Port Pastimes 7 Fun Things To Do In Longyearbyen - Nexta Expeditions
Port Pastimes: 7 Fun Things to Do in Longyearbyen

Port Pastimes: 7 Fun Things to Do in Longyearbyen

Waiting in port for an Arctic expedition cruise to begin might seem a little like waiting for water to boil or coffee to brew or a Seinfeld reunion to materialize: Time seems to defy its own laws, life slows to a crawl, and you begin to wonder if it’s really going to be worth it.

(In the case of an Arctic trip, we assure you it certainly is.)

But it doesn’t have to be that way - if you’re embarking from Longyearbyen, that is. Longyearbyen is the capital of the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, and despite being one of the most remote settlements on the planet, is filled with entertaining diversions to while away the hours (or days) while you’re waiting to set out on your Arctic adventure.

Here are seven attractions we think you’ll enjoy in and around Longyearbyen.

blog-image

1. Svalbard museum: Longyearbyen’s glimpse into the past

Opened in 1979, the Svalbard Museum is probably the most extensive of the four museums on the island of Spitsbergen, composed of over 1,700 art works, photos, and books.

The Svalbard Museum is a great way to whet your appetite for your Arctic expedition, offering fascinating insights into 400 years of Spitsbergen history. Its exhibits explore European whaling, bird migration, Pomor culture, and various topics concerning the local ecosystem.

blog-image

2. Svalbard Bryggeri (brewery): the place for pints in Longyearbyen

After a visit to the Svalbard Museum has expanded your awareness, a stop at the Svalbard Bryggeri (or brewery, if you’re not so very Viking) will enliven your palate.

Located at 78°N, along with the rest of Longyearbyen, the Svalbard Brewery is the northernmost commercial brewery in the world. Not only that, the proprietors had to change Norwegian law in 2015 just to legally brew alcohol in Svalbard.

Enjoy one (after another) of the Svalbard Brewery’s signature beers, the water of which is 16% thawed ice from the local 2,000-year-old Bogerbreen Glacier.

blog-image

3. Svalbard Church: Earth’s almost-northernmost church

If you imbibe a little too much at the Svalbard Bryggeri (heaven forbid) and feel like doing some atoning, Longyearbyen’s local Svalbard Church is not far away.

The Svalbard Church used to be the northernmost church in the world until the St. Nicolas Church was built in Nagurskoye, Russia. But even so, Svalbard’s worship house is nothing if not a survivor: After being built in 1921, it was bombed in WWII, only to be rebuilt in 1956.

Also, the silver altar candlesticks and baptismal bowl in the Svalbard Church were gifts from King Haakon VII and Queen Maud, and can still be seen there.

blog-image

4. North Pole Expedition Museum (Spitsbergen Airship Museum): Longyearbyen’s spot for Arctic aviation history

After saying your prayers, perhaps you’d next be ready to ascend into the heavens via an historic aeronautical museum.

The North Pole Expedition Museum, previously known as the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, opened in 2008. This date was noteworthy for a few reasons.

For one, it was the 80th anniversary of the crash of the Italia, the airship used by Italian engineer, aviator, and Arctic explorer Umberto Nobile to fly around the North Pole. It was also the 30th anniversary of Nobile’s death, and in fact, several descendants of Nobile and Amundsen (who died trying to rescue the Italia crew), attended the opening ceremony of the museum.

Exhibits in this prized Longyearbyen attraction delve into major air-based Arctic expeditions, such as that of the airship America, Norge, and of course, Italia, among many other things.

blog-image

5. Svalbard Husky: the preferred method of Longyearbyen travel

If you’ve seen the above museum but are still looking to get more wind in your sails, it’s tough to argue with a Longyearbyen sled ride powered by a pack of very enthusiastic huskies.

Svalbard Husky is a family-owned, ecologically friendly business with about 100 dogs, focusing on sledding expeditions that can carry you out of Longyearbyen and into the Arctic wilderness for short excursions (1.5 hours), longer outings (4 hours), and even overnight trips.

Tours include northern lights viewing and visits to natural landmarks, where guests are taught to assist in handling the huskies, experiencing the work of a real Arctic dog musher.

blog-image

6. Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Longyearbyen’s international seed stash

You’ve probably already heard about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, due in no small part to the rapidly escalating news about global warming – and the fact that this phenomenon is human caused, which 100 percent of peer-reviewed scientific findings support.

But at least some humans do something about it: The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, known simply as the Vault, is where the world’s largest backup reserve of genetic crop material is held.

Almost a million seed samples from nearly every country on the planet are stored there.

And though you can’t simply stroll out of Longyearbyen and pay a visit to the Vault, you can book one of the organized tours that take travelers near the entrance on a regular basis.

Enjoy marveling at the striking frontal structure of the Vault, and when you head back into Longyearbyen, perhaps consider another visit to the Svalbard Church (or better yet, Svalbard Bryggeri) to pray we never have to use it.

blog-image

7. Further Longyearbyen activities: When in doubt, VisitSvalbard.com

As for the other more sports-based Longyearbyen attractions, they’re too numerous to list here without turning this article into an all-too-magnificent survey of Arctic adventure extraordinaire.

But if you’re looking to stay in Longyearbyen a few days before or after your cruise (and if hot air ballooning, skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking, cycling, boat tours, ATV safaris, horseback riding, or anything in-between sounds attractive), check out Visit Svalbard to explore all the many options.

Whatever you end up doing or not doing, Longyearbyen will prove a charming and multi-faceted port that can’t help but stoke your explorative spirit for the Arctic.

