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Longyearbyen is unique. It is a small settlement up in the Arctic in a stark but beautiful landscape. It is very different to other places I have visited. We stayed for 4 nights and included a couple of trips on 2 of the 3 full days we spent there. It was a bonus for us that on the third day, 14th August 2025, it happened to be the 100 year anniversary of Norway's sovereignty over Svalbard. The town is very quiet and there are not many bars and restaurants but we were very happy to find the Karlsberger pub and it's sister restaurant opposite. These are 2 establishments which are popular with the local residents and are very lively and friendly with great food and drinks. The staff are very friendly and helpful. It is very easy to walk around Longyearbyen with museums and old mines to visit or you can walk down to the shore and see what wildlife turns up.

I liked the variety of shops and restaurant offerings. Everything was in walking distance from each other. Depending upon your interests there seemed to be many different kinds of activities to do. I did the Mine 3 Tour and the Svalbard Husky Dogs on Wheels activity. Both I thought were unique experiences and worthwhile. The impression that I got was that there is even a lot more to do during the winter months. Enjoyed eating nice meals at Mary-Ann’s Polarrig and Radisson Blue’s restaurants.

One of the most magical places on earth. Be it the summer or the dark season, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. A wide variety of activities offered year around, quite diverse depending on the season.

Longyearbyen is unlike any other place I've been. I went during polar night, and dark season is an interesting experience when neither the Sun or Moon ever rise. Make sure to visit the museum, the Nordover gallery, and the brewery, and stop for coffee in Café Huskies. The cold is surprisingly manageable as long as you wear the right clothing. Make sure you layer up properly, and bring a good pair of gloves and some warm boots – walking is the easiest way to get around.

Longyearbyen seems to be a magnet for humans who find adventure in loving other humans. Nobody is "From" Longyearbyen. But those who venture there become instant family. Not everyone should even consider visiting. Those who will already know who you are, as you read this. Longyearbyen is not for the faint of heart, nor the shallow of spirit. RD

For both the natural history as well as lesson on the current situation of how global warming is impacting our planet, this is a perfect town to come and visit. The scenery and the geographical isolation makes it incredibly educational and joy to experience, and the scientific value of this community, including the global seat fault just south of the airport, as another value to a trip here. We particularly enjoyed our hotel, and the friendliness and responsiveness of the staff. The people here are incredibly friendly.