Things to see and do Spitzberg

It can be reached from Longyearbyen, after a three-hour navigation. The glacier is 5 km wide, 30 km long and almost 50 m high, so it is very impressive, especially when you approach it by kayak. The name of the glacier comes from an old name of Sweden. Of course, one does not venture there without a guide, except for extreme adventurers, in which case you may not have this guide in your hands! Don't get too close because of the frequent ice falls. You will be surprised by the noise that a glacier makes!

The Svalbard Museum is a museum of natural and cultural history. Of educational interest, its purpose is to present the Arctic, as well as to highlight its history, beauty and the environmental problems that it faces today. The museum therefore presents several themes, from the discovery of the territory to its mining, until the arrival of current tourism. In 2008, the Svalbard Museum received the prize of the Council of Europe Museum for the best European museum. You are strongly recommended!

This 3,560 km² national park was established in 1973 and covers the north-western part of the island of Spitsbergen. It is home to Svalbard reindeer (a smaller species than in Norway), walrus and numerous colonies of pelagic birds. The park also includes the island of Magdalenfjord. Virgohamna, on Danes Island, was the starting point for engineer S. A. Andrée's (failed) 1897 expedition to reach the North Pole in a hydrogen balloon.

In November 2008, the North Pole Expedition Museum opened its doors. It highlights the heroic efforts made by the men, pioneers of aviation, to reach the North Pole. A museum rich in documentation (films, photos, voice recordings and aviation equipment). You will also find a small souvenir shop with many items related to the Far North. A café welcomes you with hot drinks, so try the chai latte!

Mount Wallenberg (or Wallenbergfjellet) is a 375 metre summit. He owes his name to Knut Agathon Wallenberg, a Swedish politician who contributed to the expeditions in Svalbard.

This reserve covers the southern part of the island of Spitsbergen. The arctic landscape is composed of 65% glaciers and eternal snow. There are several colonies of seabirds but also colonies of geese and eiders. It is a privileged breeding area. This national park is also the largest in Norway with its area of 5 300 km ². It was created in 1973 by the government. In summer, there are many small lakes and areas covered with short grass.

The landscape of this large island, which stretches along the west coast, consists of beaches, high mountains and glaciers. Located at the northern end of the Gulf Stream passage, Forlandet enjoys a relatively mild Arctic climate. Due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the most northerly nesting colonies in the world can be observed here. The National Park has an area of 640 km² for the land part and 4,647 km² when including the sea part. Why not go with a guide?