Blog
go-leftgo-right

Weddell Sea: the Original Antarctic Adventure - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Weddell Sea: the Original Antarctic Adventure

According to historian Thomas R. Henry, visiting the Weddell Sea requires a brave heart. In his 1950 book, "The White Continent," he described sudden “flash freezes” that occur in the region. It was one of these flash freezes that trapped Ernest Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, in January 1915, forcing his crew to endure over a year in the harsh environment before they could escape.
10 Weather-Fueled Facts about Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

10 Weather-Fueled Facts about Antarctica

Most of us have at least a vague notion of what makes the North and South Poles so brutally, bone-chillingly cold: They receive less sunlight than the rest of the planet, what sunlight they do receive arrives at an angle, and they’re usually buried under endless mounds of ice and snow. This holds especially true for the South Pole and its centerpiece, Antarctica. Fewer people know, however, what drives Antarctic weather, or what results from it. Here are ten weather-related facts about the most southern continent that will put your polar meteorology ahead of the curve.
Polar bear feast - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Polar bear feast

The polar bear was relishing his meal; the snow and his face were turning red from the blood. As we observed him eating, our own stomachs began to grumble. It was time for lunch.
All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica

The polar bear was relishing his meal; the snow and his face were turning red from the blood. As we observed him eating, our own stomachs began to grumble. It was time for lunch.
The secrets of Antarctic seals revealed - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The secrets of Antarctic seals revealed

There are only six species of seals that inhabit the Antarctic: Southern elephant seals, Antarctic fur seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, Ross seals, and Weddell seals. While we are familiar with these species, much about their lives remains a mystery.
The Classic Polar Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula Facts, Pics, and More - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Classic Polar Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula Facts, Pics, and More

When it comes to experiencing the vast wonders of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula stands out as an unparalleled destination.
Six Must-See Svalbard Sites - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Six Must-See Svalbard Sites

It's home to humanity's last-ditch supply of crop seeds, the world's northernmost settlement of over 1,000 people, and it is one of the best places on Earth to spot a polar bear.
The Plants of Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Plants of Antarctica

Surviving in Antarctica is a monumental challenge for any plant. The extreme cold, limited sunlight, scarce moisture, poor soil, and short growing season make it nearly impossible for most flora to thrive. Yet, some plants have adapted to these harsh conditions and have managed to flourish where others cannot.
The Impact of Small vs. Large Cruise Ships - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Impact of Small vs. Large Cruise Ships

The generalization that larger ships impact the environment more than smaller ships seems like such a no-brainer that if someone said it to you, you’d be easily forgiven for thinking you were being tricked.
Diving in Antarctica: The Ultimate Underwater Experience - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Diving in Antarctica: The Ultimate Underwater Experience

Ice diving offers an extraordinary experience on an Antarctica diving trip. The dive sites are teeming with a unique array of colorful marine life, including penguins and leopard seals, which are exclusive to this region.
Antarctic Explorer’s Voyage - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Antarctic Explorer’s Voyage

There’s off the beaten track, and then there’s really off the beaten track.
Port Pastimes: 7 Fun Things to Do in Longyearbyen - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Port Pastimes: 7 Fun Things to Do in Longyearbyen

Waiting in port for an Arctic expedition cruise to begin might seem a little like waiting for water to boil or coffee to brew or a Seinfeld reunion to materialize: Time seems to defy its own laws, life slows to a crawl, and you begin to wonder if it’s really going to be worth it.
Arctic Icon: 10 Facts about the Polar Bear - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic Icon: 10 Facts about the Polar Bear

Polar bears are to the Arctic what penguins are to Antarctica.
Visiting the Nearly Unknown: New Zealand’s Campbell Island - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Visiting the Nearly Unknown: New Zealand’s Campbell Island

New Zealand is a renowned destination globally, and for good reason: It’s absolutely stunning. Almost every corner is filled with unparalleled beauty. But did you know that New Zealand includes several sub-Antarctic Islands that are almost completely unknown?
Five Reasons You Should Cruise the Ross Sea Immediately - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Five Reasons You Should Cruise the Ross Sea Immediately

In our search for lesser-known holiday spots that still offer fully developed amenities like spas and gift shops, we often miss out on some of the planet's truly underrated treasures.
Light in the Land of the Midnight Sun - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Light in the Land of the Midnight Sun

The midnight sun, also referred to as the polar day, is a fascinating natural event observed within the Arctic and Antarctic circles. During the polar summer, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day, resulting in continuous daylight without any sunrise or sunset. This phenomenon occurs due to the Earth's seasonal tilt towards the sun during the summer months in these regions.
The Dirty Details of Antarctica's Dry Valleys - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Dirty Details of Antarctica's Dry Valleys

Situated on the western coast of McMurdo Sound, the McMurdo Dry Valleys represent the largest ice-free region in Antarctica.
Exploration of the Polar Regions - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Exploration of the Polar Regions

From the Vikings via the first whale and seal hunters to Scott and Amundsen, from the maritime explorers Franklin and Nordenskiöld to present-day polar tourism, a quick tour through history reveals some of the aspects which motivated people to extend their horizons. Existential need, sheer curiosity, imperial greed, polar science, and a taste for adventure all converged in regions which pardon no mistakes.
Discover the Scoresby Sund Fjord System in East Greenland - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Discover the Scoresby Sund Fjord System in East Greenland

Are you considering a trip to Greenland? One destination you absolutely must visit is the world's largest fjord with stunning landscapes: Scoresby Sund.
Six Seal Species You Might See On Your Greenland Cruise - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Six Seal Species You Might See On Your Greenland Cruise

If you spot a grand old whiskered man lounging in solitary splendor, there's a good chance you're looking at a bearded seal. Your Greenland cruise will take you to bays where these solitary fellows (except during breeding season) hunt for fish in the relatively shallow waters near the shores.