Longyearbyen

ENSB/LYR

Far above the Arctic Circle, Longyearbyen is one of the world’s northernmost settlements and the gateway to the remote wilderness of Svalbard. Surrounded by glaciers, mountains and frozen fjords, the archipelago feels unlike anywhere else in Europe. Adventurers come for Arctic wildlife, dramatic landscapes and the chance to experience polar nights in winter or endless daylight beneath the midnight sun during summer. Despite its isolation, Longyearbyen has a welcoming atmosphere with cosy cafés, small museums and a fascinating frontier history shaped by exploration and mining.