Opposite Nybyen, Sverdrupbyen, founded in 1938, lies outside the safe zone. Named after Einar Sverdrup, Store Norske’s director, it endured the 1943 attack better than Old Longyearbyen. Initially, it housed the community center, offices, and hospital after the war. Mine 1b ceased operations in 1958, its structures demolished in 1982. The remaining buildings were used until 1985 and eventually replaced by Restaurant Gruvelageret.
Note, Sverdrupbyen is outside the safe zone; polar bear protection is mandatory for any visit.
