Making the most of Longyearbyen
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The Port of Longyearbyen is the logistics point for cargo to Spitsbergen’s different settlements and for the cruise industry. It is close to the city centre, 1.7 km away, and shuttle buses are available.
Passenger traffic began using a new SeaWalk pier and terminal building in 2021.
Tourist information is directly at the port.
Although it has only about 1000 inhabitants, both the Co-op grocery store and Husky cafe are open; the cafe has 2 Husky’s that you can pet.
In Svalbard’s high Norwegian Arctic territory, Longyearbyen is the largest populated settlement. It offers the Arctic’s most easily accessed frontier and is an ideal base for greater exploration of Svalbard.
Getting around
Svalbard has numerous trip options, and it is often possible to combine activities, especially when a trip extends across several days. During summer and autumn (June-September), hikes can be combined with boat transport or cruises. A summer visit is guaranteed to be enhanced by sitting on a slope beneath a bustling bird mountain, camping among tall mountains and mighty glaciers, or paddling a kayak while a seal sunbathes on a nearby ice floe.
Longyearbyen Taxi offers town transport and tours by pre-booking. One hour costs about 1100 Nok, and drivers speak English.
Food and shopping
Shopping in Svalbard centres on the supermarket and two-story Lompensenteret mall. Opening hours are limited: most shops operate 11-18 on weekdays, 11-14 on Saturday and also on Sunday.
Alcohol is a lot cheaper than on the mainland because Svalbard has tax-free status.
Money
The currency is the Norway Krone.
Staying connected
The library provides free Internet PCs.