Svalbard Kirke

Longyearbyen


The wooden Svalbard Kirke was first built in the 1920s but later rebuilt after being destroyed in the German invasion of WWII. It's a largely modern affair, although the mural behind the altar has an appealing simplicity. The church claims, with no apparent danger of contradiction, to be the world's northernmost church. It's usually left open, but services take place at 11am on Sunday and 7pm on Tuesday.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Longyearbyen attractions

1. Wooden Steps

0.03 MILES

Some 50m south of Svalbard Kirke stand five weathered wooden steps, all alone, and a sign, 'Sykhustrappa' (Hospital Stairs). This is all that remains of…

2. Wild Photo Gallery

0.37 MILES

This gallery of stunning Svalbard photos by Ole Jørgen Liodden and Roy Mangersnes is small but filled with utterly unforgettable images. A book that…

3. Graveyard

0.41 MILES

Southwest of the town centre lies a haunting little graveyard with simple white, wooden crosses. It dates from the early 20th century and includes the…

4. Svalbard Museum

0.55 MILES

Museum is the wrong word for this impressive exhibition space. Themes on display include life on the edge formerly led by whalers, trappers, seal and…

5. Svalbard Bryggeri

0.57 MILES

Having opened for business in 2015, Svalbard's very own brewery makes the very quaffable Spitsbergen IPA, Spitsbergen Pilsener and Spitsbergen Pale Ale –…

6. North Pole Expedition Museum

0.6 MILES

This fascinating private museum houses a stunning collection of artefacts, original newspapers and other documents relating to the history of polar…

7. Kunstnersenteret

1.06 MILES

Attached to the Galleri Svalbard is the Kunstnersenteret, which serves as a workshop for local artists, with many of the works on sale.

8. Galleri Svalbard

1.07 MILES

Galleri Svalbard features the Svalbard-themed works of renowned Norwegian artist Kåre Tveter (1922–2012), so pure and cold they make you shiver, as well…