Svalbard: Life in the City Where the Sun Disappears for

Explore Longyearbyen, the city of 2000 inhabitants located in the Svalbard archipelago, between Norway and the North Pole. Learn about life in one of the most remote permanent communities on the planet, where arctic nature dominates the landscape and determines the daily lives of residents.

Mode
Places
Start
Longyearbyen
End
Longyearbyen
Stops
1
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Longyearbyen

Useful for your trip

Timing
Between late October and mid-February, the sun does not appear above the horizon for more than 4 months. Get ready for the polar night.
Timing
Between April and August is the period of the midnight sun, when the sun remains visible 24 hours a day. Use blackout curtains to sleep.
Timing
During the winter, between late October and mid-February, the chances of observing the Northern Lights increase significantly.
Food
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and imported food cost more than in many European cities. Plan your purchases smartly.
Tip
When leaving the urban limits, many people carry protective gear due to the presence of polar bears. Tour guides follow strict safety protocols.
Avoid
No one can be buried in Svalbard due to permafrost that prevents decomposition. Terminally ill people are transferred to mainland Norway.
Where to stay
Longyearbyen is the main city with just over 2000 inhabitants. It has schools, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, museums, a hospital and a university.
Tip
Many residents use special lamps that simulate sunlight indoors during the polar night. Gyms get busy in the winter.
Transport
Svalbard is isolated by thousands of miles of ocean, ice, and mountains. Practically everything needs to be imported from abroad.
Tip
The landscape is dominated by mountains, glaciers, rocks, and arctic tundra. There are no trees in Svalbard due to the harsh climate.

Video on this route

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE IN SVALBARD? THE CITY WHERE THE SUN DISAPPEARS FOR MONTHS

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