Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, part of the Kingdom of Norway, is your last airport before the North Pole. Longyearbyen identifies itself as the northernmost town on earth, complete with the northernmost gas station, brewery, and church, and having more polar bears than people.

Counted six Black people while visiting, including myself and travel partner. There is no Native population. People were very kind and eager to meet others. We were not petted or stared at like some destinations. IYKYK.

– It is cold. Pack insulated pants and rugged boots. Sneakers are nonsensical. The terrain is rugged. There is gravel, dust, and dirt everywhere!
– This is NOT budget travel. It will cost you to get there, cost you to shop there, and cost you to eat there.
– Use Norwegian Kroner or, easiest, use a credit card (Mastercard or Visa).
– You can’t enter Svalbard without going through Norway.
– Flights: We did New York to Copenhagen to Oslo to Trumso to Longyearbyen.
– They have 24 hours of sunlight or 24 hours of pitch darkness depending on the time of year you visit.
– We saw no polar bears, but there are warning signs. Yes, there have been people seriously injured or unalived by bears. You are required by law to have a gun on you if you venture past warning signs.
– Don’t like outdoor activities, especially hiking or venturing on the sea? Don’t go. It will be boring. I don’t care what YouTubers say.
– Glaciers are STUNNING.
– The Coal Miners Cabins was a great place to stay. Pro-tip: Get the room w/the private bathroom and not one you have to share. A breakfast buffet is included, and their on-site restaurant was good. Bar staff were great.
– Take a lot of photographs.
– Whale for dinner? Never again.