Set in the Isfjorden Bay on the west coast of Spitsbergen Island, in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen is a remote and picturesque village at the foot of snowy mountains. The mining town is famous as the world’s northernmost city and for its incredible views of the Northern Lights. With its stark, breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife, it is possible to see polar bears and polar foxes, a huge array of Arctic birdlife, and tame reindeer which wander through the town. Take an open boat trip to the bird cliffs, through bright blue glaciers and on to fossil hunting sites. Hiking enthusiasts enjoy mounting the 849-metre summit of Trollsteinen Mountain. Often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Arctic’ and boasting a wide range of modern facilities and cultural activities, Longyearbyen functions as an ideal base for exploring the wider area.
Positioned between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago of which its main island, Spitsbergen, is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas. Its surrounding islands are uninhabited nature reserves, meaning Spitsbergen provides travellers with a haven amongst dramatic snowy peaks, glaciers, and vast ice fields. Known for its polar bear population (or small human population - there are more polar bears than people), the island is also home to caribou, polar foxes, a huge variety of birds, and a diversity of whales including the magical Beluga and Narwhal species. Top locations to visit include the stunning jade-coloured Magdalenefjord Bay; the breathtaking shores of Krossfjorden, scattered with cultural relics; and the phenomenal images at the Wild Photo Gallery. Adventurers come here to watch the Northern Lights, kayak among icebergs, go dogsledding, and watch the island’s numerous live concerts.
