The Location

Since discovery in 1596, Svalbard has been an epic destination for diverse groups such as whalers, hunters, miners, researchers and polar explorers, many of whom began their race to the North Pole form here. More than half of the archipelago is covered by glaciers and although the vegetation is sparse allowing for fascinating geological study, there are over 150 species of plant and numerous birds and mammals including the walrus, beluga whale and famous polar bear.

The Governor of Svalbard sums up the history of Svalbard expeditions as follows:

The aims of the expeditions were often complex. Though the nominal goal tended to be scientific, expedition leaders, participants and sponsors were often motivated by considerations such as national or personal prestige. The Arctic seemed to beckon to people of heroic mettle, goading them into feats of remarkable stamina, actions that became, as such, national symbols and that brought personal glory to the performer when he returned, be he dead or alive.

Svalbard is not only an exciting destination for adventure and exploration but also of tremendous importance in the gathering of data that has historically contributed, and continues to contribute to issues such as climate change, ocean currents, glacial and geological processes and even the shape of the world!

Over 60% of the archipelago is currently under protection by law and strategies for preservation of polar bears and walrus seem to be working with recent reports of increased populations.

Its location makes it a harsh environment leading to several stories of hardship and endurance in the pursuit of personal glory, enhanced knowledge or simply financial gain. The mean temperature of -4ËšC tells its own story of bitterly cold winters with polar nights (where it’s continuously dark and the light from the moon replaces the sun) and the midnight sun in summer where you can experience 24h daylight.

Svalbard Factsheet

• Archipelago (group of islands) between 74°-81°N and 10°-35°E

• Mean annual temperature -4ËšC

• More than 60% land protected

• Starting point for many North Pole exploration attempts

• 63 000 sq.km (60% covered by glacier)

•   Norwegian sovereignty, regulated by the Svalbard Treaty of 1920