Town in Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Longyearbyen
The world's northernmost town: polar bears, dog sledding, glaciers and midnight sun or polar night, with a small, international community. Safe for people, expensive, and you cannot leave town without a guide or a rifle.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,950–5,720Comfortable, one person · kr38,000–55,000Details
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Jun–AugWarmest: Jul, 7°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water in Longyearbyen is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$52–94Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundAirport busWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work everywhere in town; Norwegian kroner are the currency.Details
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sentrum (Town Centre) | Walkable stays near the shops, pubs and museum |
| Nybyen | Hillside guesthouse area, short walk from the center |
Apps that work in Longyearbyen
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- Taxis: No ride apps; taxis are few and take phone bookings or wait at the airport. Walk in town.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Svalbard and Jan Mayen.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work everywhere in town; Norwegian kroner are the currency.
- Currency: Krone (NOK). US$1 ≈ kr9.62 on 03 Oct 2026.
- Tipping: Not expected; service is included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever cards do; Vipps needs a Norwegian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Svalbard is outside Schengen and Norwegian immigration law: no visa is needed for Svalbard itself.
- You transit mainland Norway; if you need a Schengen visa, get a double-entry one so you can return.
- Anyone may live and work here without permits, but you must support yourself; the Governor can turn people away.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Norwegian SIMs work in Longyearbyen and nearby; coverage ends outside the settlements, so check your roaming plan includes Svalbard.
Going to Longyearbyen solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Longyearbyen meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.