Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited island on Earth, located at 78 degrees latitude, brings you as close to the North Pole as most can venture. This Arctic gem is a haven for nature lovers, offering a rare opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of extreme wilderness and a pristine environment that has remained largely untouched by human activity. Visitors to Svalbard are immersed in a unique landscape shaped by glaciers, polar ice, and wildlife, with the chance to witness phenomena like the northern lights and the midnight sun, making it a truly extraordinary destination for adventurers.
– Chintan Shah
Inhabited by approximately 2,500 people, Svalbard is an archipelago known for its extreme polar climate, where the sun does not rise for about four months during the winter, making it one of the few places outside Antarctica where such phenomena occur. Due to the harsh conditions and ice, the island is largely cut off from the rest of the world during this period.
Chintan Shah at Longyearbyen AirportAccessible only from Norwegian airports, Svalbard is unique in being a visa-free land. However, travellers must pass through Norway, requiring a Norwegian visa. The island, primarily covered in permafrost, was historically a base for Arctic exploration but is now a popular destination for adventurous tourists.
Svalbard attracts nature enthusiasts eager to explore the polar ice, massive glaciers, and icy treks and witness the northern lights. Visitors from places like India face a long journey involving flights to Oslo or Tromsø, Norway, followed by a connection to Longyearbyen, the main settlement on Svalbard.
Upon arrival, the first view of Longyearbyen is stunning. Towering glaciers, frozen oceans, and the jagged peaks of the Arctic create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. Longyearbyen’s small airport adds to the remote atmosphere. However, walking outside the town is risky due to the presence of polar bears, one of the most dangerous predators in the Arctic.
Svalbard offers a range of activities for nature lovers, including hiking, trekking, kayaking, glacier walks, and snow climbs. Over the course of my four-day trip, several highlights stood out:
Svalbard Museum
The Svalbard Museum provides a deep dive into the island’s history, from its role in Arctic exploration to its extreme environment and unique wildlife. Here, visitors can learn about the region’s visa-free status and how Svalbard has become a symbol of international cooperation.
Exploring the town and visiting the only graveyard and church
In Svalbard, burials are prohibited due to the frozen ground’s inability to allow natural decomposition, which poses a unique challenge: the preserved bodies could release a scent that attracts polar bears. The town’s graveyard, originally established during World War II, no longer serves its original purpose, as the remains were moved to mitigate the risk. Today, bodies are routinely transported to the mainland for burial to ensure safety and environmental preservation.
Valley Hikes
The valleys around Longyearbyen offer hiking experiences unlike any other. From Arctic foxes and polar bears to the discovery of ancient fossils, these hikes provide a closer look at the rugged beauty of the Arctic. The glacial rivers and stark, barren valleys highlight the raw nature of Svalbard’s untouched landscape.
Visiting the Global Seed Vault
Hidden beneath a mountain, Svalbard’s Global Seed Vault preserves seeds from around the world in permafrost at -18°C, ensuring the survival of biodiversity. The vault is considered one of the safest places on Earth and has only been accessed by Syria and Ukraine, both of which retrieved seeds due to conflicts affecting their agriculture.
Arctic Challenge – Kayak and Hike
The Arctic Challenge involved kayaking through freezing Arctic waters and hiking up Hiortfjellet, the highest peak in the area. This strenuous 11-12-hour adventure rewarded us with stunning views of fjords, glaciers, and the Arctic landscape.
Cruise on the Arctic Ocean and Pyramiden Visit
On an Arctic Ocean cruise, we encountered beluga whales and spotted polar bears, seals, reindeer, and walruses. We also visited Pyramiden, an abandoned Russian mining town that now feels frozen in time, with its swimming pool, theatre, and other facilities eerily preserved.
With its unspoiled beauty, rich history, and wildlife, Svalbard remains a top destination for those seeking a true Arctic adventure.
Some fascinating facts about Svalbard:
- The sun does not set for five months of the year.
- Svalbard experiences a four-month-long night during winter.
- Longyearbyen is only 814 miles from the North Pole.
- There are only 25 miles of roads on the entire archipelago.
- Svalbard is home to the Global Seed Vault.
- No visa or residency permit is needed to live and work there.
- You can’t be buried in Svalbard.
- 60 per cent of Svalbard is covered in ice.
- No trees grow there.
- Abandoned buildings do not decay due to the Arctic climate.
About the Author: Chintan Shah is a finance professional with a love for travel and nature. A true adventure enthusiast, Chintan thrives on the thrill of trekking and seeks out offbeat destinations, turning each expedition into a captivating exploration of the unknown.
