The heart of Longyearbyen

... is taubanesentralen. It is also one of the most photographed buildings in Longyearbyen, underneath you´ll find some of mine.




Yesterday, we had (together with a large group of other interested people) a chance to peek inside.

Taubanesentralen was the center of coal-transport for many years. The Central as it stands today was built in 1957 (and closed in 1987), but long time before that, the area where it´s situated (Skjæringa) was the heart of the coal-production in Longyearbyen.



As new mines were started in different directions, new lines into the central were opened up - here´s the line of kibbe-masts towards mine 3, with many of the "kibbe" still hanging.


Yesterday, strong wind and narrow, steep stairs made it perilous to leave the Central. Makes you wonder what it was like in the old days, in the dark season, during the winter gales!


It´s normally locked, and you enter at your own risk. Even though the building is preserved, along with most historical sites on Svalbard, it does seem to be crumbling apart. A pity, as it´s quite a magical place, with loads of history in it´s walls.