10 things you might not know about Svalbard

Svalbard – this remarkable archipelago, located almost halfway to the North Pole, offers breathtaking scenery and extraordinary wildlife. Adventurers, scientists, and curious travelers from all over the world are drawn here, and a small number of people live here year-round. We've gathered 10 fun and interesting facts you might not know about this unique place.

1. Over 50 nationalities live in Svalbard

Since no visa or work permit is required to live on Svalbard (as long as you can support yourself), the archipelago has become home to people from all over the world. There are no social safety nets, and if you lack income, you may be asked to leave the archipelago.

2. You can neither be born nor buried here

Due to the permafrost, which prevents bodies from decomposing, it is no longer permitted to be buried on Svalbard. There is also no maternity ward at the hospital in Longyearbyen, and pregnant women are usually flown to the mainland a couple of weeks before their due date.

3. There are no roads between the settlements

Forget road signs and car trips. The communities on Svalbard have no road connections – here, people get around by boat, plane/helicopter, or snowmobile.

7. The world’s northernmost brewery

Svalbard Bryggeri in Longyearbyen is known for brewing beer using water partly sourced from the Bogerbreen glacier, which is over 2,000 years old.

8. Unexpected plant life

The Arctic climate, permafrost, and rugged terrain mean that less than 10% of the landmass has vegetation. Despite this, everything from hardy mosses and lichens to small flowering plants grows here during the short but intense summer. Svalbard is home to no fewer than 164 native plant species – along with a few introduced by humans.