely. The harsh Arctic environment also poses its own challenges, particularly in winter. Beware of the danger of frostbite in the face (nose and cheeks), fingers and toes, particularly in low temperatures with wind (such as high speed on snowmobile). Crossing glaciers and rivers can be hazardous and travelling with local guides is strongly recommended. If heading out on your own, informing the Governor of Svalbard about your route and expected duration is highly advisable. For any trips outside central region of Spitsbergen, you must notify the Governor, and may be required to purchase insurance or put up a large deposit to cover possible rescue costs. Stay healthy[ edit ] Tap water on Svalbard is drinkable, but surface water may contain tapeworm eggs from fox feces and should be boiled before consumption.

There is a pharmacy in Longyearbyen and you can buy some non-prescription drugs in the supermarket (Svalbardbutikken). Longyearbyen also has a hospital for treating emergencies. Respect[ edit ] In most of Svalbard's buildings, including some hotels and shops, you are expected to take off your shoes before entering. In public buildings this will be obvious as a shoe rack covered in dirty walking boots will be prominent at the entrance. Contact[ edit ] GSM/3G phones work in the main towns of Svalbard. The Internet connection in Svalbard is top class, courtesy of NASA renting bulk capacity on undersea fibre optic cables running at seabed to mainland Norway for its experiments. Longyearbyen has several public Internet terminals. While mail from Svalbard to mainland Norway and the outside world uses regular Norwegian stamps at regular Norwegian prices, philatelists may be interested in the Lokalpost system used for intra-Svalbard mail. Stamps, first-day covers and more are available at the post offices in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg , as well as at Longyearbyen's Svalbardbutikken.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Norway - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Longyearbyen Longyearbyen, town in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, which is located north of the Arctic Circle. Longyearbyen is situated on the Isfjorden in Spitsbergen, Svalbard's main island. Founded in 1906 by the American mining entrepreneur John M. Longyear, for whom it is named, the town is a coal-mining hub and the chief port and administrative center for the isolated island group. An airport is nearby. German warships damaged the town in 1943, during World War II. Longyearbyen – Travel guide at Wikivoyage A slice of Longyearbyen and the surrounding mountains Part of a huge system for transporting coal on cables Longyearbyen is the largest populated settlement on the Svalbard archipelago, located in the high Norwegian Arctic . The settlement is generally regarded as the northernmost town in the world as well as the most easily accessed frontier in the Arctic, and is an ideal base for the greater exploration of Svalbard and the high Arctic.

The settlement is named after American entrepreneur John Munro Longyear (1860-1922), who as head of the Arctic Coal Company founded the town and the neighboring coal mine, the first large mine on Svalbard. Mining remains an important component of the economy, and historical remnants of the mining past can be seen on the nearby mountain slopes and throughout the town. Today, however, most mining is done at the Svea mine to the south. The economy of Longyearbyen is now driven primarily by scientific research and tourism. With approximately 2,500 inhabitants, the town is the de facto "capital" of the islands, and is today a vibrant, modern, and international settlement with much of the character of mainland Norwegian towns. It features an airport, a school, a shopping center, hospital, hotels, restaurants, and a university. People from approximately 40 different countries call Longyearbyen home, and this is reflected in the events offered in the town. Orientation[ edit ] Nybyen Longyearbyen lies on the southern side of Adventfjorden, stretched out along the Longyearelve (Longyear River).

The center of town lies near the coast on the east side of the river, with the district of Skjæringa across the river, the district of Nybyen 2 km (1.2 mile) to the south and the airport 3 km (1.9 mile) to the west. Adventdalen, the valley housing Longyearbyen's only operational mine (#7), stretches out to the east. Be sure to pick up the free Longyearbyen 78° North pamphlet (available at the airport and most lodges), which has a detailed map of the city and listings of all its facilities. 22 25 Svalbard's climate is a combination of a cold Arctic climate tempered by the North Atlantic Current, an arm of the Gulf Stream. Nordenskiöld Land is the warmest and wettest part of the archipelago, caused by the convergence of mild and humid air from the south and cold air from the north. Average summer temperatures are typically 4 to 6 °C (39 to 43 °F) while average winter temperatures are −12 to −16 °C (10 to 3 °F).

