Cheap flights to Longyearbyen

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Flights to Longyearbyen: An adventure on the edge of the world

Longyearbyen, the northernmost city in the world, is a unique destination that attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Located on Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen offers a breathtaking landscape of glaciers, fjords and mountains populated by rich wildlife.

How to get to Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) is the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled public flights. It is served by SAS and Norwegian, which offer daily services to and from Oslo. The flight time is about 3 hours. For travelers from abroad, Oslo (OSL) is usually the first port of call from where you can take a connecting flight to Longyearbyen.

Tip: If you have a longer journey, you should make a stopover in Oslo. The Norwegian capital has many attractions to offer, including the Fram Museum, which is dedicated to Norwegian polar research.

From the airport to the city

The transfer time from the airport to Longyearbyen city centre is a maximum of 15 minutes. You can choose between a shuttle bus and a taxi. Walking from the airport is not recommended due to the risk of polar bear encounters.

  • Shuttle bus: The shuttle bus of the Svalbard Bus Service is the cheapest option (75 NOK per adult). The blue buses are located directly in front of the airport building and depart as soon as the luggage of a flight is completely unloaded. They will take you directly to your hotel.

  • Taxi: Taxis are also available in front of the airport building. The cost of the trip is about NOK 200.

Where to stay in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen offers a variety of accommodation including hotels, guesthouses, hostels and even a campsite. Please note that accommodation is often fully booked early in the summer months. It is therefore best to book your accommodation at the same time as your trip.

Here is a selection of hotels:

  • Svalbard Hotell: The Vault and the Polarferen are two boutique hotels with different themes and designs.

  • Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen: A 4-star hotel with rooms with arctic views, fireplace lounge, jacuzzi and sauna.

  • Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg: A former coalworker's barracks converted into a charming hotel.

  • Funken Lodge: A boutique hotel with stunning views over Longyearbyen and the surrounding glaciers.

  • Basecamp hotel: A hotel with rustic ambiance and recycled furniture inspired by Arctic trapper huts.

In addition, there are also guesthouses, hostels and private accommodations:

  • Coal Miners’ Cabins: A former coalworker's barracks with modern rooms.

  • Gjestehuset 102: A hostel with shared rooms and single/double rooms.

  • Hagen Pensjonat: A guesthouse without reception, which is mainly aimed at self-catering.

  • Airbnb: On Airbnb you will find a number of private rooms, apartments and cottages.

  • Rysskyi Cathedral: A simple and cheap hostel.

  • Longyearbyen Camping: The campsite near the airport is the cheapest accommodation option.

Activities in and around Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is an ideal starting point for various activities and day trips. Take a few days to explore the city and its surroundings.

  • Museums: Visit the Svalbard Museum to learn more about Spitsbergen's history, geology and wildlife. The North Pole Expedition Museum offers insights into the history of polar research.

  • Svalbard Brewery: Take a guided tour of the world's northernmost brewery and learn how beer is brewed from 2,000-year-old glacier water.

  • Svalbard Kirke: Longyearbyen Church is open 24 hours a day.

  • Svalbard Global Seed Vault: The Global Seed Vault is a secure facility for storing seed duplicates from global gene banks.

  • Gruve 3 Coal mine: Explore a former coal mine and gain insight into the lives of Arctic miners.

  • Boat trips: In summer, day trips to Pyramiden or Barentsburg are offered, where you can observe whales, polar bears, seals and various bird species.

  • Kayaking: Longyearbyen is an ideal place for kayaking. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Cycling: Various bike tours are offered, both private tours and tours in small groups.

  • Riding: In summer, you can take part in horseback riding tours and explore the Spitsbergen wilderness on the back of an Icelandic horse.

  • ATV safaris: Explore the fascinating landscapes of Spitsbergen with the ATV.

  • Hiking: There are fantastic hiking opportunities in the area around Longyearbyen. Note that all hikes must be conducted with an armed guide.

  • Dog sledding: Explore the scenic landscapes around Longyearbyen by dog sledding. In summer, dog sledding tours on wheels are also offered.

  • Snowmobiling: In winter, guided snowmobile tours are offered, during which you can explore the vast ice landscapes of Spitsbergen.

More tips for your trip to Longyearbyen:

  • Northern lights: Longyearbyen is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The best time to do this is winter, when it is dark for 24 hours.

  • Currency: The official currency in Spitsbergen is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). There are no ATMs in Spitsbergen, so you should bring enough cash. However, credit cards are accepted in most shops and facilities.

  • Security: Outside the safe zone of Longyearbyen, you must be accompanied by an armed guide to protect yourself from polar bears.

A trip to Longyearbyen is an unforgettable experience. The unique landscape, rich wildlife and diverse activities make Longyearbyen an attractive destination for those seeking adventure and experiencing the beauty of the Arctic.

Food and drink in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen offers a surprisingly large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Here you can enjoy local specialties such as reindeer, seal meat and Arctic fish.

  • Kroa: Traditional Norwegian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere.

  • Huset: Gourmet restaurant with a focus on Nordic cuisine and Arctic ingredients.

  • Functional measurements: Restaurant with international cuisine and stunning views over Longyearbyen.

  • Gruvelageret: Restaurant in a former coal mine with Arctic cuisine.

  • Stations: Restaurant with daily specials and a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

  • NUGA Sushi: Sushi restaurant with an arctic touch.

Events in Longyearbyen

Various events take place throughout the year in Longyearbyen, including:

  • Polar Jazz Festival: Jazz Festival in January.

  • Arctic Chamber Music Festival: Classical music festival in February.

  • Sun Festival Week: Celebrations of the return of the sun in March.

  • Spitsbergen marathon: Marathon in June.

  • Longyearbyen Pride: Pride Festival in August.

  • Longyearbyen Literary Festival: Literature Festival in September.

  • Beer festival: Beer festival in September.

  • Taste Svalbard Food Festival: Food Festival in October.

  • Dark Season Blues Festival: Blues festival at the end of October.

Other interesting facts:

  • In Longyearbyen there are separate "roads" for snowmobiles.

  • There is only one supermarket in Longyearbyen.

  • Longyearbyen residents are used to living next to reindeer.

  • In many buildings, it is common to take off your shoes.

  • The streets in Longyearbyen have numbers instead of names.

  • Longyearbyen has a university centre with 300 students.

  • It is not uncommon to see whales swimming in the fjord from the window.

Longyearbyen is a place full of contrasts and surprises. The mix of Arctic wilderness, modern infrastructure and vibrant culture make up the charm of this unique city. Whether you're looking for adventure, enjoying nature or just seeking the tranquility away from civilization, Longyearbyen has something for everyone.

 

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Svalbard (LYR): Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) is the main airport of Svalbard and is served by several airlines.
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