Svalbard

Description

Svalbard is a magical Arctic Archipelago that captivates adventurers with its unique wildlife and enchants nature lovers with its breathtaking beauty, serenity and tranquillity. This remote paradise is home to stunning glaciers, rugged mountains, and expansive ice fields, showcasing nature’s raw power. Imagine encountering majestic polar bears and playful seals during the day, or witnessing the spectacular dance of the Northern Lights at night – this is Svalbard.

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Facts about Svalbard

Svalbard, also known as Spitzbergen, is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It lies about midway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole. The largest island is Spitsbergen, and the largest settlement and administrative centre is Longyearbyen on its west coast. The region covers an area of 61,022 square kilometres and has a population of around 2,500 people. The official languages are Norwegian and Russian, and the currency used in Svalbard is the Norwegian krone.
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DID YOU KNOW?
  • Svalbard experiences extended periods of polar day and polar night. The sun doesn’t set from mid-April to late August, while from late October to mid-February, it never rises at all.
  • Due to its low humidity and precipitation, Svalbard is classified as an Arctic desert. 60% of Svalbard’s land is covered in ice, and less than 10% supports any vegetation.
  • There are only 25 miles of road on Svalbard, but there are more snowmobiles than residents.
  • Longyearbyen is home to many of the world’s northernmost eateries, including a pizzeria, kebab house, gourmet restaurant, and sushi restaurant. The city also hosts the world’s northernmost blues festival.
  • You will not encounter any cats on Svalbard, as they are prohibited; however, it is estimated that there are more polar bears than people.
  • Due to the threat of polar bears, it is against the law not to carry a firearm outside the settlements.
  • You cannot be born or buried in Svalbard, as there are no facilities for women to give birth, nor are there any options for burial.
What to do?
  • - Explore world’s northernmost restaurants and bars in Longyearbyen, its cultural experiences and museums, including Svalbard Museum.
  • - Visit the Global Seed Vault.
  • - Aurora (Northern Lights) hunting.
  • - Experience dog sledding and snowmobile safaris.
  • - Polar bear watching and wildlife safaris.
  • - Glacier hiking, ice caving, skiing and snowshoeing.
  • - Enjoy boat cruising.
Start your journey!