The Svalbard Line – South from Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is a small coal-mining town on Spitsbergen Island, in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. This Arctic town is known for its views of the Northern Lights. The modern Svalbard Museum chronicles the region’s natural and cultural history. It includes a stuffed polar bear. Live bears can occasionally be seen in the area. The North Pole Expeditions Museum recounts early efforts to reach the pole by air.

Ny-Ålesund is a small town in Oscar II Land on the island of Spitsbergen in Svalbard, Norway. It is situated on the Brøgger peninsula and on the shore of the bay of Kongsfjorden. The company town is owned and operated by Kings Bay, which provides facilities for permanent research institutes from ten countries.

Stokmarknes is the settlement and administration centre in Hadsel Municipality on the north side of the Hadseløya. Among the population of only 3,200, you will find people from 25 nations, many of them attracted by job opportunities in the fishing industry.

In Stokmarknes you find the museum of Hurtigruten, offering a journey through time along the coast. See the changes that have been made on board the ships over the last 120 years, and hear darker tales of shipwrecks and loss of life, also part of Hurtigruten’s history. Next to the museum you’ll find the old ship MS Finnmarken as an impressive landmark.

Brønnøysund is situated on a narrow peninsula on the mainland, surrounded by islands and water. Here, you’re actually half way on the long northbound stretch of land that is Norway. The small coastal town of 5,000 inhabitants is centred on the narrow, but strategically situated harbour, which caters for all trade and fishing. It is a vibrant and pretty little town with an attractive visitors’ marina. Use some time to stroll around the streets – perhaps a walk along Havnegata, where you can enjoy looking at the small boats and bustling life of the archipelago. Sample the street life and go into one of the pubs, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the restaurants.

Ålesund is mostly known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture, which was in fact the result of a disaster. In 1904, the larger part of Ålesund was destroyed in a devastating fire. In an act of excellent foresight, it was decided to rebuild the town entirely in Art Nouveau, the fashionable style of the time. Most of this beauty has been preserved. If you look up as you explore the town, you will be enchanted by the rounded towers, sinuous lines and foliate forms typical of Art Nouveau.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, and one of the most popular attractions of the world: the fjords. The city offers the ideal combination of nature, culture, history and exhilarating city life. What has made Bergen famous is its unique charm, which is something you have to experience for yourself. Enjoy strolling around the old streets and alleyways where people have lived for centuries.

Walking through UNESCO-listed Bryggen’s narrow alleyways, made even darker and more mysterious by overhanging balconies, feels like stepping back in time. Bryggen is not a museum but part of the cultural heritage that is still in use – a living historical area of the city. The Fløibanen Funicular is a very popular attraction, running from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen in about 7 minutes. From the viewing platform you can admire spectacular views of the city, mountains and fjords. In addition to the wide range of hikes, you’ll find a restaurant, café, souvenir shop and playground.