Episode
The Town Where You Can’t Be Born or Buried — The Strange History of Longyearbyen
- Podcast
- The Strange History Podcast
- Published
- Jun 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 541
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Summary
In the remote Arctic town of Longyearbyen, life follows rules unlike anywhere else on Earth—you’re not allowed to be buried there, and you’re not supposed to be born there either. In this episode of The Strange History Podcast, we explore the fascinating and eerie history of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, from its founding as a coal mining settlement by John Munro Longyear to its transformation into one of the most extreme communities in the world. Discover how Arctic permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing, why burial is no longer practiced, and how the 1918 influenza pandemic influenced modern policies. Learn about the town’s unique approach to childbirth, where expectant mothers must leave weeks before delivery, making Longyearbyen one of the only places where both birth and death happen somewhere else. We also explore life in the Arctic, including polar bear safety, months of darkness, and the presence of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a global backup for the world’s food supply. This episode blends strange history, science, and real-world facts to uncover one of the most unusual towns on Earth. Cecilia Blomdahl Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support . 🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments? Submit your ideas for The Strange History Podcast Follow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeartRadio Audible New episodes regularly. History gets weird here.