The Greatest High Arctic Town in the World! Longyearbyen (Svalbard) - A Cultural Travel Guide

At over 78 degrees north, Longyearbyen is the last substantial settlement before the North Pole and the main administrative centre of the Svalbard archipelago. Once a tough mining town, it is now a centre for scientific research as well as a prime tourism destination. It provides a home to over 50 nationalities, taking advantage of the visa free rules enshrined in the Svalbard Treaty. Most of the conveniences of a modern Norwegian town are present, but with the significant added pressure of a location in a polar bear environment and the hardship of 84 days of darkness in winter.

In this film I am indebted to the contribution of Katie Herlingshaw and also the kindness of Stuart Thomson in providing added photography.

What is Longyearbyen like?
Who can live in Longyearbyen?
Where is Longyearbyen?
What to see in Longyearbyen?
What is the best cafe in Longyearbyen?

Answers to all these questions and more!

Filmed July 2023
Jonathan Wheeler
@TravelObscurer

Music licensed through Artist --
Experience Sonder by Flint
Big Black Bull by Sam Lux

[nllentfaw]

Another great documentary. I don't know why I am attracted to remote places. Ended up living in New Zealand...but often still feel the pull of the likes of Iceland, Greenland and Scandinavia..

[janbasler]

I went to Longyearbyen in the summer of 2018. I totally agree with what you said; the town really grows on you, and you feel as though you live through a totally unique and unadulterated experience that'll stay with you forever. Also surprisingly easy to get there, with flights from Oslo departing regularly. Went to see Pyramiden too. Hope to go back some day.

[nelsonvalencia]

Here in Tromso, Norway 🇳🇴, we only have 74 days of total darkness. But the worst bit is actually the 74 day's of non-stop sun at the other side of the year. It like never leaves, it just bobs around up there, screaming at you. 😍🇵🇭

[nascot]

Loving the Middlesborough/Svalbard hybrid accent.

[MrDg]

These hidden gems are not meant for everyone ❤

[degreesnorth]

Here in Tromsø we only have 74 days of total darkness. But the worst bit is actually the 74 days of non-stop sun at the other side of the year.. It like never leaves, it just bobs around up there, screaming at you.

[kurtovesen]

great video.i lived upp ther for 16 years. miss the place every day.

[BarneyBJohnson]

Fantastic presentation. I'm composing music for clarinet inspired by Svalbard, and this gave me some ideas. Thanks for posting!

[ChrisH-]

This is the most detailed look at a fascinating place I have seen. I shall never visit, but you have given a real insight into what it is like to visit and live so far north. I'm glad you touched on the politics as well as that tells us something is going on beyond the 'postcard' views and personal stories.

[gate]

Even in latitudes like Ireland you can experience longer day during summer, 10 pm its still like afternoon, the early sunrises, omg I really dont like short nights, winter on the other hand, i always liked the night coziness and stillness, I think id like that up there more than constant daylight

[AbnerIMAlvarado]

I've watched a lot, really a lot of videos about Svalbard, but I found yours to be kind of special, even if I can't point exactly what it is. I liked it very much.

[lokicooper]

Thanks for the background on Longyearbyen. I will be visiting (on a cruise) in summer 2025. I am really excited to go. I feel like I would handle the total darkness much better than the total daylight that happens there too.

[carmencsorba]

Actually this place feels very desirable to me in this restless world. Enjoyed very much this documentary.

[kethsharakhlok]

Excellent info. touring clip. 👍🕊️
I'm still reading a small book about the place and it's a plus to watch this visual addition.

[creepermk]

Excellent video - really like this gem of a channel I just recently found

[jackieo]

Beautiful. Also keep in mind they have just as many(if not more) days of constant daylight in the summer, which would be much harder for me.

[carldowd]

I visited in 2014, to train on snowmobiles and sleds. What an absolutely fantastic trip, totally awesome place to be. I even put a plan in place to move my manufacturing operation from Scotland to Svalbard for perhaps a year. The plan was solid..! But I decided to Retire the next year. By then my Grandson had arrived in the world so it kinda sowed the the seed. Instead..? I returned to Quasi Military Parachuting (Round Canopy) and that kinda kept me busy culminating in an awesome year in 2019. But I've always regretted not Living, albeit temporarily in Svalbard 😊

[MarianFleming-mr]

Hello There - I just caught this video, because I'm a BIG fan of Cecelia Blomdahl . . . and while I've SO enjoyed her personal stories, I don't recall the historical details which you presented in this video!?! THANKS for the additional info. {Have you met Cecilia, Christopher & Grimm???} Amazing place. . . but WAY TOO cold for me!! I've lived (mostly) in California since 1951~~ 🥶😺🤩😎

[djmk]

Not only does Svalbard experience 80 plus days of darkness, they also experience a time of year of continuous daylight 24 hours a day. It would be interesting to experience both extremes to determine which one is more tolerable. It would depend on the person I would think. Since I am a night person, I would probably like 24 hours of darkness over daylight!

[tonnywildweasel]

What an interesting vid you made here! Thank you very much, and greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱, TW.