Making the most of Moffen Island
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
When conditions permit, Zodiac tenders carry passengers from moored or anchored ships to the shoreline.
Sightseeing
The Norwegian name for the archipelago encompassing Bear Island and Jan Mayen is Svalbard, though it is commonly known as Spitsbergen. Nearly the size of the Republic of Ireland, Spitsbergen remains virtually unspoilt wilderness, with a population of 3,500 spread among five settlements.
This genuine High Arctic archipelago lies only 600 miles from the North Pole and combines rugged peaks, expansive tundra, ice caps and glaciers.
Its plentiful wildlife once drew whalers and trappers in great numbers. Discerning visitors now seek enormous Arctic seabird colonies and opportunities to observe and photograph Walrus, Reindeer, Arctic Fox and, of course, Polar Bear.
Moffen is a small island north of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard archipelago. Walruses inhabit it, and rare Sabine's gulls use the island as a breeding site.
Food and shopping
Shoes should be removed before entering most buildings in Svalbard, including certain hotels and shops. In a public building, a conspicuous rack covered with dirty walking boots makes this expectation obvious.
Money
Norwegian krone (NOK) is the currency, including within Russian settlements.
Staying connected
The official language is Norwegian, although residents of Barentsburg speak Russian. Nearly everyone employed in tourism can communicate in English.
Svalbard has an excellent internet connection, thanks to NASA renting bulk space on undersea fibre-optic cables laid on the seabed to mainland Norway for experiments in the archipelago.
Opening Hours and
Norwegian and Russian public holidays apply to their respective communities, along with several interesting local festivals:
- At the end of January, Polar Jazz brings a 4-5-day festival of jazz, blues and bluegrass.
- Sunfest Week, around March 8th, marks the end of the polar night.
- Held at the end of October, the Blues Festival provides an appropriately themed way to recognise the coming winter.
- Around 14 November, KunstPause Svalbard is an arts festival timed for the beginning of the polar night.