What is life like in the encircled northern region of Norway? How do the land and people differ from Oslo?

by duck_shuck

7 comments

  1. You have a higher chance of encountering polar bears here than in Norway.

  2. polar bears, less people, wilderness, colder. Idk what else you’d expect on arctic islands

  3. For one, polar bears don’t occasionally wander through Oslo looking for a snack. I’m not a resident, but I have a loved one who lives in Longyearbyen and have visited there.

    It’s a beautiful place, but the weather (especially winter) can be rough. There are times when you might not have access to certain items if the planes that bring in goods have been grounded due to weather or mechanical issues. They stock up on necessities to avoid shortages, but they do happen.

    Several months of no sunlight is also not for the fainthearted. Employment and housing are normally connected, so it’s very difficult to secure housing if you’re not already employed or connected with the university. The hospital is very small, so if there’s a medical emergency or an upcoming birth, patients leave Svalbard for such needs and return when resolved.

    The airport is easily accessible as there are taxis and buses available for easy transportation. You cannot leave the settlement area without a rifle or an armed guide— polar bears are a very real threat. A man was killed the summer after I’d visited, so it’s something to be taken seriously.

    The population is diverse due to the Svalbard Treaty allowing citizens of signatory countries to live and work without the need of a special visa. There are thousands of permanent residents living quite normal lives. Though I’m sure it’s disruptive to their daily lives, they are very patient and gracious with tourists when the cruise ships start arriving in the summer. Like any area that caters to tourists, there are a variety of hotels, lovely shops and very high quality restaurants available.

    The Coop grocery store, Svalbardbutikken, has been upgraded and has a good selection of items. If they don’t have something you need in stock, they will gladly order it for you.

    There are many activities, opportunities and excursions to enjoy, but it’s a remote, small town feel and very different experience from Oslo. Not sure what else I can share. Perhaps some permanent residents can add details regarding their experiences.

  4. Lookup Cecilia Blomdahl on Youtube… she lives in Svalbard and makes lots of videos about life there. She’s Swedish I think tho… Not sure.

  6. There is not as much concerts there,for instance bruce springsteen has not been there,kim kardashian has not been there either or paris hilton

  7. Why did you make a circle when it’s everything on the map?

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