Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands

Highlights of Longyearbyen

Panoramic Drive and Svalbard Museum Visit Discover what life in the Arctic is like during a drive through Longyearbyen and a visit to the Svalbard Museum. Founded by American businessman John Longyear as a mining town, the capital city of the Svalbard archipelago is now home to approximately 1,800 residents—many of whom are still employed by the mining industry. Get an impression of everyday life in this unforgiving environment as you travel past residential homes, schools and the hospital en route to the museum. Dedicated to showcasing the interplay between people and nature in the Arctic, the museum is a repository of natural and cultural history. Through models, reconstructed environments and authentic artifacts, gain insight into the story of Svalbard, from 17th-century whalers to present-day mining, research and tourism. After time to view the exhibits you will return to your ship. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.