Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Svalbard Act on 14 August
We are celebrating that August 14th marks 100 years since Svalbard became part of the Kingdom of Norway. HRH Crown Prince Haakon, Prime Minister Støre and Minister of Justice Aas-Hansen will attend the celebration.
The incorporation of Svalbard as part of the Kingdom of Norway occurred through the entry into force of the Svalbard Act on 14 August 1925. Since then, Svalbard, which in area constitutes an area as large as Norway south of Dovre, has been part of what, according to Section 1 of the Constitution, is a "free, independent, indivisible and inalienable kingdom."
This will be celebrated in Longyearbyen on Thursday, 14 August 2025. HRH Crown Prince Haakon, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Justice Astrid Aas-Hansen will participate in parts of the program.
The celebration will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sverdrup memorial stone at Huset and at the monument to fallen miners.
At 11:00 there will be an anniversary service in Svalbard Church, and at 11:50 there will be a ceremony at the monument on Skjæringa and a flag raising at 12:00.
At 13:30 there will be a public celebration and entertainment on the square in Longyearbyen. The day will end with a festive performance in Longyearbyen Cultural Centre at 17:00.
A more detailed program for the day will be available at the beginning of August.
Press accreditation
Press wishing to cover the celebrations in Longyearbyen on 14 August, must apply for accreditation with the Governor of Svalbard by 1 August at 4:00 p.m. Full name and media outlet are a prerequisite for accreditation. Accreditation requires a valid press card or equivalent.
Applications should be sent by email to firmapost@sysselmesteren.no. Mark the email with “Press accreditation – Svalbard Act 100 years”.
A separate press program will be sent to accredited press at the beginning of August.
We would like to point out that August is the peak season for tourism, and there may be few flights and hotel accommodations available during this period, and we encourage the press to book tickets as soon as possible.