Meet the People Who Call the Arctic Home

At first glance, Svalbard seems like a place ruled by nature—glaciers, polar bears, and endless snowfields. But there’s a heartbeat beneath the ice. Around 2,500 people live in Longyearbyen, the main settlement, and each one brings something unique to life at the edge of the world. From scientists and guides to chefs and artists, the human presence in Svalbard adds warmth to the Arctic chill.

People here come from more than 50 nationalities, drawn by science, adventure, or the rare social structure of a visa-free territory. There’s no indigenous population, but Svalbard’s mix of Norwegians, Thais, Russians, Ukrainians, and more creates a fascinating cultural blend. It’s not uncommon to meet a glaciologist having coffee with a snowmobile mechanic or a Thai cook trading stories with a polar bear guard.

Locals tend to be practical, open-minded, and resourceful. Living in such a remote place demands cooperation. There’s a strong sense of community—you’ll see it in the way people help each other, how quickly newcomers are welcomed, and how locals balance extreme solitude with social events, from art exhibitions to trivia nights.

Daily life in Svalbard has its quirks. There are no roads between settlements, so everything moves by snowmobile, boat, or plane. There’s a ban on dying and burying bodies in Longyearbyen due to permafrost, and carrying a rifle outside town is recommended because of the risk of polar bear encounters. Despite this, there’s a casual rhythm to life—children go to school, shops open on schedule, and neighbors wave from behind fur-lined hoods.

Those who stay long-term often speak of how the Arctic changes their pace and priorities. The silence, the light, and the closeness to nature are transformative. At the same time, the harsh conditions mean people rely on one another more deeply than in most places. It creates friendships that last well beyond the snow.

Visiting Svalbard is often about landscapes and wildlife—but don’t overlook its people. They’re as much a part of the experience as the mountains and the ice. Sit down for a conversation, and you’ll likely walk away with stories you’ll never forget.