Longyearbyen Travel Guide

Longyearbyen, or Longyear City, is located at Isfjorden, or Ice Fjord, where it serves as a coal-mining hub and the chief port and administrative center for the isolated island group. The only airport offering shceduled flights to mainland Norway is located nearby. Longyearbyen is the place to get your trip arranged before you head off for the wild and unknown. In recent years, research activites related to climate and the aurora borealis have increased, and there are scientists and some university students here as well. Although located in the arctic climate zone with large glaciers covering most of the island, temperatures in July is on average about 7 C (46 F).

While the name may seem apt to someone working in near isolation from civilization, Longyearbyen takes its name from the American mining entrepreneur John M. Longyear who founded the town in 1906.

There are quite a few organisations in Longyearbyen who can help you with your trip. Refer to the Practical Information section for more information.