Arctic beer
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Svalbard Brewery

4.7
·603 reviews·Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Experience the world's northernmost brewery, crafting unique beers with Arctic glacier water in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday afternoons

Brewery is open for tastings

CrowdMedium
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Arctic beer

Svalbard Brewery

Best Time

Friday afternoons

Brewery is open for tastings

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the world's northernmost brewery, crafting unique beers with Arctic glacier water in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

4.7
(603 reviews)

"An absolute must visit when in Svalbard! Awesome brewery in a magical setting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍻 Try the Local Brews

Sample craft beers made with pure Arctic glacier water. Available locally and sometimes in supermarkets.

🚶 Walk from Town

The brewery is walkable from Longyearbyen town center, offering scenic Arctic views.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Northernmost Brewery

World's Northernmost Brewery

Experience craft beer brewed at the top of the world. A unique taste of the Arctic!

Instagram
Arctic Glacier Water Beer

Arctic Glacier Water Beer

Taste beers made with pure glacial meltwater, a true taste of Svalbard's environment.

Instagram
Brewery's Green Initiative

Brewery's Green Initiative

Learn how they use brew waste to heat water, making this Arctic brewery surprisingly eco-friendly.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Arctic Brews & Laws

Svalbard Brewery is the world's northernmost brewery! Brewing was illegal here for nearly a century, so its existence is a unique story. Plan your visit as it's often only open on specific days, like Friday afternoons. Instagram

Polar Bear Safety First

Longyearbyen is known for polar bears, so be aware of safety signs. While the brewery itself is safe, venturing outside requires caution. Enjoy your Arctic beer responsibly! Instagram

Best Times

When
Friday afternoons
Why
Brewery is open for tastings
Crowd
Medium
When
When open
Why
Check opening days
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Going to get a pint in the Arctic, the most Northerly pub on planet Earth! Thanks to @Airalo United Kingdom 🇬🇧 they’ll sort you out with data plans when you travel, you know where the link is! #svalbard #longyearbyen #britishhumour #ukcomedy #PlacesToVisit #satire #LearnOnTikTok
@philc84
144.7K likes • 1.5M views

🍻 Try the Local Brews

Sample craft beers made with pure Arctic glacier water. Available locally and sometimes in supermarkets. InstagramReddit

🚶 Walk from Town

The brewery is walkable from Longyearbyen town center, offering scenic Arctic views. Reddit

Replying to @Sarahlovesparis flying into the most northern town in the world - longyearbyen in svalbard! #annualleave #travelcontentcreator #30before30 #budgettravel #svalbard #northpole #cheapflights #lowbudgettravel #arcticcircle #minimalistpacking #handluggageonly
@emsbudgettravel
2.6K likes • 64.1K views
This is the world’s most northern brewery. Located in Svalbard, which is about halfway between the North Pole and continental Norway, this brewery produces about half a million litres of beer each year using water from nearby glaciers. Context’s @alberthan_ visited Svalbard to find out more about how the brewery is trying to go green. ➡️ Follow @contextnewsroom for part two.
contextnewsroom
57 likes • 1.5K views

🐻 Polar Bear Awareness

Be mindful of polar bear safety signs in Svalbard. The brewery is safe, but outdoor caution is key. Instagram

📅 Check Opening Hours

The brewery has limited opening hours, often only on Friday afternoons. Plan accordingly! TikTok

🍻 This is the world’s most northern brewery. Located in Svalbard, this brewery burns brew waste to heat water for their beer production, using less coal powered electricity. Context’s @alberthan_ visited Svalbard to learn more about how the brewery is going green.
contextnewsroom
30 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🍻 Try the Local Brews

Sample craft beers made with pure Arctic glacier water. Available locally and sometimes in supermarkets. InstagramReddit

🚶 Walk from Town

The brewery is walkable from Longyearbyen town center, offering scenic Arctic views. Reddit

🐻 Polar Bear Awareness

Be mindful of polar bear safety signs in Svalbard. The brewery is safe, but outdoor caution is key. Instagram

📅 Check Opening Hours

The brewery has limited opening hours, often only on Friday afternoons. Plan accordingly! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(603 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Svalbard Brewery is lauded for its unique location and the fascinating story behind its establishment. Visitors praise the excellent craft beers, knowledgeable staff, and the cool atmosphere. Some find the tasting process a bit slow or the space small, and note the limited opening hours, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its novelty and quality.

