The Greatest High Arctic Town in the World! Longyearbyen (Svalbard) - A Cultural Travel Guide

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At over 78 degrees north, Longyearbyen is the last substantial settlement before the North Pole and the main administrative centre of the Svalbard archipelago. Once a tough mining town, it is now a centre for scientific research as well as a prime tourism destination. It provides a home to over 50 nationalities, taking advantage of the visa free rules enshrined in the Svalbard Treaty. Most of the conveniences of a modern Norwegian town are present, but with the significant added pressure of a location in a polar bear environment and the hardship of 84 days of darkness in winter.

In this film I am indebted to the contribution of Katie Herlingshaw and also the kindness of Stuart Thomson in providing added photography.