Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Svalbard globale frøhvelv
The "Doomsday Seed Vault" is built into a mountain of permafrost and stores millions of crop seed samples from around the world. Visitors can only view the exterior.
The seed vault opened in 2008. Its wedge-shaped concrete entrance is set into the hillside, and the fibre-optic art installation on top shimmers faintly during the polar night. It is the best-known modern landmark in the archipelago. The interior is closed to visitors, so you can only take photos from outside. It is near the airport, about 5 km from the town centre, and there is no public bus service, so take a taxi or join a city sightseeing tour. Be aware that polar bears may roam in the area beyond the roads, so do not wander far from the road.
Opening hours
Exterior only, open all day
Nearby sights
- Platåberget
- Mine 3 (Gruve 3)
- Longyearbreen Glacier Hike
- Larsbreen & Sarkofagen
- Polar Bear Warning Sign
- Huset
- Galleri Svalbard
- Svalbard Brewery