Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It’s known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes. The Northern Lights are visible during winter. It is also one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas and its among the safest places on Earth.
The Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz gave Spitsbergen its name, meaning “pointed mountains” in dutch, when he discovered it in 1596.
Historically the livelihood for the local population was whaling, fishing and mining. Today the islands population of nearly 3000 people works in research and not surprisingly, tourism.
The average temperature in Summer is just above zero with snow covered mountains, all year around. But imagine, exploring the vast landscape with its glaciers, mountains, and fjords – under the midnight sun.
There are no airlines that fly directly from London to Longyearbyen. But once there you could rent a private accommodation via Airbnb or stay in a hotel. Personally I would consider staying at the Basecamp.
After nearly a year with travel restrictions I am sure you must have had some time to plan your next adventure? Because I do sincerely hope it is when and not if we will travel again.
So please do share! If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?