Location: Longyearbyen
Top Things to do in Longyearbyen
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Longyearbyen is a great jumping-off point for experiencing the humbling power of the Arctic islands. Glaciers, mountains and primitive wildlife are the main attractions here. Be warned, though: Those polar bears look cuddly enough, but they are extremely dangerous and don't take kindly to gawking tourists.
Restaurants in Longyearbyen
1. Svalbard Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
During a visit at Svalbard Bryggeri you will hear about how Svalbard Bryggeri became a reality, how former coal miner and pilot Robert Johansen got the idea about establishing his own brewery on the northern most settlement, Longyearbyen Svalbard, and what would be required to implement the dream. You will taste five different beers brewed on 2000-year-old glacier water from Bogerbreen.
Reviewed By DNP2014 - Copenhagen, Denmark
The tour as others have mentioned is really just a tasting, but it takes place in a bar overlooking the equipment so you're killing two birds with one stone. It was a really fun experience thanks to the high energy host Brianna and the fact that the beer is awesome. Thoroughly recommended as a way to spend a couple of relaxing hours after an excursion.
2. Svalbard Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
The exhibition presents fragments of Svalbard's 400-year history and describes factors that help support life and the activities taking place here, which together reveal the close relationship between sea and land, nature and cultural history.
Reviewed By GlbTrotterGirl
Svalbard museum is a small but very informative place. You can learn a lot about the geology of the island, the animal types and histocal facts of Svalbard archipelago. It has a nice and welcoming environment and if you want to take it easy for a couple of hours you can easily do it there
3. Svalbard Kirke
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By junior1707 - Schorndorf, Germany
the priest is very helpful and also has time to let you know more about the history of svalbard. a small walk worth doing
4. North Pole Expedition Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Open every day from 9 am to 2 pm. The (formerly Spitsbergen Airship Museum) museum is an expedition museum and the northernmost aviation museum in the world. The museum is about expeditions to the North Pole, departing from Svalbard. The emphasis is on the 'America', the 'Norge' and the 'Italia' expeditions. Several hours of the original expedition movies running continuously. The exhibitions is a collage between old newspapers, postcards, photos, plane models, several hours of original movie material, clothes, stamps, letters, telegrams and more. Open daily from February until September.
Reviewed By esterciao - Barcelona, Spain
A really interesting museum that you should visit at least one time while you are in Longyearbyen! It's the perfect place to visit when you are there, just to understand much better where on earth you have arrived to!! The museum displays the main expeditions taken to the North Pole departing from Svalbard and shows the incredible job of collecting high quality-material made by the people who founded this private Museum.
5. Polar Permaculture Solutions
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Polar Permaculture Solutions is based in Longyearbyen, Norway on the archipelago of Svalbard. We are growing food near the north pole, and composting organic waste for natural fertilizer. Join us on a tour and see how we are working to make the "northern most" town in the world more sustainable.
6. Svalbard Buss og Taxi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By 407CharmaineG
We booked the tour “Longyearbyen in a nutshell” last week, and we were 9 people in total. Vigo was our tour guide and he’s one of the coolest and funniest people I’ve met. He is very knowledgeable and he made us laugh so much. This is a great experience in Svalbard so don’t hesitate to book it.
7. Longyear 78 Outdoor & Expeditions
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience on Svalbard. From outdoor gear to booking of activities and expeditions.
8. Karlsberger Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Karlsberger Pub, known as KB by the locals, is a small, but very content pub in the heart of Longyearbyen. We have one of Europes finest selections of whiskey and cognac, and with over a thousand different sorts we are able to require the uppermost choice for everyone depending on their preference. We hold for instance an unique collection of Armagnac, extending from 1908 to 1989. What about drinking an Armagnac which is at the same age as you? Or maybe from the year your grandfather was born?
Reviewed By ayykaypee - New York City, United States
A friend and I had come to Karlsberger Pub on our last night in Svalbard, and honestly, it was such a fun way to celebrate our last night on this magically arctic island. Our bartenders for the evening were Natalia and Viktor, and they were beyond welcoming. Natalia was the bartender with whom we conversed the most, and she was extremely insightful into what life was like on Svalbard. Also, it was fascinating to hear what brings people to Svalbard, what keeps them there, and what motivates them to stay for so long. The drinks were delicious, and what I appreciated the most about Natalia and Viktor was their creativity. My friend and I have different tastes in alcohol, and all we said to them was what our tastes encompassed (sweet vs not, preferred spirit as in gin vs vodka vs rum etc, fruity or not, etc). We told them to surprise us with drinks, and they did not fail to deliver. Our custom drinks were strong and had such a unique flavor combination; we were so impressed! I would 100% recommend this bar for a fun night in the quiet town of Longyearbyen. Thank you Natalia and Viktor for rounding out our stay in Svalbard in such a warm and memorable way!
9. Gruve 3
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Daliee
After our 2nd visit to Svalbard, the tour in Gruve3 with Camilla stands out as a highlight. We got an authentically and well narrated story of the history of this mine, and Svalbard mining history combined with an awesome experience of the actual mine. The highlight being standing in total darkness and silence for a few minutes deep underground. Thank you very much!
10. Galleri Svalbard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 72 reviews
Galleri Svalbard was established in 1995. The gallery displays the permanent art and culture collections from Kåre Tveter, The Svalbards Collection (arctic maps, books and money) and The Recherche Collection (litographies fra the expeditions in 1838 og 1839). The gallery also has art for sale and displays 7-8 new exhibitions a year. In our museum shop there is also a selection of gift articles and books with different art books, general literature about Svalbard and a selection of designer goods. Coffee, tea and various refreshments are offered in the Art Café. Right next to us is The Arts and Crafts Centre of Longyear, where local artisans exhibit their works.
Reviewed By morningsglory - Boulder, United States
I often take a liking to small, intimate galleries and museums, so this art exhibition was fantastic. They have a beautiful collection of studies on Arctic light and maps, and a space where you can purchase crafts from local artists. Admission was about 70 NOK, well spent.
