Longyearbyen, Norway

John Munro Longyear, an American who founded the Arctic Coal Company in the region in 1906, is the namesake of this vibrant town. Even though there is currently only one mine operating in Longyearbyen, its coal mining past is still clearly visible in many of the structures. The town is the most northern town in the entire world and is located on the Svalbard archipelago. To fend off the cold and frost, the main street of the town's colorful wooden house rows are raised on piles. The motivation for the colorful houses is still a mystery, though. Some residents speculate that it might have served as a way to spread cheer and joy during the town's gloomy industrial past.

Svalbard's administrative center has something for everyone, whether you are looking for vibrant cultural offerings, the tranquillity of the majestic and endless world of ice, or planning a visit to one of the restaurants offering a taste of the Arctic. The cultural calendar is jam-packed with annual festivals, exhibitions, and events, so visitors will never be bored. Longyearbyen also has galleries, museums, and a variety of restaurants that specialize in local produce and Arctic specialties.

Many Longyearbyen locals refer to this feeling as the "Svalbard bug," which explains why so many people call this place home. They can proudly say that Longyearbyen is a place they can call "home" because of the people, unity, and nature. According to Statistics Norway, a person stays in Longyearbyen for about seven years on average.

Longyearbyen, a city of about 2000 people that is a part of a larger group of islands that make up Svalbard, is an example of how interesting places and vibrant cities tend to be found at the edges of our world. The warm locals, unusual wildlife, Arctic phenomena, and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains that guards the thriving city are what make Longyearbyen so beautiful. Set out on your own Arctic adventure!