Town in Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Is Longyearbyen safe?
Almost no crime, but polar bears roam outside town.
Is Longyearbyen safe?
Almost no crime, but polar bears roam outside town. By law, anyone leaving settlements must carry a rifle or go with a guide.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110.
Safety in Longyearbyen at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Virtually none; doors are often left unlocked. |
| At night | Safe in town even in the dark. Never walk beyond the town signs without a guide. |
| Solo women | Very safe for solo women. The key risks are the Arctic environment and polar bears, not people. |
| Other risks | Polar bears outside town; Avalanches and sudden storms; Extreme cold and hypothermia |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Outside the town edge: polar bears; travel only with a guide
- Avalanche zones above town in winter: heed warning signs
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Leaving the settlement requires polar bear protection; disturbing or chasing bears is illegal.
- All traces of human activity from before 1946 are protected; don't touch or take anything.
- Alcohol is rationed: show your flight ticket to buy at Nordpolet.
Quick answers
Is Longyearbyen safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe for solo women. The key risks are the Arctic environment and polar bears, not people.
Is Longyearbyen safe at night?
Safe in town even in the dark. Never walk beyond the town signs without a guide.
What is the crime rate in Longyearbyen?
Virtually none; doors are often left unlocked.
What number do I call in an emergency in Longyearbyen?
Police 112 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110.
More about Longyearbyen
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Sources
- Visit Svalbard
- Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren)
- Avinor Svalbard Airport
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.