Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen, Norway
Svalbard, Norway
An Arctic archipelago of glaciers and polar bears, with Longyearbyen as its large settlement
- About 500Polar bears on the main islands
- About 60%Glacial ice cover
- 100 kmDistance to Pyramiden from Longyearbyen
Overview
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago where the Arctic Ocean converges with the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are roughly centred on 78° north latitude and 20° east longitude, and they range from 74° to 81° north and from 10° to 35° east. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement, in Isfjorden on the west coast of Spitsbergen.
Landscape and ice
Glacial ice covers 36,502 km2 of the archipelago, about 60% of its area. Repeated ice ages shaped the land, with glaciers cutting a former plateau into fjords, valleys and mountains. Tourism activities on the islands include hiking, kayaking, glacier cave walks, and snowmobile and dog-sled safaris.
Why visit
About 500 polar bears inhabit the main islands at any one time. Remains of Predator X, a Jurassic marine reptile, have been discovered on Svalbard. Dog sledding trips range from 3 hours to 5-day expeditions, and a full-day activity typically costs between 1000 and 3000 NOK.
History and sovereignty
Bjørnøya saw the archipelago's first recorded landing, made by an English ship in 1604, where walrus hunting began. The Svalbard Treaty of 1920 recognises Norwegian sovereignty over the archipelago. The islands have been part of the Kingdom of Norway since 1925, although they are not part of geographical Norway.
Climate and light
Temperatures on the archipelago have risen about five times faster than the global average since 1971. Shading from mountains keeps the sun out of view in Longyearbyen until around 8 March.
Tours
Snowmobile tours and ice-caving run in winter, generally from December to mid-May, depending on snow conditions.
Tours in Svalbard
When to go
Snowmobile tours and ice-caving run generally from December to mid-May, and the exact dates depend on snow conditions.
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How to get there
Longyearbyen has a bus system, and all settlements have ports. Foreign citizens need no visa and no work or residence permit from Norwegian authorities for Svalbard itself, while a Schengen visa must be held by those who need one for travel through mainland Norway.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pyramiden from Longyearbyen | 100 km, reached by snowmobile in winter or by ship all year |
| Boat to Pyramiden | 2-3 hours by boat across Isfjorden from Longyearbyen |
| Ship to Pyramiden | The same ship used for the Barentsburg trip goes to Pyramiden on Tuesdays |
| Airport parking | 200 free outdoor parking spaces |
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Where to stay
The Longyearbyen campsite is 300 m from the airport and is the only camping permitted fairly close to the town. A camping stay starts at 120 kr per night, not including tent rental. Hotels in Longyearbyen may offer discounts of 20-50% in the October to May low season. Nybyen, at the top of the Longyear valley, is mostly used as student housing.
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Rules and water
Off-road motorised transport is prohibited on bare ground in Svalbard, which leaves snowmobile use as a winter activity. Tap water on Svalbard is drinkable, but surface water may contain tapeworm eggs and should be boiled.
Guides
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How many polar bears live on Svalbard?
About 500 polar bears inhabit the main islands at any one time.
Is a visa needed to visit Svalbard?
No visa and no work or residence permit from Norwegian authorities is needed for Svalbard itself. Those who need a Schengen visa must hold one for travel to and from Svalbard via mainland Norway.
How far is Pyramiden from Longyearbyen?
The distance between the two is 100 km. Covering it is possible by snowmobile in winter and by ship throughout the year.
When was the first recorded landing on Svalbard?
The first recorded landing, in 1604, was made by an English ship that reached Bjørnøya and hunted walrus there.
What does a camping stay in Longyearbyen cost?
A camping stay starts at 120 kr per night, and tent rental is not included in that price.
When do snowmobile tours and ice-caving run?
They run generally from December to mid-May, and the exact dates depend on snow conditions.
When is the sun first visible in Longyearbyen?
The sun is not visible in Longyearbyen until around 8 March, as shading from mountains keeps it out of view.
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