Greeting the Sun in Longyearbyen: Solfestuka 2026

On Sunday, March 8th, the people of Longyearbyen gathered to celebrate the annual return of the sun, the cherished moment when the first sunlight of the year shines over the mountains and falls on the old hospital steps after the long polar night.

This year’s event was slightly different from tradition. Normally, the main gathering takes place on the old hospital steps, but due to the weather, the celebration was held inside the church for shelter from the wind and cold. Despite the change in location, the spirit of the community remained strong, with people of all ages participating in the moment.

Clouds kept the sun hidden, and the celebration began inside Svalbard Church, where families and children were given priority due to limited space. Attendees enjoyed waffles, «Solskinnsboller» (traditional sweet buns)and drinks while waiting for the sun to appear.

At around 12:30, the Polargospel kids’ choir performed outside on the church steps, bringing music and warmth to the crowd. The crowd moved along with the song to keep warm, singing together, and at the end everyone joined in the traditional call for the sun:
“Sol, sol, kom igjen, solen er min beste venn!” (“Sun, sun, come again, the sun is my best friend!”)

Although March 8th marks the highlight of Solfestuka, the festivities extend over nearly two weeks, offering a wide range of concerts, performances, lectures, sports, films, and cultural activities for all ages.

Solfestuka continues to be a beloved tradition in Longyearbyen, bringing the community together each year to celebrate light, hope, and the return of the sun.

Léa Zinsli, PolarJournal