Longyearbyen experiences midnight sun from 19 April through 23 August, and polar night from 14 November through 29 January. The sun is under the horizon from October 26 to February 16, however, the sun is not visible in Longyearbyen until 8 March due its location. Snow covers the town from late September through May. By plane[ edit ] Airport Svalbard Airport Longyear ( IATA : LYR) is the only major airport on Svalbard . It services Scandinavian Airlines (SAS Norge) flights to Tromsø most days all year around, and 6 services per week direct to Oslo in the summer high season. The budget airline Norwegian (Norwegian Air Shuttle) offers 3 flights per week from Oslo to Longyearbyen for about 700 kr. There is the possibility of chartered services to other bases on Svalbard , but these are generally reserved for scientists and those travelling on expeditions to the North Pole itself. Sightseeing by plane or helicopter is not allowed under the environmental laws. The airport is fully equipped with a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

Despite its small size, it is operated in the same way as other Norwegian state-run airports with full security checks and passport control. Svalbard is officially outside the Schengen Area. The Norwegian government has imposed identity checks on individuals wishing to enter and leave Svalbard, with the border between Svalbard and the rest of Norway being treated as an external Schengen border. A Schengen visa must be multiple entry to for the return through Norway, or other Schengen country, for cruise passengers continuing for example to Iceland. Airport shuttle buses (75 kr) connect with all flights arriving and departing at the airport. Taxis are also available. Apart from passport control when returning to mainland-Norway passengers also need to go through customs control at usually Tromsø or Oslo; this is due to the Duty-free status of Svalbard (see below for shopping for alcohol). If your flight gets routed Longyearbyen - Tromsø - Oslo, all formalities are handled at Tromsø with Oslo-bound passengers having to pickup their checked luggage even it is checked-thru to Oslo. By boat[ edit ] Longyearbyen's port is accessible only in the summer when the pack ice recedes.

For dates, see the port website [dead link]. There are weekly freight boats to and from Tromsø . Organised sightseeing tourist boats offer day trips to Barentsburg , the active Russian town, and Pyramiden , a Russian settlement that was abandoned in 1998, throughout the summer months. Get around[ edit ] There is no public transportation aside from the airport shuttle bus. Walking is a viable option, although rather tedious if you need to move around outside the centre, especially when the weather is bad. Taxi services are available, at a price. Alternatively, most of the hotels and hostels, and some of the tour operators, offer bike rentals. Car rentals are available at the airport (Arctic Autorent) and in the town center (Svalbard Auto), but vehicle inventory is very limited, so reservations are recommended. Visitors who leave the town center without a guide should be aware that polar bears can be seen anywhere on the islands at any time of year. Leaving the central area of Longyearbyen without a hunting rifle is not recommended. Rifles can be rented from several places in the town, or alternatively, a guide can be hired for expeditions.

Reindeer in the city 24-hour sundial There are many possibilities for walking and sight-seeing in the immediate Longyearbyen area. Walking out of the settlement into the fjord, you will see the old cemetery and several abandoned mine buildings. Spitsbergen Airship Museum , ☎ +47 91383467 , e-mail: info@spitsbergenairshipmuseum.com . Displays materials and ephemera from the era of polar exploration using dirigibles and other aircraft, mainly by Norwegians, Italians and American explorers. 78.203119 15.594050 1 Galleri Svalbard (In Nybyen), ☎ +47 79 022340 . Permanent exhibitions of Kåre Tveter, lithographies from the Recherche expeditions and a 'Svalbard collection' with maps, books and local currency. The adjoining café, shop and artists' workshops are free to visit. Entry NOK70.

78.217407 15.616819 2 Svalbard Museum (Svalbard Science Centre (at the end of the main street)). Reopened 2006 in large new premises, this award winning museum features many displays about the human history of the archipelago, especially whaling and mining, as well as various exhibits about arctic flora and fauna. Entry NOK75. 78.219830 15.618279 3 Svalbard Church (Svalbard Kirke) (above town), ☎ +47 79 025560 . The world's northernmost church. Always open, and has coffee and cookies for the visitors. Also sells postcards, books, etc.—just leave the money in a bowl. Animals. Reindeers roam free in the city. You can also see polar foxes and birds. 24-Hour Sundial. Not big, but it does 24 hours a day in the summer.

Do[ edit ] Mining equipment outside Mine 1 A wide variety of activities including hiking, dog-sledding, kayaking and snowmobile safaris and ice-caving and more are offered by Svalbard's many tour companies. The largest operators are Spitsbergen Travel and Svalbard Wildlife Service (SWS). Prices are high — expect to pay from NOK 390-1000 for a half-day activity, NOK 1000 - 3000 for a full day — but the standard is high and the experiences are well worth the price. Esmarkbreen Glacier Dog Sledding with Green Dog , e-mail: greendogsvalbard@gmail.com . Green Dog offer a variety of dogsledding trips all year round. These range from 3 hour trips to 5 day expeditions. During the summer guests can experience dogsledding on wheels, with specially-made sleds which seat 2-3 persons. from NOK 990. Year round activities with Spitsbergen Travel , ☎ +47 7902 6100 , e-mail: info@spitsbergentravel.no .

