The northernmost city in the world

• The northernmost city in the world

In the 2006 case of man-made disaster (nuclear war, asteroid strikes, and so on. D.), Mankind has created a special "ark" to plant seeds. On the 120-meter depth under the ground there are 4, 5 million samples of crops all over the world. The project, valued at $ 9 million. Was made on the Norwegian money and is on its territory. Storage marked out in the village of Longyearbyen on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard Arctic Ocean. This is the northernmost settlement in the world with a population of over a thousand people.

In August, I went to Svalbard, and the first place from the beginning of my journey was the same village ...

Longyearbyen - the capital of Svalbard. The village is home to approximately 2,000 people. Near the town is Svalbard Airport - the world's northernmost airport with regular flights:

The village is located in the valley:

Part of the village is spread over the sea, part of it goes to the mainland:

The terms "first sea line" is not here, near water are extremely economic and warehouse buildings.

In the year of Longyearbyen is visited by about 70,000 tourists. There are two seasons - summer (now) and winter, when people come to ride a snowmobile. Summer often go cruise liners:

From the port stretches paved street with shops:

In parallel, the walking (300 meters). We can not say that it is in Norwegian clean and well appointed, but the houses in very good condition:

In the middle of the street stands a monument to the geologist-miners: in fact, began development of the archipelago due to the coal industry. To this day, coal mines operate here:

All the people in this picture - the tourists:

In the distance, the Norwegians at home, who live on the island:

There are a few cafes on the street:

There is also a shop with everything you need when traveling to Svalbard. The most chic is the clothing of the Swedish company "Fjall Raven". I bought myself here of pants - very comfortable and processing:

Museum of the conquest of the North Pole. I went inside, there is nothing particularly interesting is not found - just newspaper clippings and old photos without any explanation:

Four years ago, I arrived in Longyearbyen Chinese from Hong Kong, which began to engage in the development of Chinese tourism to Svalbard. Norwegians reacted cool to the idea, especially disperse young lady did not give. Nevertheless, it has already established a huge red Santa Claus box by writing this fantastic hero to Svalbard (although, as we know, his place of residence all the way was Lapland):

The local hospital. Then provide first aid, and if it is necessary to make some major surgery, are sent to the mainland:

In Longiyre is University Center in Svalbard. It was founded in 1993, and there are lessons on Arctic biology, geology, geophysics, and everything related to the Arctic. Taught in the course of short-term workshops for the three months to 5 years in a row here do not learn:

There are a few hotels, there is even a Radisson Blu:

Mail:

The church:

The remains of the first coal mine, which began with the city. Today, working in Other, far from Longiyra. On her drive to work in shifts of two weeks:

Another abandoned mine. Why then all the mines that I have seen in Svalbard are located high in the mountains.

In general, it is strange: after all, coal - is a former timber, and it is unclear where it came from here in untold numbers. There is a theory that Svalbard is a "breakaway" a piece of Africa:

View of the city. In the foreground is a sundial with a bear:

A view of the port of the city:

Multi-colored houses - downright impossible beauty. True, it's hard to imagine even more organic coloring that would be so combined with the island:

While walking on the residential areas, has gone beyond and decided to climb the hill. And suddenly I see - a deer!

It was found on the island of their livestock passes for 10 000. A special breed: they are smaller than ordinary deer and approaching its size to the goats. Hand is not at all, no one is engaged in animal husbandry. Thus grazing committed without fear of man: