Ny-Alesund Port is located in the island of Spitsbergen in the archipelago of Svalbard. Its population is relatively small, with approximately 30 to 35 persons permanently residing in the area. Ny-Alesund houses several research stations operated by organizations from different countries.
Shopping
There are several shopping establishments, department stores, and supermarkets along the Svalbard area. What makes shopping in Ny-Alesund and the rest of the Svalbard archipelago more exciting is the tax free provision. All regular tax laws are no longer applicable in the Svalbard archipelago, since it is considered an extra-territorial area.
With its more affordable rates, you can certainly shop for more food, clothing items and other goods. If you are interested in outdoor clothing, camping supplies, and sleeping bags, visit Høyfjellspesialisten, Svalbardbutikken. With its wide array of durable and quality outdoor equipment, you are unlikely to leave the store empty-handed. Ra Bi's Bua is another store that showcases outdoor clothes, specifically for children. If you are shopping for sporting outfits and clothes, you should visit Paulsen because you will find many choices, at very affordable prices.
The post office at Longyearben is an excellent stop for those who are interested in shopping for historical souvenirs such as stamps, stationeries and postcards. You can also shop for fur clothes at Storø Skinnsøm Spitsbergen. Or, for your grocery and other domestic needs, the Svalbardbutikken is the answer.
Things to See
A visit to Ny-Alesund would certainly not be complete without dropping by the following destinations and attractions:
- Research village
- Arctic Marine Laboratory, which is considered to be the northernmost-based marine laboratory in the whole world.
- Svalrak, where sounding rockets are launched since 1997
- North Pole Hotel
- The Roald Amundsen monument
- British Antarctica Survey research station
- Netherlands Arctic Station
- Himadri, a research station operated by India
You can also drop by some tourist destinations in the Svalbard archipelago near Ny-Alesund such as:
- Undersea Cable
- Arctic Yellow River Station
- Norwegian Polar Institute
- Polish Polar Station
- Seed Vault
- University Centre
- Olav V Land
- Newtontoppen
- Forlandet National Park
- Nordenskiold Land
- Nordre Isfjorden Land
- Northwest Spitsbergen
- Sassen-Bunsow Land
- Sor-Spitsbergen
Restaurants and Bars
Your visit to Ny-Alesund will certainly not be boring because of the numerous restaurants and bars you can check find. One of the bars you can visit for an exciting nightlife is Mellageret or Flour Storage. Mellageret is usually open from 10 in the evening until 3 in the morning. You can enjoy the experience of being on the small dance floor of Mellageret, while wearing no shoes at all. Not wearing shoes while staying inside any building is a native Svalbard custom. Other popular bars and restaurants in Ny-Alesund are Nachspiel and Vorspiel.