Description:

Ny Ålesund is the world’s northernmost settlement, situated at 79 degrees north in the north-western region of Spitsbergen, Svalbard, on the southern bank halfway inside Kongsfjorden (The King’s Fjord).

Originally it was a coal mining settlement established in 1916. From the end of the 1960s, scientific research has been the main activity in Ny-Ålesund. At present time however, it is a research station with scientists from over 10 different countries which only has around 40 residents living there throughout the whole year.

Cruiser Highlights:

The settlement has its own airport, harbour, a museum, the world’s northernmost post office and a souvenir shop. In the summertime it is possible to travel to Ny-Ålesund from Longyearbyen.  In the wintertime Ny-Ålesund is a stopping point for a few select skiing expeditions that are offered by various activity providers in Svalbard. There is no accommodation available for tourists in the settlement.

Restrictions:

In the settlement and in a surrounding radius of 20km around Ny-Ålesund all visitors must observe radio silence, meaning wifi and bluetooth must be turned off on mobile phones and other units.

Using drones or other equipment (cameras, wristwatches etc.) with wifi turned on is not permitted. This is due to The Norwegian Mapping Authority’s (Kartverket) geodetic station just outside of the settlement which measures the earth’s movements with very finely tuned and delicate instruments.

Visitors in Ny-Ålesund must ensure they walk on the roads and wooden pathways and not on the tundra. Biologists do research on the tundra and the birds that use it, and as such it’s important to not disturb the vegetation or wildlife.  In addition, there are many research installations placed in and around the settlement so stick to the roads to ensure you are not jeopardising any research findings.

Position:

78°55.73’N, 11°55.73’E (harbour)

Last updated:  February 2024

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