Why go
- Largest settlement and administrative centre of Svalbard, Norway.
- Served by Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR).
History
Longyearbyen is one of the world's northernmost settlements, with an estimated population of around 2,400–2,800, and is the capital and largest settled area of Svalbard. It stretches along the foot of the left bank of the Longyear Valley and on the shore of Adventfjorden, the short estuary leading into Isfjorden on the west coast of Spitsbergen, the island's broadest inlet. As of 2002, Longyearbyen Community Council is an official Norwegian municipality. It is the seat of the Governor of Svalbard. As of 2024, the town's mayor is Leif Terje Aunevik.
Restaurants & places to go
10 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 2 airlines, 2 direct destinations
- Scandinavian Airlines System SK (737-800, 737-800, 737-700) · 2 routes: Oslo, Tromso
- Norwegian Air Shuttle DY (737-800) · 1 route: Oslo
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR). Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: LYR has direct flights to 2 destinations on 2 airlines (incl. Oslo, Tromso). By water: 1 ferry terminal within 20 km; routes include Barentsburg – Longyearbyen, Longyearbyen – Barentsburg, Pyramiden – Longyearbyen.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.