The Svalbard archipelago is found on the northernmost part of Europe. It is considered to be located farther to the north than any area in Alaska and a majority of the Arctic islands. Despite the fact that the archipelago is largely uninhabited, Svalbard archipelago has the Longyearbyen and Bear Island ports that can provide excitement and thrill to any tourist; especially those who prefer to be close to nature. All over the archipelago are numerous Artic animals such as Walruses, White Polar Bears, and Reindeers. There are also a lot of seabirds that can be spotted here in the Svalbard archipelago.
The Longyearbyen Port is the entry point to the administrative center of the archipelago. However it is only accessible during the summer months, when the area is free from ice. Outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing are popular among tourists in this area. During the summer, the coasts are free of ice and grow wildflowers, lichens, and molasses for a more picturesque view.
The Bear Island port in Bear Island is located on the southern part of the Svalbard archipelago. The port is in the middle of an old world yet charming town which offers eco-friendly activities for tourists to enjoy.
Shopping
After docking at the Longyearbyen Port, tourists can visit the area which is dotted with numerous shops that sell everything such as seafood, handicrafts, and sports equipment. Since there is no customs regulation in this port, prices of goods at Longyearbyen are considerably cheaper than those sold in mainland Norway.
However, there are not much shopping stalls available in the Bear Island port. There are a few small shops that are found within the perimeter of the port area, although the said stalls do not regularly open shop.
Things to See
The Svalbard Museum, approximately 1 kilometer off the Longyearbyen Port, is home to a rich collection of artifacts depicting Svalbard’s history particularly its whaling history, mining history, and flora and fauna.
The west coast of Bear Island features some of the largest seabird colonies found in the Northern Atlantic. Some of these seabird colonies are the Common Guillemots, Little Auks, Brunnich’s Guillemots, and Kittiwakes. Going to the western coast of Bear Island, however, is only possible during sunny days.
The long-abandoned whaling station in the district of Kvalrossbukta is a good place to visit for history buffs. This station was the site of a bustling industry back in the early 1900s. The area is also dotted with tundra with isolated but picturesque hills overlooking it. The magnificent seabirds, Great Skuas and Artic Skuas, can also be spotted at this area during selected times of the year.
Restaurants and Bars
A favorite restaurant in Longyearbyen Port is the Huset, a restaurant-cum-bar which serves affordable but great-tasting steak. This restaurant also features several movies on certain Sundays and has a duty-free stall to boot.