The Northernmost City in the World! 5 Highlights of Sightseeing in Longyearbyen, Norway

Further north than the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe, touching the Arctic Ocean, lies Longyearbyen, the largest town in Norway’s Svalbard Islands. With a population of around 2,000, it is the northernmost town in the world with more than 1,000 residents! Because of this, Longyearbyen is home to a variety of “world’s northernmost” public and commercial facilities. Originally prosperous as a coal mining town, in recent years it has also focused on developing tourism.
Longyearbyen is served by Svalbard Airport, with regular flights from Oslo or Tromsø in Norway. In this treeless far north, what kind of tourist attractions can you find? Let’s take a look at the key points of sightseeing in Longyearbyen.

1. Snowmobile

In Longyearbyen, where there are very few developed roads, snowmobiles are an important means of transportation. Unlike mainland Norway, there are areas where you can ride snowmobiles without a permit, making it a popular activity among tourists.
Of course, snowmobiles cannot operate without snow, and in high-latitude Longyearbyen, the snowy winter months are completely dark all day! Conversely, from late April to late August, it is the midnight sun season. Therefore, if you want to glide across the snow under the sun, early spring is recommended.
Various travel companies in Longyearbyen offer snowmobile tours, ranging from easy day trips to adventurous multi-day island tours. Riding a snowmobile at high speed across an endless white landscape is an exhilarating and quintessential way to enjoy Longyearbyen.

2. Dog Sledding

When you think of polar transportation, many people imagine dog sledding. Although Longyearbyen did not have permanent residents until the 20th century, and it’s not something that has existed there since ancient times, you can still experience dog sledding in the town.
Pulled by many strong yet lovable dogs, dog sledding across the vast snowy plains offers a completely different charm and sense of adventure compared to snowmobiling. The total duration is about four hours. Even in the snowless summer, you can ride along the coast in a wheeled sled.

3. Aurora Viewing

When it comes to Nordic tourism, aurora viewing is also a major highlight. In Longyearbyen, which is even farther north than the Scandinavian Peninsula, the aurora frequently appears during the winter months when the sun never rises.
One major feature is that you can see it right from the town itself! You can also ride out on a snowmobile during the dark daytime and watch it from your favorite spot. The polar night in Longyearbyen lasts from mid-October to mid-February, making this the recommended season for aurora tourism.

4. Svalbard Museum

One of the largest and most modern buildings in Longyearbyen is the Svalbard Museum. Here, you can learn about the history of the Svalbard Islands up to the present day, along with exhibits of various Arctic land, sea, and air animals.
How did people come to live on such a barren, frigid island? What kinds of creatures inhabit this isolated environment? This tourist spot provides answers to many questions about Longyearbyen and the Svalbard Islands.

5. Monument to an Unknown Miner

The reason people began settling in the Svalbard Islands was because of its abundant coal deposits. While mining in Longyearbyen itself is now minimal, coal mines in places like Barentsburg on Spitsbergen Island are still in operation.


However, coal mining in the far north is not easy. In Ny-Ålesund, north of Longyearbyen, a 1962 accident claimed the lives of 21 miners, leading to the mine’s closure. Overcoming such hardships has led to the area’s development as a tourist destination today.
In the center of Longyearbyen’s main street stands the “Monument to an Unknown Miner,” a tourist spot that tells the history of the Svalbard Islands. Flowers are often placed before the statue of the miner, who stares silently ahead.

◎ Summary

Here we’ve looked at the main sightseeing highlights of Longyearbyen, the northernmost “town” in the world. On this far northern island, the midnight sun and polar night each last for more than half the year. Although mild compared to its latitude, the average summer temperature is still only about 5°C. Naturally, when visiting Longyearbyen, make sure to dress warmly.