"Awesome brewery in a magical setting. Excellent craft beers, very knowledgeable staff hosting the tastings. Great atmosphere, super cool view of the fermenters. An absolute must visit when in Svalbard!"

Nicola Jayne Cleaver

"Very interesting story and a nice change of pace!

We walked in and were greeted by two quite charismatic guides who sat us down and talked to us a bit about the history of the brewery and how they changed the local laws to allow for a brewery in Svalbard.

Overall it was quite informative, and if you like bitter craft beers you’re in for a treat. I personally didn’t like most the beers I tried but I’m not a craft beer drinker generally and I enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

You don’t actually see much of the brewery other than through the window from the top floor, but it’s not huge so it’s not a big problem.

There are a few things I think could’ve been better:

They serve the beers one by one so you can’t really go between them and compare unless you save some of each beer (which means they get warm)

I was solo and they sat me down at a table with a big group, so I felt a bit isolated. Maybe could’ve been nicer to put all the solo people together.

As other reviews mentioned, there’s no hotel pickup or snacks, but they’re likely running a thin profit margin producing beers up in the arctic so I can forgive them for that!"

Jon W

"Perfect local brewery close to cruise ship dock. Prices fair. Space a bit too small. But perfect for a drink before boarding."

Bojan Budeš

What People Like

World's northernmost brewery
Excellent craft beers
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Limited opening hours
Small space
Slow tasting process

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Svalbard Brewery is located in Longyearbyen, the main settlement on Svalbard. It's a walkable distance from most accommodations in town. Many visitors find it a pleasant stroll, offering views of the unique Arctic landscape. TikTokReddit

Yes, flying into Longyearbyen (LYR) is surprisingly straightforward. There are direct flights from mainland Norway, making it accessible. The flight itself offers spectacular window seat views as you descend into the Arctic. TikTok+1

Longyearbyen is a compact town, and most attractions, including the brewery, are easily accessible on foot. For longer distances or if weather is harsh, taxis are available. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Svalbard Brewery has limited opening hours. They are often open on Friday afternoons for tastings. It's crucial to check their current schedule before visiting, as hours can vary. TikTok

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or if you're part of a larger group. This ensures you secure a spot for their informative tastings. TikTok

Prices for tastings can vary, but they are generally considered fair for the experience and the unique location. It's best to check their official website or inquire directly for the most up-to-date pricing information. Reddit

Yes, you can often find Svalbard Brewery's beers at local supermarkets and the state-run liquor store (Vinmonopolet) in Longyearbyen. Some may even be available in mainland Norway. Reddit

🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience

Visitors can expect a unique tasting experience with knowledgeable guides sharing the brewery's history and the story of how brewing laws changed in Svalbard. You can see fermenters through a window, though the brewery itself isn't massive. InstagramReddit

Svalbard Brewery produces classic modern beers, including stouts and pilsners. They are known for their craft beer selection, often featuring unique flavors influenced by their Arctic location. InstagramReddit

While the brewery aims to accommodate everyone, solo travelers might sometimes be seated with larger groups. It's a good opportunity to meet new people, but if you prefer solitude, consider visiting during less busy times. Reddit

Svalbard Brewery primarily focuses on beer tastings and does not typically offer extensive food menus or snacks. Visitors are advised to eat before or after their visit. Reddit

The atmosphere is often described as great and cool, with a unique view of the fermenters. It's a cozy spot to enjoy a drink and learn about Arctic brewing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique exterior of the world's northernmost brewery, the tasting room with its fermenter views, and the Arctic landscape surrounding Longyearbyen. The brewery's story itself is also a great visual narrative. Instagram+1

Generally, yes, you can take photos inside the brewery during tastings. However, always be respectful of other visitors and staff. Capturing the unique brewing equipment and the beers is encouraged. Instagram

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