Svalbard is the northern most inhabited Island and falls under the Arctic Circle. It is officially part of Norway, but does not come under the Schengen Zone and is actually a visa free zone - where anyone can live and work without the need of any kind visa or permit. However, the only way to enter Svalbard is through Norway which is part of the Schengen zone. This makes Svalbard a unique geographical location.

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the northern most inhabited town and key administrative town for Svalbard. It is directly connected with Norway with daily regular flights from Oslo and Tromsø. 

Longyearbyen has a population of around 2500 who work and live there round the year, however in recent years it has become a very popular tourist destination given its unique landscape and the opportunity it provides to experience something very intriguing yet serene. Infact lot of tourists who visit Longyearbyen are seemingly becoming interested in moving there permanently to live a quaint life. 

Longyearbyen is officially part of Norway but is not part of Schengen Zone or EU, hence as a tourist who requires visa to travel to Europe, would need a multiple entry visa in order to travel to Svalbard as the island is only connected by flights through Norway. (there is an option to take a ship, but its part of a ~10days expedition).  

Transportation

Flight from Oslo are available round the year to Longyearbyen via Tromsø and you can book directly through Norwegian. The flights have around 1hr layover in Tromsø and passengers need to deboard the flight and pass through immigration before boarding again. This is due to the fact that Longyearbyen/Svalbard is not part of Schengen so technically you will be exiting the Schengen Zone in Tromsø. 

Oslo to Longyearbyen Return Flights: NOK 2500 (approx.), duration 4hr 30mins incl. stop in Tromsø.

Tromsø to Longyearbyen Return Flights: NOK 1800 (approx.), duration 1hr 40mins.

Tromsø is also a great place to visit so one can plan a 2days stopover in Tromsø also before heading to Longyearbyen. However, if you are pressed on time like I was, I suggest to skip the stay in Tromsø. 

Now there are few flights from Stockholm also by Scandinavian Airlines but they also fly via Oslo so unless Stockholm is part of your itinerary it may not make sense.

Flysas.com - Scandinavian Airlines Official Website

www.flysas.com

Accommodations 

There are lot of accommodations available in Longyearbyen from Hostels, to Guest House to Hotels. Most of the accommodations are located around the town center, however I stayed at a Guest House/Hostel as the accommodation provides both dormitory style rooms and private rooms. You can book directly  through Gjestehuset102. The is the only accommodation which is outside the main town center (around 2km), however due to its location, one has a higher chance to see the Northern Lights and that too from the window of their rooms.   

Budget Hotel in Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Best Rate Guarantee!

gjestehuset102.no

The Guest House provides breakfast and has a shared kitchen space and guests can also avail laundry service for NOK 200. You can also book tours at the reception OR you can book your tours directly through Svalbard Wildlife. I stayed in October in a 4bed dormitory room which costed NOK 465/day per person (incl. breakfast), however rates may vary depending on the season but would be cheaper booking directly with them.  

Shopping | Restaurants, Bars, Supermarkets 

There are quite a few Restaurants, Bars and shops in the town center along with two Supermarkets i.e. Svalbardbutikken and Coop.   

Svalbardbutikken – Longyearbyen 78°

svalbardbutikken.no

The store timings are:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 7pm

Saturday: 10am to 6pm

Sunday: 3pm to 6pm

The store is one stop shop for all your grocery shopping along with other buying other household items. They also have a deli section where you can purchase ready to eat food from fried chicken to salads to sandwich. Tourists can purchase alcohol at the store however you need your boarding pass in order to do so. The Restaurants & Bars are generally open till 10pm, however on weekends some have live music and are open till 2am also. However, weekends get very busy from late evening so you might need to reserve a table in advance else it may be difficult to find a place to sit in the restaurants/bars.