#13700 Thriving During the Polar Night in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

Capital of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, at 78° north, Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly settlement of significant size. Two-thousand residents live in this colourful, affluent Arctic community where records of northernmost abound: the world’s northernmost university, kindergarten, hospital, bank, bus station, art gallery, etc. Originally a mining community, today Longyearbyen also attracts researchers and tourists. Stunningly located by the Isfjord, it’s perfect for hiking, skiing, kayaking, glacier walking, dog-sledding and snowmobiling. Sun’s up 24/7 mid-April to mid-August. Even more exciting is the long polar night: no sun at all between mid-November and late January. Crime is practically non-existent but polar bears roam the neighbourhood, so if you want to venture out of town, you must carry a gun (can be rented). Don’t think about hunting those large Arctic teddies, though. They’re protected and every shooting is thoroughly investigated.