Barentsburg
Баренцбург
Swimming
This Arctic mining town is home to a cat that's spent years masquerading as a fox.

📜 Barentsburg is the second-largest settlement in Svalbard, Norway, primarily a Russian coal mining town.
🔍 It sits on the shores of the beautiful Grønfjord, offering a glimpse into its historical charm.

Why Go

⛏️ Tour operating mines
🏛️ Visit the Barentsburg Pomor Museum
🍻 Sample local rum concoction at Red Bear Brewery
🐈 Discover the story of Kesha, the cat masquerading as a fox

Why Avoid

🚗 No roads connect to Longyearbyen
🚁 Access primarily by boat, snowmobile, or helicopter
🥶 Tundra climate with very cold, snowy winters

Tips

🏨 Consider an overnight stay at Barentsburg Hotel or Pomor Hostel.
🚢 Tourists typically arrive via a 2-3-hour boat trip from Longyearbyen.

🅿️ Parking

Heliport at Heerodden, 4 km north.

🗺️ Transportation

Distance from Longyearbyen is about 55 km.
Most contact by boat, snowmobile, and helicopter.

🌡️ Climate

Tundra climate, short, chilly summers, long, very cold, snowy winters.
Snowfall possible in any month.

🔬 Science & Culture

Athletic complex with heated seawater swimming pool.
Year-round meteorological observatory.

Last updated 2 days ago

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Please verify key info.