Snowmobile safaris, ice caving, hiking, boat trips etc. Safaris vary from 4 hours to 10 hours. Snowmobile tours and ice-caving are offered during the winter season. Generally between December and mid-May, dependent on the snow conditions. Experienced and safety-conscious guides. Destinations include: Elveneset, Tempelfjorden, Pyramiden, Barentsburg and the East Coast. During the summer months the waterways open up and the midnight sun shines on Svalbard. Thousands of migratory birds come to the area, and nest in the cliffs. You can enjoy the landscape and wildlife with an open boat trip to the bird cliffs, a calving glacier or to a popular fossil hunting location, with experienced guides. One possibility is a demanding yet rewarding trip to Trollsteinen (849m over sea level) or a hike from sea to summit. from NOK 730. Esmarkbreen Glacier. Across the Isfjorden (2-3 hours by boat). Scenic glacier across the bay, colored a striking blue. Drop a cube in your glass for an arctic martini. Often combined with cruises to Barentsburg .

Langøysund tour boat Barentsburg. The Russian settlement of Barentsburg is accessible from Longyearbyen by boat. Organized tours are available. Accommodation and meals can be found at the Hotel Barentsburg, for prices somewhat lower than you would find in Longyearbyen. Pyramiden. Across the Isfjorden from Longyearbyen (2-3 hours by boat) lies Pyramiden, a Russian mining settlement that was abandoned in 1998. A small Russian contingent is now based on-site to prevent vandalism and take care of basic infrastructure needs. As of 2013, basic accommodation in Pyramiden is available at the Tulip Hotel, including cooked meals. A small number of converted shipping containers, located on the old docks, are also available to rent. Bringing your own food and water may be recommended. Contact the Russian company Trust Arcticugol, which maintains the town of Pyramiden, for booking. Because Pyramiden is no longer inhabited, a hunting rifle is required for protection if you are not part of a tour group. Polar bears are frequently seen in the area. Wireless services (phone and internet) are not available here so please use caution.

If you have multiple days to spare then your options really open up: how about a week-long snow scooter trip (21,500 kr) or 11 days by boat around all of Spitsbergen (from around €3000) For the ultimate Arctic experience, you can even arrange to join a trip to the North Pole . Events[ edit ] In late October, Longyearbyen hosts the annual 78.220774 15.647875 1 Dark Season Blues Festival that draws large crowds. The 10th annual blues festival took place in 2012. This marks the beginning of the dark season when daylight and the sun is about to leave Svalbard. In early February, Longyearbyen plays host to the annual Polarjazz Festival, generally featuring a wide variety of different music styles. Buy[ edit ] Svalbard's shopping is concentrated in and around the two-story Lompensenteret shopping mall and the supermarket. Beware the limited opening hours: most shops are only open 11-18 weekdays, 11-14 Saturday and closed Sunday.

78.21804 15.64024 1 Svalbardbutikken . Opposite Lompensenteret. Svalbard's sole supermarket and department store rolled into one. Has a surprisingly wide selection, but prepare for sticker shock, especially for anything perishable: half a cucumber costs NOK10 and a kilo of bananas on sale is NOK20. A hot deli offers a few staples and occasionally some ethnic themes. Open weekdays from 11 to 20, reduced hours Sat/Sun. Eat[ edit ] Eating out in Longyearbyen (as with all of Norway) is expensive, with the simplest sit-down meals costing over NOK70. There are several small cafés in the town centre, and also a restaurant and bar at the Radisson SAS Hotel. Many places serve traditional Norwegian food. Some serve Svalbard specialties such as seal and whale. Delivery is usually available, arranged through local taxis for about NOK50. Budget[ edit ] Mix kiosk (Lompensenteret). Hot dogs, sausages, burgers and sandwiches, sometimes offered on sale at what are bargain prices for Svalbard.

Also has a limited supply of groceries, along with snack foods and sweets. Prices are high compared to Svalbardbutikken, but the kiosk is open longer hours. Mid-range[ edit ] [dead link]Classic Pizza [closed? ] (Lompensenteret). Open from 17:00 to 05:00 daily. Pizza and kebabs from NOK79. Will deliver for an additional fee.. Huset (Nybyen). Weekdays (open ca 15-22 in the summer). Huset is the town nightclub on Friday and Saturdays with a DJ. Daily dinner menu NOK99. Barentz Pub & Spiseri, ☎ +47 7902 3466 . 12noon - 2am. Cosy atmosphere, pizza, burgers, steak. The world's northernmost bar - skilled bartenders, often live music, busy on weekends. Daily specials from NOK99. Fruene (Lompensenteret). Espresso, sandwiches, salads and daily specials such as soups and Thai dishes. One of the few locations in town with free wireless internet access.

