Making the most of Ny Alesund
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
The cruise berth stands beside the tiny settlement, whose permanent population of 12 rises to around 110 during the summer research and tourism season.
Magnificent scenery and dramatic northern lights make Spitsbergen famous.
Svalbard is the Norwegian name for this archipelago, which includes Bear Island and Jan Mayen, although it is generally called Spitsbergen. Almost the size of the Republic of Ireland, with 3,500 people spread across five settlements, it remains an almost untouched wilderness.
Rugged peaks, extensive tundra, glaciers and ice caps define this true High Arctic island group, situated only 600 miles from the North Pole.
Abundant wildlife formerly attracted large numbers of whalers and trappers. Today, discerning travellers come for immense Arctic seabird colonies and opportunities to observe and photograph Walrus, Reindeer, Arctic Fox and, naturally, Polar Bear.
Ny Ålesund now serves as a research center. Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese and Arctic Terns breed near the village. Those interested in Arctic exploration can walk to the mooring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile before their 1926 North Pole flight in the airship Norge, and by Nobile before the airship Italia’s 1928 flight.
Getting around
Warnings advise against wandering beyond town because polar bears may catch you.
Food and shopping
Shoes are expected to be removed before entering most Svalbard buildings, including certain hotels and shops. In public premises, the prominent entrance rack filled with muddy walking boots makes the custom clear.
Money
Even Russian settlements use the Norwegian krone (NOK).
Staying connected
Norwegian is official, while Barentsburg also uses Russian. Almost everyone working in tourism speaks English.
Svalbard has first-rate Internet because NASA rents substantial capacity on submarine fibre-optic cables running across the seabed to mainland Norway for local experiments.
Opening Hours and
The relevant settlements observe Norwegian or Russian public holidays, alongside several notable local festivals:
- Polar Jazz takes place in late January: a 4-5 day celebration of jazz, blues and bluegrass.
- Sunfest Week occurs around March 8th and marks the polar night’s conclusion.
- The Blues Festival at October’s end uses blues to mark winter’s approach.
- KunstPause Svalbard, around 14 November, is an arts event aligned with the polar night’s beginning.