Get an insight into Longyearbyen’s past

Our town, Longyearbyen, would most likely not exist if it wasn’t for the American, John Munro Longyear, who travelled to Svalbard in the early 1900s and a few years later opened Gruve 1 [Mine 1].

Today, you can join us on a tour in Gruve 3 [Mine 3] as we go back in time. A car or bus will pick the guests up at the different hotels and guest houses in town. A bus or car will take you safely to the mine, a 10-minute drive from town.

Up at Gruve 3 you will walk through the facilities where the machinery and equipment were left behind when production stopped.

Each of you will be kitted with a helmet, headlamp and coverall , ready to begin your mining adventure. During the tour you will have the option to crawl on the very low working height the miners experienced daily. Due to the height of the mine, old-fashioned techniques were applied to mine and extract the coal.

The tour culminates by walking into a main tunnel that was excavated in the 1970s.

We promise an exciting tour which will give you a taste of the old days in Longyearbyen as well as an insight into the future of coal mining on Svalbard and for the Norwegian coal company, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani. Grab a piece of coal on your way out and bring home a locally produced souvenir. 

The tour is suited for most people. Are you in need of assistance, please contact us prior to your scheduled booking. Please be aware that most tours are held in English.

N.b. We require a minimum of 2 guests to hold a visit. Translation from group leaders is only possible on private group tours.

Private group tours available for minimum 10 guests. Contact us directly to make a private group booking.

Read our terms and conditions here.

Taubanesentralen Is Open to the Public!

When you arrive in Longyearbyen, one of the first things you'll notice is the aerial cableway system. The landscape of Longyeardalen and Adventdalen is marked by its long lines and the unique buildings connected to the cableway. Among these, Taubanesentralen holds a special place. This iconic building was opened in 1957, constructed on top of the original cableway central. Towering high above the town center, it’s a striking and unmistakable landmark in Longyearbyen.

From 1908 to 1987, Taubanesentralen—first the old station, then the current one—served as the beating heart that connected the mining operations. Today, it is a natural starting point for telling the story of Longyearbyen. The cableway was operated by tough workers who braved all kinds of weather, including the harshest Arctic winter storms.

Step inside this historic building, where time has stood still since 1987. Experience for yourself the working conditions inside this steel structure, where temperatures drop below freezing and the wind cuts straight through the walls. At the same time, you’ll learn about the central role the cableway played in coal production, and how Taubanesentralen was the very heart of a well-oiled, finely tuned system.

From Taubanesentralen, you’ll have a panoramic view over the entire town of Longyearbyen, deep into Adventdalen and across Adventfjorden, all the way to the mouth of Isfjorden. We dare say—the view alone is worth the visit.

We’re open on weekdays from 09:00 to 15:00. Tickets can be purchased in advance or upon arrival. We also offer private guided tours outside regular opening hours—just get in touch.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Our office hours are Monday-Friday at 08.00-16.00.

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