What is illegal in Longyearbyen Norway?
Dying in Longyearbyen has been illegal since 1950. Here’s why. In addition to dealing with round-the-clock darkness in the winter and the constant threat of polar bears, the 2,000 residents in the remote Norwegian town of Longyearbyen must also follow one very strange law: It’s illegal to die there.
Is it forbidden to be buried in Longyearbyen Norway?
Contrary to popular beliefs, it is not illegal to die in the town of Longyearbyen, Norway. There are simply no options for burial there, and terminally ill residents are flown to Oslo to live their last days.
Is Longyearbyen worth visiting?
But despite the significant costs involved and the time it takes to get there, Svalbard is 100% worth a visit. The scenery is spellbinding, and the islands offer you the chance to enjoy experiences that few other destinations can offer.
What is special about Longyearbyen Norway?
Longyearbyen (Urban East Norwegian: [ˈlɔ̀ŋjiːrˌbyːən]; “The Longyear Town”) is the world’s northernmost settlement (with population greater than 1,000) and largest inhabited area of Svalbard, Norway. It is the seat of the Governor of Svalbard, whose mayor is Arild Olsen. …
Are there police on Svalbard?
Svalbard is its own police district. The Governor has the same authority as a chief of police on the Norwegian mainland. This includes prosecuting authority in Svalbard. The police in Svalbard have the same responsibilities as the Norwegian Police Service on the mainland.
Can you see northern lights in Svalbard?
A prime location for aurora hunts and other northern lights experiences. The Svalbard islands are located in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is actually the only place on the planet where you can experience the aurora borealis in the daytime.
Is it expensive to live in Svalbard?
Living expenses The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.
Why are there Russians on Svalbard?
Status. Under the terms of the unique Svalbard Treaty of 1920, citizens of signatory countries have equal rights to exploit natural resources, and as a result Russia, along with Norway (via the Sveagruva mine and Mine 7), maintains mining operations on Svalbard. Consequently, the town has a Norwegian postcode, 9178.
Why is dying illegal in Longyearbyen?
Dying is illegal in Longyearbyen, Norway because the town’s small graveyard stopped accepting bodies after discovering the permafrost prevented the bodies from decomposing.
How to reach Longyearbyen?
but this becomes difficult when the weather is bad.
Where is Longyearbyen located?
Longyearbyen ( Urban East Norwegian: [ˈlɔŋjiːrbyːən] (literally The Longyear Town) is the largest settlement and the administrative centre of Svalbard, Norway. As of December 2015, the town had a population of 2,144. Longyearbyen is located in the Longyear Valley and on the shore of Adventfjorden,…