Splurge[ edit ] Kroa (Basecamp Spitsbergen). Popular among locals and visitors for fare ranging from ribs to reindeer wraps. Portions are huge, making the prices more palatable. [dead link]Restaurant Nansen , ☎ +47 7902 3457 . 6:00pm - 11:00pm. Restaurant Nansen offers a modern menu with an Arctic twist. Reindeer, seal and whale are often available. Svalbard's tax-free status makes alcohol a lot cheaper than on the mainland. Kroa Bar. Offers a range of decent drinks and meals in a pleasant environment. Nordpolet (in Svalbardbutikken). 11 AM to 6 PM weekdays, 10 AM to 3 PM Saturdays, closed Sundays. Sells a full range of beer, wines and spirits, but quotas apply and you must show your plane ticket to purchase. Special opening hours around public holidays and religious festivals. 78.21741 15.63690 1 Svalbar , ☎ +47 79025003 , e-mail: post@svalbar.no .

Weekdays 4PM-2AM, opens earlier on weekends. Good bar with reasonably priced cafe food. NOK 38 for a beer. Sleep[ edit ] The full service hotels are fairly expensive, especially during the high season. Discounts of 20-50% may be available in the October–May low season. Budget[ edit ] 78.249181 15.499180 1 Longyearbyen Camping (Near the airport, 4 km outside Longyearbyen)), ☎ +47 79021444 . Promises an "intensive experience of nature" at the northernmost full-service campsite in the world. Stays per night start at 120 kr, not including tent rental (NOK150/day) or even warm showers (NOK10/6 min). The site is open all year round, but the service building (showers and toilets) is open only during the summer. Visitors traveling to Svalbard outside of the high season (end of June until September) will be permitted to use the campsite free of charge, but must bring their own provisions and equipment.

If your plans include trekking in Svalbard, the camping site is an excellent place to meet fellow trekkers, seek advice or maybe even join a larger group. (updated Jul 2016) Mid-range[ edit ] A number of guesthouses and homestays offer basic accommodation. Read the small print carefully, as you're often charged extra for breakfast, linens, towels and perhaps even use of the bathtub! 78.200835 15.590152 2 Gjestehuset 102 (In Nybyen), ☎ +47 79025716 , e-mail: info@gjestehuset102.no . Miner's lodge converted into a basic but comfortable guesthouse, with shared bathrooms and lounge/kitchen; the main downside is the location, a 20-min walk from downtown. It is however well serviced by the airport shuttle bus. S Singles/doubles NOK475/850, unisex dorms NOK300, including linen, breakfast..

78.201878 15.590910 3 Spitsbergen Guesthouse (In Nybyen), ☎ +47 7902 6300 , e-mail: guesthouse@spitsbergentravel.no . Comfortable, approximately 2km from the main shopping area. Pricing includes breakfast, linen and towels. from NOK 300. 78.222212 15.633523 4 Mary-Ann's Polarrigg , ☎ +47 79023702 , e-mail: riggen@longyearbyen.net . Former miner's barracks converted into a bed and breakfast. A bit pricier than the competition, but the selling point is the central location. NOK595/850 for a single/double, breakfast NOK95 extra. Splurge[ edit ] 78.21718 15.63617 5 Basecamp Spitsbergen , ☎ +47 79024600 .

The most atmospheric of Longyearbyen's luxury hotels, this attempts to simulate a trapper's lodge with seal skins and driftwood aplenty. Don't let the humble name fool you though: 'camping' here will cost you from NOK1590/night in peak season (but only half that in winter). 78.220923 15.647147 6 Radisson BLU Polar Hotel Spitsbergen , ☎ +47 79023450 . Check-in: 3pm, check-out: 11am. The world's northernmost full-service hotel, with restaurant, pub, sauna, free Internet access and a guest computer. Book activities in the reception. Low season from NOK500, peak season rates start from NOK1450. 78.210992 15.624769 7 Spitsbergen Hotel , Haugen, ☎ +47 79026200 . Check-in: 3pm, check-out: 11am.

Restaurant, bar, Champagne cellar, sauna, training room and free wireless Internet access. Historical building, now atmospheric hotel. Closed for winter (Dec-Jan). Excellent views down the valley from the restaurant. Sparebank1. In the post office building, has an ATM. Most shops and services take major credit cards. Connect[ edit ] Library (Bibliotek), Lompensenteret 2F. Beware the eccentric and limited opening hours: 11-17 Mon/Wed/Thu, 11-14 Tue/Sat, closed Fri, Sun.. This surprisingly comprehensive library has an excellent selection of books on Svalbard (some in English), a rather more limited selection of English fiction and, most useful of all, three free Internet-connected PCs. Svalbard Reiseliv , ☎ +47-7902-5551 , e-mail: info@svalbard.net . Open 8 AM to 4 PM weekdays, 10 AM to 12 noon Saturdays.. Svalbard Museum. The official tourist information office, a mine of information for Longyearbyen and the rest of Svalbard.

