These Arctic islands are under Norwegian sovereignty. Besides the Norwegians, the islands also have a Russian settlement, Barentsburg. The Svalbard Islands are located halfway between Norway and The North Pole and offer untouched, arctic wilderness with vast mountain areas and magnificent glaciers.

Longyearbyen is the seat of local government and Norway’s main administrative centre in Svalbard. The small colourful community of approx. 1800 inhabitants has developed from being a typical mining company town into a modern community with different kinds of business and industry and with a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities.

Since there are no roads between the settlement areas on Svalbard, snowmobiles and boats are a common means of transportation.

One of the most interesting things about this land is the people. They love the outdoors, therfore most of the things that they do, happen in the outdoors.

All of Svalbard is Norwegian territory, so there is no need for a passport/visa to visit the island or to visit the Russian settlements. Please note, however, that all non-Norwegian citizens must show their passport when returning to the Norwegian mainland.