Travel Guide

We’re excited to welcome you to Svalbard! A land of Arctic landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable natural phenomena. Located at 78° North, Longyearbyen offers a truly extraordinary setting for our Interop week.

This guide covers everything you need to know before traveling.

🛫 Getting to Svalbard

To reach Longyearbyen (LYR), you must transit through mainland Norway.

Most routes connect via:

1. Oslo (OSL), or
2. Tromsø (TOS)

Flights to Svalbard are limited and weather-dependent. Delays between mainland Norway and LYR are not uncommon, so we strongly recommend building in sufficient buffer time when booking international connections.

🛂 Visas

Svalbard is visa-free, but you must be legally permitted to enter mainland Norway, as all routes transit through it. If you require a Schengen visa, ensure it covers your transit accordingly. You are personally responsible for ensuring compliance with Norwegian entry regulations.

For official information, please visit:

• Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren)
• Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)

If you require documentation support, please contact: demi.valdez@ethereum.org

🚎 Airport Transfers

Airport shuttle vouchers from LYR will be provided. Please submit your confirmed flight details via the form circulated by the organizers so transfers can be coordinated.

📅 Event Dates & Accommodation

Interop Dates: April 27 – May 1, 2026

The default accommodation dates are:

• Check-in: April 26, 2026
• Check-out: May 2, 2026

If you requested early/late accommodation in the RSVP form, your booking may instead be April 25 check-in and/or May 3 check-out. Please refer to your individual confirmation email for your exact dates.

⚠️ Stays before April 25 or after May 3 are at your own expense. If you wish to extend your stay at your assigned hotel, the organizers can help you book additional nights so you do not need to transfer.

💻 Workspace & Schedule

All meetings and work sessions will take place at Funken Lodge, with workspace access available 24/7 (including for participants staying at Radisson).

Daily standup begins at 9:00 AM (Monday–Friday).

🍽️ Meals Included

• Meals from Sunday dinner (April 26) through Saturday breakfast (May 2)
• Alcoholic beverages during Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening events

⚠️ Anything not listed above is not covered and will need to be paid personally.

🌤 Season During Your Visit

We’ll be in Svalbard during Sunny Winter / Midnight Sun season (late April), when 24-hour daylight begins and snow still dominates the landscape. Temperatures typically range from around -15 °C to -5 °C, with windy and changeable conditions.

For up-to-date forecasts check Yr.no.

🧥 What to Pack

Layering is key in Arctic conditions.

Essentials

• Insulated winter jacket (down recommended)
• Waterproof insulated boots (good grip)
• Thermal base layers
• Wool socks
• Hat, gloves, scarf
• Sunglasses (snow glare)
• Lip balm & moisturizer

Recommended

• Indoor slippers (shoes removed indoors)
• Backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Universal power adapter (Type C/F)

⚠️ Wildlife & Safety (Polar Bears)

Polar bears can be present outside the Longyearbyen settlement area, and encounters can be dangerous.

Do not leave the settlement without a licensed guide. This is not optional, it’s a safety requirement on Svalbard, and applies to any walks/hikes outside town.

Always follow local safety signage and instructions from guides and hotel staff.

Emergency number in Svalbard: 112

🌍 Explore Svalbard (Virtual Preview)

Take a virtual tour of Longyearbyen and the surrounding Arctic landscape here:

👉 hurtigrutensvalbard.digitalfamtrip.com

🧭 Optional Activities

Book optional activities during your stay:

👉 hurtigrutensvalbard.com/en/activities

❓ FAQs

Do I need a visa for Svalbard? Svalbard itself is visa-free, but you must be legally allowed to enter mainland Norway. Schengen rules apply depending on your nationality.

What if my flight is delayed? Weather delays happen. Inform the organizers immediately.

Can I arrive earlier than April 25? April 25 is the earliest covered check-in date. Any earlier arrival must be personally arranged.

Can I stay after May 3? May 3 is the latest covered check-out. Additional nights must be personally covered.

Can you help me extend my stay? Yes — the organizers can book additional nights at your assigned hotel so you don’t need to transfer.

Is it really that cold? Yes, and windy. Dress in layers.

Can I walk outside town? No. You must have a licensed guide outside settlement areas due to polar bear risk.

Are there grocery stores? Yes, at The Svalbard Store. Selection is limited — bring specialty items if needed.

Is there good Wi-Fi? Yes, hotels and workspace have strong internet. Coverage outside town is limited.