Stay safe[ edit ] Perhaps more so than anywhere in the world, Longyearbyen is free from crime. The risk of being involved with any type of altercation or incident is practically nil, with the sole threat being from fellow visitors. It is not uncommon to see intoxicated tourists wandering around during the midnight sun in August, but despite the complete lack of visible law enforcement, problems are almost non-existent. Note that driving under the influence of alcohol is regarded as a very serious offence, and police stops for both cars and snowmobiles are not uncommon. The blood alcohol content limit is currently 0.02%, and the fines are steep. It is not advised that you leave the settlement limits (clearly marked with signs bearing the picture of a polar bear). If you choose to do so, it is compulsory to carry a firearm which can be rented from the town. Travelling further afield requires explicit permission from the Governor of Svalbard, whose office is near the church. As everywhere in Svalbard, it is critical to understand that all year round there is a significant threat from polar bears. However, polar bears are legally protected, and shooting a polar bear will be regarded very seriously by the police and investigated thoroughly.

Go next[ edit ] Barentsburg - Svalbard's solitary remaining Russian settlement, easily visited on a (albeit expensive) day trip. Pyramiden - Alternatively on Tuesdays you could take the same ship to visit the mysterious abandoned Russian settlement of Pyramiden - perfectly preserved but utterly empty. Both trips operate summer season only, and will not operate unless minimum numbers (about 12) are achieved. Be prepared for disappointment in shoulder season. This city travel guide to Longyearbyen has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel details. Please contribute and help us make it a star ! Longyearbyen travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] part of a huge system for transporting coal on cables Longyearbyen is the largest populated area on the territory of Svalbard , located in the high Norwegian Arctic. The settlement is popular as the most easily accessed frontier in the Arctic, and is an ideal base for the greater exploration of Svalbard .

The settlement is named after American entrepreneur John Munro Longyear (1850-1922), who as head of the Arctic Coal Company founded the town and the neighboring coal mine, the first large mine on Svalbard. Mining is still a big business here, with the roadsides and mountainsides littered with mines and their equipment, but tourism is catching up fast. With over 2000 inhabitants, the town is the de facto "capital" of the islands, featuring the airport, a school, a shopping center, hotels, restaurants, and more. Orientation[ edit ] Nybyen Longyearbyen lies at the southern side of Adventfjorden, stretched out along the Longyearelva River. The center of town lies near the coast on the east side of the river, with the district of Skjæringa across the river, the district of Nybyen 2 km (1.2 mile) to the south and the airport 3 km (1.9 mile) to the west. Adventdalen, the valley housing Longyearbyen's only currently operational mine (#7), stretches out to the east.

Be sure to pick up the free Svalbard - Spitsbergen pamphlet and the city map (available at the airport and most lodges), which has a detailed map of the city and listings of all its facilities. By plane[ edit ] airport Svalbard Airport Longyear ( IATA : LYR) is the only major airport on Svalbard . It services Scandinavian Airlines (SAS Norge) flights to Oslo via Tromsø most days all year around, and there are additional flights as well as twice-weekly services direct to Oslo in the summer high season. Passengers flying from Oslo to Longyearbyen via Tromso will depart from the domestic part of Oslo Airport, and will go through immigration during the transit in Tromso. If you fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen on the non-stop flight, you will leave from the international section of Oslo Airport. There are no security checks on arrival in Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is also served by the low-cost airline Norwegian, which most of the year has biweekly flights to Oslo. Finnair is due to begin seasonal flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen in June 2016.

There is the possibility of chartered services to other bases on Svalbard , but these are generally reserved for scientists and those travelling on expeditions to the North Pole itself. The airport is equipped with a snack bar and a souvenir shop. Despite its small size, it is operated in the same way as other Norwegian state-run airports with full security checks and passport control. Airport shuttle buses (75kr all destinations Longyearbyen & Nybyen. Concessions for students. Credit cards accepted) connect with all flights arriving and departing at the airport. Taxis are also available, a ride into town is between 130-150 NOK. By boat[ edit ] Longyearbyen's port is accessible only in the summer when the pack ice recedes. For dates, see the port website [1] . There are once-weekly boats to Tromsø and daily (except Monday) services to Barentsburg with organised sight-seeing tours - subject to minimum numbers (about 12). There are also sporadic connections with the abandoned Russian settlement of Pyramiden with guided tours (Tuesdays - again subject to demand). Get around[ edit ] There is no public transportation aside from the airport shuttle bus.

