Growing up in Longyearbyen | A day in the life of a family on Svalbard, an Arctic Island

How many people had never heard of Longyearbyen till the YouTube algorithm introduced them to Cecilia, Christoffer and Grimm and then you proceeded to binge watch every episode of hers? No one has single handedly done more to put a remote part of the world on the map than Cecilia - The chamber of commerce should recognize her for her contribution. Another banging episode by the best YouTube content creator in this genre

The way Medeina looked at Agne at the table almost made my heart burst. What incredibly sweet girls they have. I loved this peak into their life. Big thank you to Arvydas and Agne for letting us get to know them!

I’m a Lithuanian-American who lives in Florida. I’m always looking for videos on YouTube from very unusual environments. I found your channel recently and I love it. It was lovely to hear my native language on your video.

A lot of people outside of Europe, mostly Americans, are in shock how babies sleep outside. Its totally normal. Also when she said that in her childhood she was playing outside from morning until evening, my childhood was the same. I really loved this video.

I couldn’t believe how little Medina sat so still while her mom put on the warm layers of clothing! We live in a place that snows not as cold as Svalbard of course but our son moves constantly he has never been still more than a second or two! It’s always such a struggle to dress him.

Cecilia, you’re an amazing story teller and equally amazing at getting the best shots to support your narrative. You’re a credit to Svalbard; I hope they know how valuable you are to the community. Always showing the good in the townspeople and the place. You’re one of the only content creators that I hit 👍🏼 before I watch the video. Please thank the beautiful family for letting us into their lives.

You can definitely tell the baby is used to being bundled up. She just sits there and get your layers on. ❤

I'm seriously just blown away at the differences between what we'd do here in America vs. what y'all do there in such a beautiful, peaceful country. You'd never think to leave your child alone outdoors in many parts of the US, so this is beyond fascinating & just so lovely to see. It makes me want to live there even more! And truly, what a lovely family! Please extend my thanks for having you video them for 2 days. This was beyond educational & it showed us what family life is like there. Can't wait for more Meet the Locals videos! :) Marianna

When I was a baby (in the 60s) my mom would walk to the grocery store and leave me sleeping in the pram outside, along with all the other sleeping babies whose mothers were shopping. This was in a major US city, Seattle! I still live near there and would never even consider going to that same store, alone, in broad daylight. What a blessing to raise that beautiful family in a safe place like Longyearbeyen. Cherish that, and stay forever if you can!

Amazing series - it's been a real insight into family life on Svalbard. I loved seeing the 5 year old on ski's, taking a tumble and getting right back up. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Arvydas and his wife cope with the children during midnight sun. UK summertime was always a struggle for me when daughters were young children (many years ago) They just didn't want to go to bed as it was still daytime - still light outside.

This babies sleeping outside thing blows my mind every time I see or hear about it.

Long time watcher here - thank you for these family videos. Your friends are lovely! The little girls are precious. The parents are doing a great job, which is a hard thing even in the perfect climate :)

As an Italian I have always been attracted to the Scandinavian countries and in particular the Svalbard Islands and your channel is perfect for getting to know them better. This family with their children is just wounderful. Thank you very much. Great video❤

I loved the two videos with this wonderful family so much. You all gave us such a good feel for what it’s like to raise children in this place and climate. I wish we had more of a focus on outside time for children (and adults) in the United States again. I grew up playing outside in Minnesota every single day of my childhood in the 1970s and 80s, and I think it’s made me a very hardy adult. Nowadays parents have to send their children to private schools with a focus on nature time in order to get that, and most can’t afford it. I hope the pendulum swings back to more outside play again!

I love how much fresh air they get! They are definitely going to grow up loving nature in Svalbard. ❤

As a Finn, the way they work with weather and kids is very relatable! I highly enjoy watching this!

Such a nice family to share their lives with us, thank you. You can see how happy the little girl is living there.

I extend my thanks to this lovely family for opening up their lives and visiting with us. It does my cold black 🖤 good to hear parents believe in raising kids outside! Unfortunately in many places in the US, if you left your child alone like that, your kid would either be taken or you'd be arrested for abandonment; very sad. Thx for bring us the good vibes from Svalbard and give Grim a big kiss for me. ✌️❤️🐕

What a lovely way to raise children! I also was fascinated by the journalist who chronicled his expulsion from Longyearbyen. I read his article and was struck by how wonderfully he was treated. It seems you Northern folks have the key to a happy life. Thanks for sharing!

My husband is Russian and he has the same philosophy about being outside. We live in Minnesota (US) where it can be as cold (or colder) than Svalbard in the winter, and we take our baby outside everyday up to -15C! We also notice that she sleeps better and is happier when she gets fresh air. It’s a lot of effort to get her outside, but it’s so worth it. I really appreciate this glimpse into this lovely family’s life!