Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We are entering the Christmas season and yesterday's polar bear tracks near the town are a reminder that there may be polar bears in the area, so everyone going out on a trip during Christmas must take precautions.
Published 12/21/2023
Polar bear in Adventdalen
Fresh polar bear tracks have been observed in Adventdalen, approx. 250 meters out into the valley from the Longyearbyen dog yard. The tracks go in the direction of Justisen/Mälardalen. The Governor is now trying to locate the bear and urges the public to stay away from the area.
Published 12/14/2023
Never give your bank ID or password to anyone
The Governor has received inquiries about fraud of people in Longyearbyen. You should never give your bank ID or password to the police or other actors who call you.
Published 11/22/2023
NOK 100,000 fine for violating traffic ban in bird reserves
A local tourism company has been fined NOK 100,000 for violating the provision that all traffic in bird reserves is prohibited between 15 May and 15 August. The fine has been accepted.
Published 11/21/2023
Great avalanche danger on Svalbard Wednesday 22 November
NVE has notified that a high avalanche danger is expected - danger level 4 - on Wednesday 22 November in the region of Nordenskiöld Land and Svalbard east, west and south. There is no increased risk of avalanches in Longyearbyen itself according to the NGI avalanche forecast.
Published 10/30/2023
Be better prepared for a crisis
The theme for this year's self-preparedness week is to practice. We encourage all residents to practice and take the necessary measures to strengthen their own preparedness.
Published 10/25/2023
Fine of NOK 10,000 for driving on the tundra
A foreign tourist who drove a car onto the frozen tundra has been fined NOK 10,000 for breaking the rules of the Svalbard Environment Act. The fine has been accepted.
Published 10/20/2023
Extends temporary recognition of foreign driving licences
The Governor has decided to extend the temporary recognition of foreign driving licenses for class B on Svalbard until 31 March 2024.
Published 9/22/2023
100,000 in fines for violating traffic ban in bird reserves
A Norwegian shipping company has been fined NOK 100,000 for violating the provision that all traffic in bird reserves is prohibited between 15 May and 15 August. The fine has been accepted.
Published 9/16/2023
Do not touch dead birds
The Governor has received many reports of dead birds and asks the public not to touch them.