Walking is a viable option (about 40 minutes from the airport to the center of town), although rather tedious if you need to move around outside the center, especially when the weather is bad. Alternatively, rent a bike from Basecamp Spitsbergen. Taxi (+47-7902-1305) and car rental are also available. There are many possibilities for walking and sight-seeing in the immediate Longyearbyen area. Walking out of the settlement into the fjord, you will see the old cemetary and several abandoned mine buildings. mine 2b Spitsbergen Airship Museum. Displays materials and ephemera from the era of polar exploration using dirigibles and other aircraft, mainly by Norwegians, Italians and American explorers. Svalbard Gallery, Nybyen. Permanent and changing exhibitions by artists in Svalbard, entry 45 kr. The adjoining artists' workshops are free to visit. Inside the museum Svalbard Museum, Svalbard Science Centre (at the end of the main street).

Reopened 2006 in large new premises, it features many displays about the human history of the archipelago, especially whaling and mining, as well as various exhibits about arctic flora and fauna. Longyearbyen Church Church, above town. The world's northernmost church. Always open, and has coffee and cookies for the visitors. Also sells postcards, books, etc--just leave the money in a bowl. Reindeer in the city Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Mining equipment outside Mine 1 A wide variety of activities including hiking, dog-sledding, kayaking, snowmobile safaris, fatbike tours and even coal mining and more are offered by Svalbard's many tour companies. The largest operators are Spitsbergen Travel [2] and Svalbard Wildlife Service [3] (SWS). Prices are high — figure on 500 kr for a half-day activity, 1000 kr for a full day — but so are standards.

Esmarkbreen Glacier Dog Sledding with Arctic adventure, ☎ 79021624 ( info@arctic-adventures.no , fax: 79021745), [4] . In the summer sleds with wheels are used. I.e. they look and handle very similar to real sleds (not wagons), two or three persons per sled and you get to handle it yourself. NOK 690. edit Esmarkbreen Glacier, across the Isfjorden (2-3 hours by boat). Scenic glacier across the bay, colored a striking blue. Drop a cube in your glass for an arctic martini. Often combined with cruises to Barentsburg . Lanøysund tour boat The Russian settlement of Barentsburg is accessible from Longyearbyen with an organised tour. Also Pyramiden, across the Isfjorden (2-3 hours by boat). Russian mining settlement abandoned in 1996, best known for its Lenin statue (the northernmost in the world).

If you have multiple days to spare then your options really open up: how about a week-long snow scooter trip (21,500 kr) or 11 days by boat around all of Spitsbergen (from around €3000) For the ultimate Arctic experience, you can even arrange to join a trip to the North Pole . Restaurant Vinterhage (Mary-Ann´s Polarrigg), [5] . edit In late October, Longyearbyen hosts the annual Dark Season Blues Festival [6] that draws large crowds. (78.220774,15.647875). The 9th edition took place form October 20th to 23rd 2011. This marks the beginning of the dark season when daylight and the sun is about to leave Svalbard. Arctic Tapas, [7] . Combined sightseeing, guiding and arctic food in a restaurant bus, in the world’s northernmost settlement. edit Svalbard's shopping is concentrated in and around the two-story Lompensenteret shopping mall and the supermarket.

Beware the limited opening hours: most shops are only open 11-18 weekdays, 11-14 Saturday and closed Sunday. There is a supermarket called Svalbardbutikken. It is open till 8pm on weekdays. Weekends with reduced hours. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Eating out in Longyearbyen (as with all of Norway) is expensive, with the simplest sit-down meals costing over 70 kr. There are several small cafés in the town centre, and also a restaurant and bar at the Radisson SAS Hotel. Many places serve traditional norwegian food. Some serve Svalbard specialties such as seal and whale. Delivery is usually available, arranged through local taxis for about 50 kr. Budget[ edit ] Svalbardbutikken, opposite Lompensenteret, [8] . Svalbard's sole supermarket and department store rolled into one. Has a surprisingly wide selection, but prepare for sticker shock, especially for anything perishable: half a cucumber costs 10 kr and a kilo of bananas on sale is 20 kr. A hot deli offers a few staples and occasionally some ethnic themes.

Open weekdays from 10 to 20, Saturday 10 to 18 and Sunday 15 to 18. Mix kiosk, Lompensenteret. Hot dogs, sausages, burgers and sandwiches, sometimes offered on sale at what are bargain prices for Svalbard. Also has a limited supply of groceries, along with snack foods and sweets. Prices are high compared to Svalbardbutikken, but the kiosk is open longer hours. Mid-range[ edit ] Classic Pizza, Lompensenteret. Pizza and kebabs from 79 kr. Open from 1700 to 0500 daily. Free delivery. Huset Cafe, Nybyen. Daily dinner menu 72 kr weekdays (open ca 15-22 in the summer). Huset is also a cinema and has a good cafe/bar with a DJ at night. Fruene, Lompensenteret. Espresso, sandwiches, salads and daily specials such as soups and Thai dishes. One of the few locations in town with free wireless internet access. Splurge[ edit ] Kroa, Basecamp Spitsbergen.

