Longyearbyen

Library

bibliotek, lompensenteret 2f. this surprisingly comprehensive library has an excellent selection of books on svalbard some in english, a rather more limited selection of english fiction and, most useful of all, three free internet-connected pcs. beware the eccentric and limited opening hours: 11-17 mon/wed/thu, 11-14 tue/sat, closed fri, sun.

Svalbard Reiseliv

Nã¦ringsbygget next to lompen, tel. +47-7902-5551, email mailto:[email protected], (http://www.svalbard.net)). the official tourist information office, a mine of information for longyearbyen and the rest of svalbard. open 8 am to 4 pm weekdays, 10 am to 12 noon saturdays.

Perhaps more so than anywhere in the world, Longyearbyen is free from crime. The risk of being involved with any type of altercation or incident is practically nil, with the sole threat being from fellow visitors. It is not uncommon to see intoxicated tourists wandering around during the midnight sun in August, but despite the complete lack of visible law enforcement, problems are almost non-existent.

It is not advised that you leave the settlement limits clearly marked with signs bearing the picture of a polar bear. If you choose to do so, it is compulsory to carry a firearm which can be rented from the town. Travelling further afield requires explicit permission from the Governor of Svalbard, whose office is near the church.

As everywhere in Svalbard, it is critical to understand that all year round there is a significant threat from polar bears. However, polar bears are legally protected, and shooting a polar bear will be regarded very seriously by the police and investigated thoroughly.