Norway possesses a little-known treasure in the Arctic Ocean, the Svalbard Archipelago, which itself includes the Spitsbergen Archipelago. Going to an island like Spitsbergen is not a mere formality. Known as the "Pearl of the Arctic", this 63,000 km² island, home to a world polar research centre, has limited hotel capacity, but it represents a special adventure of its own thanks to its unique wildlife and light.
A geographical location with a special climate
The Svalbards are located in the middle of the icy Arctic Ocean, halfway between the North Cape and the North Pole (i.e. more than 650 km north of the Norwegian coast, 1,000 km from the Pole). Located at the limit of the permanent ice pack, this 63,000 km² archipelago is almost as big as Ireland. The Svalbards extend between 10° and 28° east longitude and 76° and 81° north latitude. The archipelago forms the extreme tip of Europe, 550 nautical miles from PNG. Above 81°N latitude the pack begins, then the permanent pack ice that passes through the pole and reaches the Alaskan coast. Due to the proximity of the pole, the Svalbards are plunged into total darkness from October 15 until around February 20. But as April approaches, until mid-August, there is a permanent day. Under the influence of the Gulf Stream the archipelago enjoys relatively mild temperatures, but subject to the oceanic climate, the weather can change very quickly. Annual averages are -8°C to -12°C, with readings of -1°C to 1°C in June at sea level. A variation of -1°C is to be estimated per 100 m of altitude. Between huge cliffs, golden or bluish depending on the position of the sun, in a soil that turns into swamps during the summer, grow whole fields of Arctic cottongrass, a small marsh plant with cottony tussocks. The earth's surface only thaws in summer to a depth of one metre. Svalbard is an arctic desert with very little rainfall. This archipelago is made up of five large islands, the largest of which is Spitsbergen, which means "pointed mountain".
A singular story
It was towards the end of the 12th century that the Vikings discovered this land which they nicknamed "cold coasts". The entire Svalbard Archipelago has belonged to Norway since the end of the First World War and the 1920 Treaty of Paris. It's demilitarized land since that treaty. The polar archipelago belongs to Norway, but - and this is a unique case in international politics - citizens of more than 70 countries that signed the Treaty of Spitsbergen in Paris in 1920 can live and work in the archipelago on the same basis as Norwegians
Today, the archipelago has only Norwegian and Russian villages, but is also home to Chinese and Polish research stations. Until the last few years, there was no infrastructure to accommodate tourists in Spitsbergen. Indeed, the first organized flights date back to 1959 and Longyearbyen airport was only opened in 1975. Today, a regular airline operates nearly six flights a week from Tromsø (by a 1h45 flight) and about 30 charters land in Longyearbyen between May and September. Over the years, there has been a growing demand to discover this fascinating nature at the very edge of civilization. As a result, cruises organised from different ports in Norway make for a beautiful journey through these islands.
A biodiversity unique in the world
Often considered an open-air laboratory or a geologist's paradise, the Svalbard territory is intriguing. Today, more than half of the land is protected through nature reserves, national parks, ornithological reserves or botanical reserves. On a biological level, the archipelago benefits from very rich seas giving the largest concentrations of birds and polar bears in the North Atlantic. Many species of polar animals also benefit from these protection measures: birds such as puffins, Senatorial gulls, Arctic terns and mammals such as polar foxes, Arctic reindeer, seals and whales.
Activities in the great outdoors
The destination attracts for the wide range of activities on offer. In a magical setting where one quickly feels lucky, as if privileged to have arrived there on a journey, in a land so preserved, still intact, yet already in danger
Many people will choose a cruise as a means of transportation. A beautiful way to explore these lands. For those who choose to try the adventure on their own, it is important to note that all activities, without exception, are supervised by at least one armed guide. At Svalbard, there is no shortage of activities: boat trips, glacier hiking, snowmobile and sleigh expeditions. Although the vast majority of the land is icy, there is still plenty of space for walking. Warm clothing, windproof clothing, sweaters, hats, gloves and especially good walking shoes, possibly rubber boots, as the floors are often wet in summer. Don't forget that the archipelago has an arctic climate and that you should dress accordingly: windcheater, hiking boots, gloves, hat. Finally, in general, do not forget that it is absolutely forbidden to pick flowers, to disturb the fauna and flora in general and of course to leave rubbish in the wild
Spitsbergen, the island not to be missed
Every Svalbard holiday starts in Spitsbergen. This is definitely the destination of Svalbard and the island not to be missed. Everybody has heard of it, many have dreamed of one day setting foot there, but only the luckiest ones get there
Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen and forms the extreme limit of civilization in the northern hemisphere. Most of these inhabitants do not live there permanently, but they work during the winter for Det Store Norske (Norway's large collieries) on an annual contract - with a highly valued salary - and keep their main home on the continent. However, a number of them discovered a way of living as close to nature as possible in Svalbard and settled there with their families for years. Scientists are conducting research on the "hole" in the ozone layer, as well as on Arctic wildlife. To these people we must add "extreme" tourism, which is developing quite strongly. Formerly a traditional village, Longyearbyen became over the years a modern town where many companies and industries settled. It is here that the airport opened in 1975, linking the archipelago to the rest of the continent.
Many will be surprised, in the city there is a choice of cultural activities (including two very interesting museums). It is of course also the starting point for most of the tourist attractions in Svalbard. For those who choose to stay for a while, there are several bars and restaurants. The city has seen its population grow for several years. As a result, it is modernising and acquiring infrastructures suitable for hosting tourism. The city receives miners, researchers, students and more and more tourists looking for an extraordinary experience. And to say the least, they're served!
Smart info
When? The seasons mark significant changes in Spitsbergen. We go there from June to August for the midnight sun, the navigable sea and milder temperatures. In winter, it's time for the cold and the aurora borealis. Spring, from March to June, with the return of sunshine and ever-present snow is perhaps the best option
Getting there. A regular airline operates about 6 flights a week between the airport and Tromsø with a fairly fast flight of 1h45. Also, about thirty charters land in Longyearbyen between May and September.
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