Visit a Coal Mine of the Past

Step back in time and uncover the intriguing history of Longyearbyen, a town whose very existence can be traced back to the adventurous spirit of American pioneer, John Munro Longyear. In the early 1900s, his journey to Svalbard paved the way for the opening of Gruve 1 (Mine 1), a pivotal chapter in the Longyearbyen’s history. Our tour visits Gruve 3 (Mine 3), a 10-minute bus transfer from the ship.  

Inside, you’ll step into a world frozen in time, where the machinery and equipment left behind when production ceased offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s mining history. You can crawl through tunnels at the same low height that miners once endured, before venturing into the main tunnel. Excavated in the 1970s, it is a striking reminder of the industry’s evolution over the years.  

As you explore, you’ll learn more about the old-fashioned techniques that were once used to extract coal from these depths, a testament to the resilience of the miners who toiled here. Grab a piece of coal on your way out and bring home a locally produced souvenir.   

Before returning to the ship, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo outside the Global Seed Vault, an iconic Svalbard landmark.