6 Best Sights in Svalbard, Norway

Opening in 1971, Gruve 3 was abandoned in 1996 with all the old equipment still in situ. Now that the last of Svalbard's coal mines has officially closed and the industry is no longer, this mine is the ideal place to learn more about the history of coal mining in Svalbard. Tours last three hours and venture deep into the main tunnel, where you'll also pass a seed vault (not the Global Seed Vault) and the Arctic World Archive. Add a short visit to Taubanesentralen (the cable car station) on the hillside to see the heart of the coal transportation system. Tours pick you up at your hotel.

If the weather is frosty, head to this popular gallery. One of Norway's most admired artists, Kåre Tveter, donated 40 illustrations to this collection. The "Arctic Light Over Svalbard" slide show is an eye-opening look at what makes this area special. Centuries-old maps and books fill an adjacent exhibition room, and copies of many can be purchased in the unique gift shop.

This gallery, focusing on contemporary art, is part of the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, based in Tromsø, and showcases interesting changing exhibits. It's also a popular meeting place, with a blockbuster-showing cinema, light-drenched café, and gift store all sharing the space.

This museum presents the history of expeditions to the North Pole that started from Svalbard, namely the story of three airships: America (1907–09), Norge (1926), and Italia (1928). It also documents the search-and-rescue expeditions that caused Roald Amundsen and others to lose their lives. Kids love the models ships, airplanes, and airships on display and may pester you to get one of their own in the museum shop.

In addition to being used for services, Svalbard's only church also functions as a cozy spot to relax with a cup of coffee or tea and a traditional Norwegian waffle, post-service. Completely destroyed during World War II, this new church was a symbol of the city's rebirth, and the baptismal font was a gift to the town from Norwegian king Haakon VII. The candlesticks on the altar, the baptismal font, and the baptismal dish are the only things that remain from the original church, built by architect Hans Magnus.

This museum portrays Svalbard's 400-year history from the discovery of the archipelago onward, including 17th-century whaling, the life of Norwegian trappers, and the relatively recent coal mining in Longyearbyen and the surrounding area. It's a great introduction to the archipelago, especially when you combine it with local tours and excursions.