Making the most of Amsterdamoya
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Depending on conditions, ships moor or anchor offshore and passengers travel to the shoreline by Zodiac tender.
Sightseeing
The name Amsterdamøya translates as Amsterdam Island.
Svalbard is the Norwegian name for this archipelago, which includes Bear Island and Jan Mayen, although it is generally called Spitsbergen. Nearly the size of the Republic of Ireland, the territory remains largely unspoilt wilderness, with a population of 3,500 spread among five settlements.
This true High Arctic archipelago lies only 600 miles from the North Pole and is characterised by harsh mountains, broad tundra, ice caps and glaciers.
Whalers and trappers were once drawn by the plentiful wildlife. Today's discerning visitors come instead for vast colonies of Arctic seabirds and opportunities to observe and photograph Walrus, Reindeer, Arctic Fox and, naturally, Polar Bear.
Food and shopping
Shoes are expected to be removed before entering most Svalbard buildings, hotels and shops included. In public buildings, the custom is made clear by the rack of muddy walking boots positioned prominently at the doorway.
Money
Norwegian krone (NOK) is used throughout Svalbard, including in its Russian settlements.
Staying connected
Norwegian is the official language, with Russian also spoken in Barentsburg. Almost everyone working in tourism speaks English.
Svalbard enjoys an excellent internet connection. It is supplied by undersea fibre-optic cables laid along the seabed to mainland Norway, on which NASA rents substantial capacity for its experiments in Svalbard.
Opening Hours and
Each settlement follows the public holidays of either Norway or Russia, as appropriate, and several local festivals may also be of interest:
- At January's end, Polar Jazz presents jazz, blues and bluegrass across a 4-5 day festival.
- Sunfest Week, held around March 8th, celebrates the conclusion of the polar night.
- At the end of October, the Blues Festival uses its musical theme to mark winter's approach.
- KunstPause Svalbard is an arts festival held around 14 November to coincide with the start of the polar night.