Journey to the World's Northernmost Fairytale｜A Complete Guide to Longyearbyen

"Longyearbyen, Norway, is definitely on the must-see travel list." Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers, this small town is a real-life frozen wonderland, attracting countless travel enthusiasts every year. Here's a super detailed travel guide to Longyearbyen, unlocking this dreamy journey north of the Arctic Circle! Basic Information Located in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, Longyearbyen is the closest city to the North Pole and is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." With fewer than 2,000 permanent residents, polar bears outnumber people here. 🐻‍❄️ Its unique geographical location gives it the magical spectacle of the midnight sun and polar night. From June to September, there is midnight sun, with 24 hours of sunshine; from November to February, there is polar night, shrouded in darkness, which is an excellent time to see the aurora borealis. Best Time to Travel • Aurora Season (November - March): The average temperature ranges from -15℃ to -30℃. During this period, the polar night prevails, and the aurora borealis appears frequently. Remember to bring your warmest clothing, from thermal underwear and thick down jackets to snow boots and cold-weather gloves. 🧣 • Midnight Sun Season (June - September): The temperature is relatively higher, averaging between 0℃ and 10℃, making it a good time for hiking and going out to sea to see wildlife. The long daylight hours make it easy to arrange various outdoor activities, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant, so you still need to keep warm in the morning and evening. Must-See Attractions 1. Svalbard Museum: Learn about the history of the town and Arctic exploration stories. The museum has a rich collection of polar bear specimens and ancient Inuit tools. Tickets cost approximately NOK 100. 2. Longyear Glacier: Spectacular glaciers stretch down from the mountains. Hiking near them requires a professional guide, costing around NOK 1,000 per person, including equipment and guidance. 3. Polar Bear Cemetery: A unique site. Due to permafrost and the danger of polar bears, the deceased are no longer buried here. It's a mysterious and intriguing place to visit. 4. Whale Watching Tour: Available from June to September, this 3-5 hour trip offers a high probability of seeing beluga whales, humpback whales, and more. The cost is approximately NOK 1,500. Specialty Food King Crab Feast: Freshly caught and cooked, the crab legs are full of meat. Enjoy the freshest king crab at seaside restaurants, with an average cost of NOK 800-1,500 per person. Norwegian Fish Soup: Made with cod and other seafood, it's warming and delicious, costing about NOK 150 per serving. Important Notes 1. Polar Bear Precautions: Polar bears may appear in town at any time. It is essential to travel with a professional guide. Vehicles are usually equipped with flares and other defensive tools. 2. Keeping Warm: No matter when you travel, staying warm is key. Electronic devices also need to be kept warm, otherwise, they will quickly lose power. 3. Environmental Protection Requirements: The Svalbard archipelago has a fragile ecosystem. Do not litter and follow local environmental regulations. 4. Visa: A Norwegian Schengen visa is required. Prepare the necessary materials in advance for your application. Stepping into Longyearbyen is like stepping into a frozen wonderland forgotten by time. Every scene can become a precious memory in your travelogue. Pack your bags and come here to encounter your own Arctic legend!