Longyearbyen is the start point for a large array of exciting day trips.  Though an interesting town to visit in its own right, one does not get to fully appreciate the majesty of Svalbard's wilderness from Longyearbyen alone.  

If you have a day or two to spare, or even half a day, it's very much worthwhile booking a short trip out of town. Depending on your interests, there's something to suit most, from adventurous day hikes and kayaking trips to more leisurely fossil hunting and boat safaris.

There is a great choice of boat trips on offer, where you can venture to the Russian settlements of Barntsburg and Pyramiden. Its even possible to travel to Ny Ålesund, one of the world's northernmost settlements in just a day.

If all of your day time activities give you an appetite, Spitsbergen Wilderness Evening will treat you to some local delicacies as well as an informative talk by local experts.  Alternatively a tour around Svalbard Brewery will give you a chance to sample some local beers.