Popular among locals and visitors for fare ranging from ribs to reindeer wraps. Portions are huge, making the prices more palatable. Also, Kroa has one of the least expensive dining-out options in town; very large "half-pizzas" with various different ingredients, ranging from 69-79 krone. Restaurant Nansen, Radisson SAS. Mary Anne's Polarrigg, Arctic and Thai food (sometimes combined, such as whale stir-fry). Takeout available. The average entree will run about 180-240 krone. Huset Restaurant, Nybyen. Arctic and Norwegian set menus available as 5 or 6 courses. Accompanying courses of wine available. 6 course Arctic menu approx. 700Kr. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Svalbard's tax-free status makes alcohol a lot cheaper than on the mainland. In bars, the cost of a drink ends up being nearly the same (if not cheaper) as it would cost in cities such as New York or London. The cost of alcohol in Nordpolet is on par with duty-free airport prices. Kroa Bar.

Offers a range of decent drinks and meals in one of the more pleasant environments in town. Beer selection includes Carlsberg, Arctic, Corona and Mack. Nordpolet, in Svalbardbutikken. Sells a full range of beer, wines and spirits, but quotas apply (except for wine, which has no quota) and you must show your plane ticket to purchase (again except for wine). Also note the restrictive opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM weekdays, 10 AM to 3 PM Saturdays, closed Sundays. Radisson Bar/Barentz Pub/"Puben" Large selection of beers, small but nice environment, very popular with locals. Svalbar, [9] . Good bar with reasonably priced cafe food. NOK 45 for a beer. edit Spitsbergen Hotel/Funken has some of the nicer drinks in town and has a large living room-couches-fireplace decoration motif, but it's about a 10-15 minute walk from center of town. Budget[ edit ] Longyearbyen Camping, near airport (4 km to Longyearbyen), tel. +47-79021444, [10] .

Promises an "intensive experience of nature" at the northernmost full-service campsite in the world. Stays per night start at 100 kr, not including tent rental (100 kr/day) or even warm showers (10 kr/5 min). The site is open all year round, but the service building (showers and toilets) is open only during the summer. Visitors traveling to Svalbard outside of the high season (end of June until September) will be permitted to use the campsite free of charge, but must bring their own provisions and equipment. If your plans include trekking in Svalbard, the camping site is an excellent place to meet fellow trekkers, seek advice or maybe even join a larger group. Mid-range[ edit ] A number of guesthouses and homestays offer basic accommodation. Read the small print carefully, as you may be charged extra for breakfast, linens, towels and perhaps even use of the bathtub! This does not seem to apply at 102 however. Gjestehuset 102, Nybyen, tel. +47-79025716, email [11] , [12] .

Miner's lodge converted into a basic but comfortable guesthouse, with shared bathrooms and lounge/kitchen; the main downside is the location, a 20-min walk from downtown. It is however well serviced by the airport shuttle bus. Singles/doubles 475/850 kr, shared unisex dorms 300 kr, including linens and breakfast. Mary-Ann's Polarrigg, tel. +47-79023702, email [13] , [14] . Former miner's barracks converted into a bed and breakfast. A bit pricier than the competition at 595/850 kr for a single/double not including breakfast (an extra 135 kr), but the selling point is the central location. Coal Miner's Cabin (formerly known as Spitsbergen Guesthouse), Nybyen, tel. +47-79026300 , email [15] , [16] . Also established in former miners' barracks, but a different business from the Gjestehuset 102. Summer prices are e.g. 340 Kr.

for a place in a shared 3-bed room, 610Kr for a single (shared bathroom, linen and hearty breakfast included), with some variations in different seasons. 20 min walk to "downtown Longyearbyen", but shuttle to airport available. Has a bar and restaurant on site which serves good burgers and local beer. Splurge[ edit ] Basecamp Spitsbergen, tel. +47-79024600, [17] . The most atmospheric of Longyearbyen's luxury hotels, this attempts to simulate a trapper's lodge with seal skins and driftwood aplenty. Don't let the humble name fool you though: 'camping' here will cost you from 1590 kr/night in peak season (but only half that in winter). Radisson SAS Polar Hotel, tel. +47-79023450, [18] . This hotel claims to be the northernmost full-service hotel in the world, with restaurant, pub, sauna, free Internet access and a guest computer, but it's rather characterless. Peak season rates start from 1450 kr and go up, up and away.

