Moving to a country visa-free might sound like a dream for those wishing to get away without jumping through hoops in order to do it. There is a place where the truly adventurous can go... if they don't mind temperatures that are well below freezing, that is.
The Svalbard Islands are home to the northernmost inhabited locations on the planet, and moving there is no small feat. Even visiting there is quite a journey and it's not just due to its unique location. While the trip is easier from Norway, travelers will very soon realize that life in Svalbard is entirely different than anywhere else in the world.
Life In Svalbard
The most noticeable difference in Svalbard versus the rest of Norway is the fact that these islands are mostly undeveloped. With a population of only 2,500 people, there's really no need for anything more than adequate housing, grocery stores, a gas station (the most northern gas station in the world, in fact), and some restaurants and pubs. Of course, there's a hospital - but it's used mostly for minor injuries and can't be used for pregnancies or major surgeries. For that, people must fly to the mainland to be treated.
- Fact: There are more polar bears in Svalbard than actual human beings.
With that being said, one might wonder why these islands are worth visiting, and who would blame them? The arctic tundra, below freezing temps, and the threat of polar bears marching into town... Is there anything worth experiencing here? In short, the answer is yes.
Longyearbyen
The town of Longyearbyen has earned the title of being the northernmost town in the world and that alone is worth a visit.
Only Three Seasons?
Due to its location, all of Svalbard experiences a high of about 42 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, which means sunbathing isn't likely to be on the list of local hobbies. In fact, Longyearbyen only experiences three actual seasons: Polar summer, winter, and the northern lights winter.
The common trend is that, in reality, every season is really a 'winter' because it never warms up enough for the temperatures to be considered fall, spring, or summer-like. For four months out of the year, the sky remains bright and sunny, and during another four, the sky remains pitch black. In between, the Northern Lights can be seen dancing across the sky.
No-Visa Lifestyle
There are about 2,000 residents living in Longyearbyen at any one point in time, and none of them needed a visa in order to do so. Thanks to the Svalbard Treaty which declares that anyone can live and work on the island visa-free. The law was signed into effect following World War I and has been in place ever since. However, Svalbard does reserve the right to kick anyone off the islands should they display criminal behavior (crime is so low that there's only one sheriff, though) or should they be unable to care for themselves in such a place.
Today, Longyearbyen alone is home to 50 different nationalities, with people living there both from Norway and around the world.
What's There To Do In Svalbard?
It might seem like the activities this far north are limited but that's actually not the case at all. For those who can handle the cold, there's plenty to do and see in this practically untouched wilderness. According to Insider, the locals enjoy taking advantage of the snowy landscape by partaking in things such as snowmobiling, skiing, and dog sledding.
For travelers who are the adventurous type, there are a number of arctic tours that can be taken, including those which take guests around the islands via motorboat. Simply just walking around the island is an experience, though; there are plenty of glaciers, fjords, and mountains to see for those interested in Svalbard's natural beauty.
For anyone looking to get a local feel for a place like Longyearbyen, all they need to do is take a stroll into town. Everything is within walking distance, and it's not likely they'll be able to miss any major events. Longyearbyen does host events within the community every year, and nothing is better than seeing how people live and thrive on a small arctic island such as this. A trip to Svalbard is just as culturally rich as it is rich in scenery and wildlife, and there aren't many places this far north that can provide the same type of experience. And for that, anyone would tell a future visitor that the cold is worth it - just make sure to bundle up and pack an extra few layers. And maybe a parka.