Svalbard Brewery is the world’s northernmost brewery at Svalbardgata 7, 9171 Longyearbyen, in Upper Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen. Opened in 2015 after changes to Norwegian alcohol law made local commercial brewing possible, it gives Arctic travelers a distinctly local pint: craft beer made at 78° north, close to the former mining settlements and polar landscapes that shape the town’s identity.
What to Expect at Svalbard Brewery
This is a working craft brewery rather than a large brewpub complex, with a compact, beer-focused visitor experience and limited opening windows. The central idea is geography: beer made in Longyearbyen at a latitude far beyond mainland Norway’s northern cities. Its Spitsbergen core range includes familiar styles interpreted for an Arctic address, notably Spitsbergen Pilsner, Pale Ale, IPA and Weissbier. Check the on-tap selection on arrival, as availability can change with production and seasonal releases.
Look beyond the straightforward pours for the brewery’s more collectible work. Spitsbergen Gruve 3 is its barrel-aged line, named for a historic Longyearbyen coal mine, linking the brewery’s output to the island’s industrial past. The official shop also offers mixed cases through its Build a Box format, useful for travelers looking to take a selection home where import rules allow. Beer is the focus here, so plan dinner separately in town and treat the stop as an evening tasting rather than a full meal.
- World’s northernmost brewery: Drink beer brewed in Longyearbyen at approximately 78° north.
- Spitsbergen Pilsner: A flagship entry point to the brewery’s core range and its clean, lager-led side.
- Spitsbergen IPA and Pale Ale: Hop-forward core beers for visitors who prefer ales over lager.
- Gruve 3 barrel-aged releases: Special bottles named for Mine 3, part of Longyearbyen’s coal-mining history.
- Build a Box selection: Official mixed-pack shopping for assembling a personal Spitsbergen beer assortment.
Svalbard Brewery at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Svalbardgata 7, 9171 Longyearbyen, Svalbard |
| Neighborhood / Area | Upper Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen |
| Operating Hours | Mon 18:00–20:00; Wed 18:00–20:00; Fri 16:00–22:00; Sat 18:00–20:00. Closed Tue, Thu and Sun. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; beer and tasting purchases are paid separately, with current prices set on site. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Taxi or airport shuttle connections through Longyearbyen; limited local street parking nearby. There is no rail network. |
| Official Website & Phone | svalbardbrewery.com · +47 90 28 62 05 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Friday is the longest opening session and is the practical choice for a relaxed stop; arrive near opening if you want more time to ask about the current lineup before the evening crowd gathers. The brewery’s short opening hours make advance planning essential, especially in the polar-summer cruise season and during busy winter expedition weeks. Confirm same-day arrangements directly with Svalbard Brewery, particularly if a brewery visit is a fixed part of your itinerary.
Longyearbyen is compact but weather can make even short walks demanding, so use a taxi from your hotel or an airport shuttle connection into town before continuing on foot. The venue is indoors in a compact brewery setting; travelers using wheelchairs, strollers or needing step-free entry should telephone ahead to discuss the entrance and space around the tasting area. Pair the visit with the wooden Svalbard Church, the cultural venue and restaurant at Huset, or a meal along the town-centre strip, all reachable within roughly 5 to 15 minutes on foot in suitable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Svalbard Brewery open, and when should I go?
It opens Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00, and Friday from 16:00 to 22:00; it is closed Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Friday near 16:00 is the best option for the longest, least rushed visit.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
Beer and tastings are paid purchases, but published admission and tasting prices are not fixed on the official site. Contact the brewery ahead for current visit arrangements, group plans and any scheduled events.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes for a few pours, a look at the available beers and shopping for packaged bottles or mixed cases. Allow longer on Friday if you want to make it part of an early-evening meal plan in Longyearbyen.
Is Svalbard Brewery suitable for families and accessible visitors?
The experience is primarily geared toward adult beer drinkers; Norway’s minimum age for purchasing beer is 18. It is an indoor, compact brewery venue, so visitors with mobility requirements should call before travelling to arrange the most suitable access.
When planning your Svalbard travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Svalbard, pair this stop with standout local spots including Stationen, Green Dog Svalbard, Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, and Longyearbyen Guiding AS (0.6 km away).