Spitsbergen Hotel, tel. +47-79026200, [19] . Located on Haugen in Longyeardalen, with restaurant, pub, sauna, and free wireless Internet access. Slightly more expensive than Radisson SAS Polar Hotel. Closed for several months during winter. Excellent views down the valley from the restaurant. Contact[ edit ] Library (Bibliotek), Lompensenteret 2F. This surprisingly comprehensive library has an excellent selection of books on Svalbard (some in English), a rather more limited selection of English fiction and, most useful of all, three free Internet-connected PCs. Beware the eccentric and limited opening hours: 11-17 Mon/Wed/Thu, 11-14 Tue/Sat, closed Fri, Sun. 'Visit Svalbard', City Center (next to Kroa and Svalbard Hotel), tel. +47-7902-5550, email:- info@visitsvalbard.com, [20] ). The official tourist information office, a mine of information for Longyearbyen and the rest of Svalbard.

Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Sunday, 7 days a week (12am to 4pm in weekends November-January). These details checked as of 20th January 2015. Stay safe[ edit ] Perhaps more so than anywhere in the world, Longyearbyen is free from crime. The risk of being involved with any type of altercation or incident is practically nil, with the sole threat being from fellow visitors. It is not uncommon to see intoxicated tourists wandering around during the midnight sun in August, but despite the complete lack of visible law enforcement, problems are almost non-existent. It is not advised that you leave the settlement limits (clearly marked with signs bearing the picture of a polar bear). If you choose to do so, it is compulsory to carry a firearm which can be rented from the town. Travelling further afield requires explicit permission from the Governor of Svalbard, whose office is near the church. As everywhere in Svalbard, it is critical to understand that all year round there is a significant threat from polar bears. However, polar bears are legally protected, and shooting a polar bear will be regarded very seriously by the police and investigated thoroughly.

Spitsbergen expedition on Fram with Polarcirckel landings Map This High Arctic adventure begins in the traditional Spitsbergen town of Longyearbyen, where modern shops and art galleries contrast with the settlement's strong coal mining heritage. Visit Barentsburg, a little piece of Russia in the Arctic, renowned for its impressive Soviet architecture, before discovering majestic glaciers, awe-inspiring fjords and the fascinating former mining town of Alesund as you explore North West Spitsbergen National Park. Keep an eye out for polar bears hunting on the ice flows during your time in Eastern Svalbard, before navigating the breathtaking Isfjord, home to thousands of Brunnich's guillemots during the summer and the endemic Svalbard Reindeer. Shore landings and guided hikes led by the Expedition Team enrich this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. N459 Operated by Hurtigruten Circumnavigating Spitsbergen Itinerary Day 1 - Oslo (Norway) - Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) Take the opportunity to explore Norway's fascinating capital, Oslo, with its varied architecture and lively bars, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Longyearbyen.

Overnight hotel stay. Day 2 - Longyearbyen and Barentsburg Check-out of your hotel and join an excursion showcasing the best of Longyearbyen and the surrounding area. It is a town of contrasts, mixing strong Arctic influences with modern amenities including art galleries, pubs and restaurants. Later, continue to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg renowned for its Soviet architecture. Enjoy a colourful folklore show and visit the hotel and museum. Days 3-5 - North West Spitsbergen National Park Explore Kongsfjorden, one of the most picturesque fjord areas in Spitsbergen with its majestic glaciers and soaring mountains. Fram then cruises northwest to Krossfjorden and Mitrahalvoya where you'll see ruins from the whaling industry as well as the Svalbard reindeer. Perhaps cross one of the glaciers with the Expedition Team, before heading to the former mining settlement of Ny-Alesund. You'll also have the opportunity to visit Raudfjorden, perfect for hiking, and Hamiltonbukta, which can be explored by kayak, as well as the majestic Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjord.

Days 6-8 - Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserve and South Spitsbergen National Park Eastern Svalbard is home to the largest population of polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago so you will hopefully get the chance to see one. Discover Sorgfjorden which borders the North East Spitsbergen Nature Reserve, before cruising past the bird cliff of Alkefjellet. Continue to Edgeoya, the third-largest in the archipelago and visit Kapp Lee which has a strong cultural heritage. Fram cruises to the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen to Hornsund, where ice pushed into the fjord early in the season attracts polar bears. Day 9 - Isfjord Isfjord is the most extensive fjord system in the archieplago. Spend the day exploring this breathtaking fjord including Alkehornet peak, home to thousands of nesting Brunnich guillemots in the summer, and the magnificent U-shaped valleys where you might be lucky enough to spot a Svalbard Reindeer. Later, enjoy a farewell barbecue.

Day 10 - Longyearbyen - Oslo (Norway) Disembark Fram in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo. Itinerary is subject to change. All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions. Price Includes 8-night full-board voyage in cabin grade of your choice 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Longyearbyen including breakfast Return flights between Longyearbyen and Oslo City tour of Longyearbyen English speaking Expedition Team on board Complimentary tea and coffee

Question: Longyearbyen is the main town on which island?
Answer: Spitsbergen