❄️ Spitsbergen: Arctic adventure for the brave
Are you tolerant of cold weather, adore nature and seek new experiences? If this were a ratio test based on answers, then you would definitely get Spitsbergen or, as it will be in Norwegian, Svalbard. That's where we'll go!
Briefly about the peninsula
Spitsbergen is a unique territory, the archipelago belongs to Norway, but residents of the 41st countries can come here freely to work, which was concluded by the Spitsbergen Treaty in 1920. About 2,500 people live on Svalbard, representing 40 nationalities.
What do you need to know before your trip?
- Hello bear! You need to be prepared that in Svalbard every resident carries a gun with him, as there is a chance of meeting a polar bear.
- The main means of transportation on the archipelago in winter is a snowmobile.
- There is a tradition of taking off shoes indoors (even in some hotels and restaurants). It came from miners who did so as not to bring coal dust into the house.
- Due to the specific climate, the air and soil of the peninsula have a very low content of microbes, parasites and dust. That is why even abandoned buildings look well maintained.
How to get there?
First you need to arrive in Norway. SAS and Norwegian airlines regularly fly from Oslo and the small town of Tromsø (this is the same flight from Oslo) . A direct flight from the capital will take 3 hours. Through Tromso – 4.5. If you are lucky, you will see the northern lights during the flight.
Upon arrival to the archipelago, all tourists are greeted by a polar bear. Don't be scared – the bear is not real. The airport itself is quite compact, but very cozy: there is a waiting room, Wi-Fi, and places to charge gadgets. The “capital of the archipelago” Longyearbyen is only 3 km away. A bus is connected to the arrival schedule. In addition, it is possible to order a taxi.
Where to live?
Despite the small population of Longyearbyen, in the town you will find more than a dozen hotels to suit any (but still fat) budget – there are both guest houses and a Radisson 4* hotel. For example, the cheapest bed in the guesthouse Gjestehuset102 will cost the tourist 405 CZK. As in any other place, the rule “the earlier you book, the cheaper the room rate” applies.
Where to go and what to do?
View the World Seed Vault
It is on the archipelago that the conditional safe of agriculture is located. The building itself is not impressive at all, and tours of the warehouse are not organized, but the place is unique and iconic. Where else can you find something like this?
By the way, in 2023 it will be 15 years since the storage facility was built. On this occasion, the Virtual Tour Company has organized a virtual tour that you can take without leaving your couch.
Local Museum
Everything about the geology and history of the region, its unique flora and fauna, as well as human activity is collected here. In addition, the museum contains many stuffed animals – local residents of Spitsbergen. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 150 CZK.
Try local beer
Yes! Even 1000 km from the North Pole they brew beer! The brewery was founded by former miner Robert Johansen. Nowadays, as many as 10 varieties are produced here, which you can try during a tasting tour. The ticket costs 449 CZK. So if you travel – a must visit!
Go looking for locals
Polar bears, whales, seals, walruses – to see them all, you need to contact a local travel agency that organizes a cruise around Svalbard. And believe me, you definitely need to see this!
restaurants and bars
Despite its distance from the mainland, Longyearbyen has nightlife. In restaurants you can try exotic dishes a la whale meat or salmon cream soup. And the bars have their own twist: they serve alcoholic drinks with glacial ice. They say it holds the temperature longer than ice from the refrigerator. Therefore, nightlife lovers will not be bored here.
Go to Barentsburg
Barentsburg is the second largest city in the archipelago. About 400-450 people live here. The residents are Russian and Ukrainian miners who came to work under a contract. In the city there is the opportunity to go down into the world's only coal mine. The tour will be led by the miner himself. Cost: 600 CZK.
Visit the husky center
The owners of this center call it the fluffiest and cutest place in Barentsburg. About 80 representatives of different breeds live here. You can simply book a tour of the nursery (150 CZK), buy a dog trekking service, which costs 490 CZK, or go sledding (690 CZK). By the way, this can be done even in summer.
Make a memorable souvenir
Barentsburg has a crafts center that hosts master classes for tourists and city residents. You can make a sweatshirt, a hat, or, for example, a magnet with your own hands.
Go to the Pyramid
This is a village that was mothballed back in 1998. True, due to the abundance of tourists, even here it was necessary to open a hotel. In addition to the unique nature, you should definitely take a look at the northernmost cinema in the world, completely restored in 2019. The poster includes documentaries and feature films from surviving films from the 1960s–1980s. As a bonus there are buns from the old-time cook Elena Alexandrovna.
Svalbard is a unique nature that is relatively easy to get to and see in person. And, if possible, this chance cannot be missed!