Play spot-the-polar-bear in the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard

Attractions

Play spot-the-polar-bear in the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, it's known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The Northern Lights are visible during winter, and summer brings the “midnight sun”—sunlight 24 hours a day.

NORWAY // Remote and intrepid, you say? Get yourself over to Svalbard. At 78° north, the archipelago is Europe's largest continuous wilderness and the final frontier before the North Pole. Home to more polar bears than people, it's a place of heartbreaking beauty, especially in the depths of winter as you dog- sled across the frozen tundra, the Northern Lights flickering overhead. Join a snowmobile expedition to discover reindeer-dotted valleys or head to the coast where, with any luck, you'll spot whales, seals and walruses.

Can you live in Svalbard?

Everyone may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely, regardless of their country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty gives treaty nationals the same right of residence as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may also live and work indefinitely without a visa.

Can I go to Svalbard without visa?

Svalbard is exclusively a visa-free zone. It is part of Norway but separate from the Schengen cooperation, and foreigners do not need a visa or a visit, work or residence permit to stay in Svalbard. However, the only way to access Svalbard is through the Schengen country of Norway.

Why is Svalbard famous?

Svalbard has a population of less than 2,700 and a polar bear population of 3,000. This is one of the best places on earth to see and photograph polar bears in their natural home.

Does Svalbard have Internet?

Believe it or not, Svalbard, Norway has reliable internet access - and has since 2003. to a network of optical fiber cables that cover the underwater distance.

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