Perched over Longyearbyen, the Sysselmannen Bygget government building dominates the skyline.
The original government building was destroyed during the German attack in 1943, but a new structure was erected in 1949. The white tower, once a jail, and a modern silver building now serve as the new seat of government. Housing the Sysselmester Offices, Longyearbyen’s police station, Environmental Protection Department, and Administration, the building reflects the Governor of Svalbard’s crucial role as the highest representative of the Norwegian Government in the archipelago.
Since 1934, 23 Governors have been appointed by the Norwegian King, with the most recent being Lars Fause, taking office in June 2021.
