Highlights of Longyearbyen

OVERVIEW

Settle for an immensely scenic drive in and around Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town with a population of more than 1,000. American John Munro Longyear founded the town in 1906 to support the coal mining industry. The local custom of removing your shoes before entering a restaurant or hotel survives from those early years when coal dust was an issue. Coal mines are still operating in the Svalbard archipelago, although only a few as the area prepares to switch to a renewable power supply. The coal mine that you will see in Longyearbyen fuels the power plant that supplies the town’s energy. The most unusual attraction that you will pass is the Global Seed Vault, a safety deposit box of sorts that holds seeds from nearly a million varieties of food crops. The seeds are in a deep freeze in an icy mountain to protect them in case of a catastrophic world event.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a panoramic drive around Longyearbyen and the beautiful valley Adventdalen.
• Learn about Longyearbyen’s history as a coal mining town and see its sole remaining mine.
• Pass the Global Seed Vault, which holds seeds from all over the world in case of catastrophe.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Wear warm, layered clothing.
• Flat, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.