What to do on Svalbard?
During winter time, you should not miss a Northern Lights safari, and throughout the summer many join our boat safaris or kayak expeditions on the Isfjord. If you're also a foodie, we definitely have something for you, and both Huset and Funktionaermessen Restaurant are renown for their gourmet artistry.
Culinary Experiences in Longyearbyen and Beyond
Svalbard may lie on the edge of the world, but its culinary scene is anything but remote. Longyearbyen offers an impressive array of dining experiences that blend Arctic tradition and produce with international flair and techniques. Whether you're seeking fine dining, hearty comfort food, or a rustic, fireside meal under the stars, Svalbard delivers a surprising variety and quality.
For an immersive Arctic experience, head out of Longyearbyen to Camp Barentz. Here, guests gather around an open fire in a replica of the cabin that the discoverer of Svalbard, Willem Barentz, overwintered in on Novaya Zemlya in 1596. Enjoy a local favourite reindeer stew, and listen to tales of polar bears and early explorers - sometimes under the northern lights or midnight sun. Or for something a bit closer to home, you can enjoy the best pizza in town at Barentz Gastropub, the world's most northern pub.
One of the crown jewels of Arctic cuisine is Huset, a legendary establishment housed in a former miners’ mess hall. Today, it’s home to one of Norway’s most renowned wine cellars and a gourmet kitchen that artfully reimagines Nordic ingredients. Think reindeer tartare, Arctic char, and cloudberries served in a sleek, candlelit interior that feels both modern and rooted in history. Equally refined is Funktionærmessen Restaurant, located within the elegant Funken Lodge. Once the dining hall for mining officials, it now serves elevated dishes, offering everything from king crab to perfectly aged steaks in a warm, atmospheric setting with sweeping views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Of course, these highlights are just the beginning. Longyearbyen is home to numerous other cafes, restaurants, and bakeries that reflect its international population, from Thai street food to Arctic-fusion cuisine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or warming up after a dogsled trip, Svalbard’s culinary scene offers flavours as bold and unforgettable as the landscape itself.
Attractions, Culture & Events
Svalbard offers far more than just breathtaking Arctic landscapes - it’s also a vibrant hub of culture, attractions, and events, especially in Longyearbyen, the heart of the archipelago. Despite its remote location, this small polar town brims with experiences that surprise and delight visitors from around the globe.
Culture takes centre stage at the Svalbard Museum, where the archipelago’s rich history of polar exploration, trapping, mining, and wildlife is brought to life through immersive exhibits. But culture in Longyearbyen goes beyond history. Throughout the town, you will find many art galleries showcasing contemporary works by local and international artists, often inspired by the stark beauty and solitude of the Arctic. These creative spaces offer a striking contrast to the wild environment outside, reflecting how deeply nature shapes life and art on Svalbard.
For unforgettable attractions, Longyearbyen doesn’t disappoint. There are multiple sites throughout the town, but one of the most iconic is the Polar Bear warning sign - a quirky, must-see symbol of life on the edge of the wilderness. Or venture to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a secure, futuristic facility built deep into the permafrost, safeguarding the planet’s agricultural heritage in case of global catastrophe. Just as compelling is the island’s mining history, which shaped the very foundations of Longyearbyen. While the last Norwegian coal mine officially closed in 2025, remnants of the mining era are scattered across the landscape - from weathered mining towers and machinery to guided tours and museum exhibits that tell the story of those who once carved out a life beneath the ice and rock.
Throughout the year, events and festivals bring the community to life, offering music, sport, and celebration in every season. Enjoy the soulful rhythms of Polarjazz, the world’s northernmost jazz festival in January, or catch the icy beats of Dark Season Blues as the polar night begins in October. For the more adventurous, the Svalbard Skimarathon in April draws cross-country skiers from around the world to compete under wide Arctic skies.
Add to that tax-free shopping, a surprisingly diverse dining scene, and lively bars where locals and travellers swap stories beneath the midnight sun or shimmering auroras, and you’ll find that Svalbard offers a world of unexpected experiences, just 1,300 kilometres from the North Pole.
