Our planet has everything - from bustling cities to remote, icy corners. And thanks to Instagram reels and travel vlogs, we often feel like we have seen it all: New York's towering skyline, the dry drama of the Sahara, or the bright chaos of Bangkok. But few places feel as outlandish and quietly poetic as Longyearbyen in Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, this isolated town of just over 2,500 people is where rainbow-painted houses coexist with polar bears. It is also where you can enjoy a pint of freshly brewed craft beer, only 1,000 km from the North Pole. The place is surreal - not just because of the freezing cold and 24-hour daylight, but because it is home to Svalbard Bryggeri, a full-fledged brewery tucked into one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth. So what makes this place so special?
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The Northernmost Brewery on Earth Uses 2,000-Year-Old Glacier Water
Svalbard Bryggeri is not just about drinking beer in the Arctic. Founded in 2015, it came into being through sheer determination, harsh climate, and a few rewritten laws. At one time, Norwegian legislation prohibited commercial alcohol production in Svalbard to prevent miners from overindulging, which could have fatal consequences in such dangerous work conditions. But the founder of the brewery fought for an exception - and won.
What sets this brewery apart is its water source. It uses glacier water that is more than 2,000 years old, lending a unique clarity and crispness to the beer. “We use the Arctic's cleanest ingredient,” say the people behind it. With tours and tastings available, sipping a craft brew here is not just refreshing - it is a cultural and sensory experience crafted at the edge of civilisation.
What You Can Do In Longyearbyen, Norway (Apart From Drinking Beer)
There is more to Longyearbyen than beer and polar bears. Here is what this icy town offers:
1. Visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
What is inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault? Called the “Doomsday Vault,” this bunker is built into a mountain near the airport and houses over one million seed samples from around the world. Although you cannot enter the facility, just witnessing the futuristic entrance cut into the icy rock feels otherworldly. It is a global backup plan for agriculture and food security. Check out @sejsejlija's video!
2. Walk Through Arctic History at the North Pole Expedition Museum
Once a pig farm, this museum is now a tribute to Arctic adventurers. It chronicles expeditions by airship (like the Italia and Norge) and sledge, complete with telegrams, vintage photos, and original documents. The stories here are raw and humbling - full of daring, failure, and survival.
3. Visit Mine 3 and Experience Svalbard's Coal Mining Past
Coal mining shaped the very foundation of Longyearbyen. Mine 3 is now open to visitors and offers a guided walk-through tunnel beneath the mountain. You will see how miners once worked in pitch-dark freezing conditions - an eye-opener on what life here used to be like.
4. Floating Arctic Sauna in Svalbard: What To Expect
Photo: Unsplash
Yes, there is a floating sauna in Svalbard. SvalBad Sauna sits right on the Adventfjord and offers a steamy wooden retreat before you plunge into icy Arctic waters. It is half spa day, half daredevil stunt. All you need is a swimsuit and some courage.
5. Northern Lights in Winter and Midnight Sun in Summer
From November to February, the skies go pitch black and the aurora borealis dances above. Between April and August, it is the reverse: the sun never sets. You can sip coffee at midnight under a soft, golden sky or go hiking in what feels like daylight at 2 am. Both are equally magical.
6. Ice Caves, Dog-Sledging and Fjord Kayaking in the Arctic
Longyearbyen is a hub for outdoor adventures. You can explore sparkling ice caves via snowcat, go dog-sledging across white tundra, or kayak through glacier-carved fjords. It is adrenaline, silence, and staggering beauty all in one.
Best Time To Visit Svalbard (Norway) and See the Northern Lights
Photo: Unsplash
Here is when to plan your trip based on what you want to see:
Northern Lights: November to February (Polar Night season)
Midnight Sun: April to August (24-hour daylight)
Ice cave tours and dog-sledging: February to May
Kayaking and hiking: June to August
Each season brings a different kind of drama, so there is no wrong time—just different layers of surreal.
Also Read: 8 Water-Based Cities Around The World That Do Not Use Roads
How To Reach Svalbard (Norway) From India and Other Countries
Getting here is an adventure in itself. A quick guide:
From India: No direct flights. Connect via Oslo or Tromsø, Norway
Flights to Longyearbyen: Operated by SAS and Norwegian Air
Visa info: You must have a Schengen visa to visit Svalbard through Norway.
Travel tip: There are no visa checks in Longyearbyen, but you will need documents at your Norwegian stopover
On arrival: No metros, cabs or chain hotels—this is the Arctic, so pack patience and layers
Photo: Pexels
Why Birth And Death Are Not Allowed In Svalbard, Norway
Having a brewery near the North Pole is not even the wildest thing about Svalbard. The rules here are. Longyearbyen sits on permafrost, which means buried bodies do not decompose. After the remains of people who died from the 1918 flu pandemic started resurfacing, burials were banned in 1950. However, if a person dies in Svalbard, they are taken to the mainland for burial process.
There are no local cemeteries. Pregnant women must leave the island weeks before giving birth, as the town lacks facilities to handle complicated deliveries or medical emergencies. In Svalbard, birth and death are, quite literally, off the table.
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