Longyearbyen : Profile

Location

Longyerbyen is the administrative centre of Svalbard, with a permanent population of about 2,000 people.

Facilities at the main settlement at Longyerbyen have improved greatly recently.

Clearance

The Governor’s office (Syselmannen) deals with all formalities. Visiting yachts must obtain a cruising permit before arrival and make arrangements for special insurance to cover the possible cost of a search and rescue operation. Also compulsory is having a gun to protect the crew from possible attacks by polar bears, of which there have been several in recent years. Those who do not possess a gun can hire one locally. SAR insurance cover is also available locally but is probably much cheaper if it is arranged through one’s own insurance company or bank.

Docking

There is now a pontoon for visiting yachts next to the new wharf (78°13.68’N, 15°36.58’E). A charge is made for the use of the pontoon.

Anchoring is free and one can use the pontoon to leave the dinghy. Nearby is a small building with showers (5 NK), washing machine and dryer.

Related Reports

Proof of Competency for European Countries (04 Nov 2011)

Good News if Planning a Cruise to Norway (14 Oct 2011)

Cruising Norway 2010 Notes and Comments (29 Dec 2010)

VAT and Schengen Visa Clarification  (04 Jul 2010)

The Norwegian Cruising Guide 2009 Edition Now Available (03 Jun 2010)

Norweigan Cruising Guide 2010 - Ebook and in Print (03 Jun 2010)

European Regulations Regarding Insurance Cover and AIS Equipment  (13 Sep 2009)

Norway: Book Review (01 Nov 2007)

The Norwegian "Intra-Coastal" from the Naze to Risoer (28 Feb 2005)

Useful Tips on Cruising Norway (22 Jan 2004)

Anchoring in Norway Not A Problem (12 Apr 2003)

Cruising the south east coast (20 May 2002)

Related News

European Inspectors Focus on Yacht Safety  (29 Dec 2011)

Good News for Boats Wishing to Cruise in Norway (07 Oct 2011)

Atlantic Ocean: Norwegian Yacht Missing - Now Safely Arrived in Ireland (26 Sep 2011)

Norway: New Sailing Guide for Svalbard (26 May 2011)

Some Good News Regarding the International Certificate of Competence (07 Apr 2011)

Yachts in Europe: New Marine Safety Inspections from Jan 2011  (06 Jan 2011)

New Attainable Adventure Cruising Website for Northern Latitudes (20 Sep 2010)

Reminder of the Effect of the Schengen Regulations (06 Sep 2009)

Ice packs and little auks: from Greenland to Spitsbergen (11 Oct 2005)