 | A visit here leaves you on top of the world | | | I fulfilled a childhood dream last year by visiting Svalbard. This Norwegian archipelago is 500 miles from the North Pole, so I was literally and figuratively on top of the world. It has months of endless darkness followed by months of endless light and, for most of us, Svalbard feels removed not only from our normal lives but also from time itself. But that’s not the case for the 2500 people who call it home. Svalbard’s international residents are the most enthusiastic locals I’ve ever met on my travels. Nobody is born here; instead, everyone who lives here chooses to move to this extreme landscape and call it home and they feel very, very passionately about it. They were once visitors themselves, finding themselves drawn to live amongst glaciers and glittering snow. Cecilia Blomdahl has been living in Svalbard for seven years after initially planning to stay for three months. She entertains millions of people on her TikTok demystifying what it’s like to live in the northernmost town in the world, from power cuts, to polar bear scares and even explaining why cats are banned. Read on for tips from the most famous Svalbard expert in the world. | | | | | Destination Editor, Western Europe | | | | | Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Svalbard. | | | | | June is the best time for wildlife watching in Svalbard; you can spot walruses, reindeer, whales and yes, the famous polar bear. Read more about when to visit Norway. Tip: Want to see the Northern Lights? Go between October and February. | | | | | Most locals get around by snowmobile and, if you want to get out into the wilderness, you’ll have to hop on one too. Tip: When leaving Longyearbyen, you will need to have protection against polar bears (seriously). | | | Here are some other spectacular places to visit in July, like Wisconsin's tranquil lakes and Zanzibar's stunning beaches. | | | | Why did you move to Svalbard? | Eight years ago I hadn't even heard about Svalbard and knew nothing about this place! I got a job through some colleagues from Gothenburg who traveled here to work at a restaurant called Huset. My plan was to stay and work here for a few months, but I fell in love with the village and eight years later I'm still here! | What is the first thing you bring people to do when they come to Svalbard? | One of my favorite things to start a visit with is a hike up the plateau mountain. The hike starts in town and is short, but steep. It has incredible views over the village and surrounding areas. We end the hike with a visit to the Husky Café for the best coffee in town! | | | | | “I love Feburary and March when our world is covered in pink and blue hues, the snow has settled on the ground and all the winter adventures start." — Cecilia Blomdahl | | | What do people find most surprising when they come here? | I think what surprised me, and surprises many people who visit, is the modern vibe of the village. I think many expect to come to a small town like it is on the mainland, but Longyearbyen is different. We have everything from pub food to fine dining, local artists playing at the pubs to Patti Smith playing a concert at the Culture House. There is a lot more going on than you would expect from such a small arctic town. | What are the most common mistakes people make when they visit? | Bringing the wrong clothing! It took me about two years here on Svalbard to realize just how to dress for this climate, and the answer is wool, multiple layers, and shoes that are about 1–2 sizes too big (to allow for air to warm up and warm your feet). It is also important to plan ahead, research the weather well for the season you are visiting, and book all the adventures in advance. | What’s your favourite time of year in Svalbard and why? | What is so great about Svalbard is that every season offers something different... it is also therefore very difficult to choose a favourite one! The adventurer and photographer in me loves February and March, when our world is covered in pink and blue hues, the snow has settled on the ground and all the winter adventures start. But for anyone who isn't fond of cold snowmobile rides and skiing, I recommend any summer month between June and August. It offers up gorgeous fjord safaris with views of glaciers, whales and walruses. | | |  | Love travel inspiration in your inbox? | | | Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking here. | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
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