But despite the significant costs involved and the time it takes to get there, Svalbard is 100% worth a visit. The scenery is spellbinding, and the islands offer you the chance to enjoy experiences that few other destinations can offer.

Is it safe to walk around Longyearbyen?

In Longyearbyen, you can walk around on your own. On both sides of the settlement there are polar bear warning signs, making sure that everyone entering the wilderness has proper safety equipment with them. Do not wander past those signs without an experienced guide and a rifle.

Why do tourists visit Svalbard?

I feel like that's really reason enough to want to visit Svalbard, but probably its main attraction is the distinct landscape with pristine glaciers and the Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, humpback whales, orcas, and even narwhals! There's clearly a lot to see in Svalbard.

Is there crime in Longyearbyen?

Crime in Svalbard differs considerably from the conditions in densely populated areas on the mainland. There are few serious cases of acquisitive crime such as burglary and numerically speaking the crime landscape is dominated by drunk driving, petty theft, thefts of mobile phones and minor criminal damage.

Can you see the northern lights in Longyearbyen?

Located 900 kilometres north of the Norwegian mainland and 1,300 kilometres from the North Pole, Longyearbyen offers excellent conditions for northern lights. ... In October and February you can enjoy the amazing and unique blue arctic light during the day and the northern lights at night.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS SVALBARD? | Cost of groceries and food in Longyearbyen Coop

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When can you see the northern lights in Longyearbyen?

From early spring until autumn, the midnight sun makes for an eternal day. But during the polar night from November to February, there is no daylight in Longyearbyen. This attracts people from all over the world to experience the unique northern lights dancing across the sky.

How much daylight does Svalbard get?

With up to approximately 21:10 hours the longest days happen in August. On the other hand, the longest and darkest nights are in winter (in the southern hemisphere it is the other way around). In Dezember a night in Longyearbyen lasts almost 24 hours.

How safe is Longyearbyen?

Svalbard's main settlement of Longyearbyen is an extremely safe town, one where crime is almost unheard of. A few things to remember: Dress warmly, even in summer when night-time temperatures can fall below freezing. In winter, ice on footpaths and other thoroughfares can be a hazard.

Can I move to Svalbard?

Everybody may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely regardless of country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may live and work indefinitely visa-free as well.

Are there police in Svalbard?

Svalbard is its own police district. The Governor has the same authority as a chief of police on the Norwegian mainland. The police in Svalbard have the same responsibilities as the Norwegian Police Service on the mainland. ...

Is Svalbard expensive to visit?

Svalbard is the most expensive place we have visited. With a high cost of living and the fact that almost everything you see here was imported, you will absorb some of that expense in your trip costs. ... Svalbard is such a unique place and it's worth spending the money to go out and explore it.

Is Svalbard nice?

But despite the significant costs involved and the time it takes to get there, Svalbard is 100% worth a visit. The scenery is spellbinding, and the islands offer you the chance to enjoy experiences that few other destinations can offer.

Are there polar bears in Longyearbyen?

The polar bear population in the Svalbard archipelago and Barents Sea is around 3,000, which exceeds the human population. ... Of these a little less than 300 were located in Svalbard – most of them close to the ice edge.» The polar bear is considered a marine mammal as it spends most of its life on the drifting sea ice.

How do people stay safe in Svalbard?

Clothing should always be suitable for the season, but windproof and waterproof layers are required year-round. Always take extra layers, especially hats, gloves and socks. There are well-stocked sports and outdoor stores in Longyearbyen should you need additional clothing.

What is minimum wage in Svalbard?

The salary range for people working in Svalbard and Jan Mayen is typically from 12,035.00 NOK (minimum salary) to 38,101.00 NOK (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).

How cold does it get in Svalbard?

Meteorology. Average summer temperatures on Svalbard range from 3 to 7 °C (37.4 to 44.6 °F) in July, and winter temperatures from −13 to −20 °C (8.6 to −4.0 °F) in January. The highest temperature ever recorded was 23.0 °C (73.4 °F) in July 2020 and the coldest was −46.3 °C (−51.3 °F) in March 1986.

Do they speak English in Svalbard?

The official language is Norwegian. However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.

Can I buy a house in Svalbard?

Housing and work

The Norwegian state owns practically all land in Svalbard and in practice it is not possible to buy a plot for building your own home. Some private housing has been built on rented land. This housing has been sold or rented out to private individuals in Longyearbyen. Housing prices are very high.

How are homes heated in Svalbard?

Heating is provided in Longyearbyen by long-distance heating from the coal power plant, and the locals are generous when using this precious resource.

How expensive is it to live in Svalbard?

The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.

Can you holiday in Svalbard?

As polar specialists, we can arrange holidays to this spectacular Arctic realm in both summer and winter. Each season holds its own special appeal. ... Our holidays to Svalbard are as diverse as its seasons. You'll fly to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town.

Does Svalbard have a hospital?

Longyearbyen Hospital is a public hospital. Since the EEA rules do not apply to Svalbard, the European Health Insurance Card does not apply here. ... Everyone has to pay deductible for consultation at the hospital.

Is Svalbard always dark?

It is never completely dark all the time

On clear days, we can see beautiful sunset colours in the south while the sky to the north is a deep midnight blue. On Svalbard, however, it is fully dark even at midday for several weeks around Christmas.

How long is Svalbard in darkness?

We refer to the dark season in Svalbard as the “Polar Night”. This two-and-a-half-month period lasts from mid-November to late January.