Found in the northern most part of Norway the Svalbard Islands archipelago group is the ideal holiday destination. There are ten main islands in archipelago as well as many smaller islands and skerries.

The majority of the islands population live on the islands of Bjornoya and Hopen and Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen's main town is Longyearbyen which has a population of over 1,800. The easiest way to get to the Svalbard Islands is by plane with most flights landing in Longyearbyen.

Norwegian is the official language of the islands although most people employed in the tourist industry on the island do speak English. While visiting the Svalbard Islands you check out some of native animals. The islands are home to many polar bears, arctic birds, reindeers, seals, polar foxes and walruses. The scenery of the Svalbard Islands will take your breath away with many beautiful glaciers and the spectacular arctic wilderness.

The use of an experienced guide is recommended while exploring the Svalbard Island because up to 500 polar bears live on the island. The locals will make you feel at home the moment you arrive and are guaranteed to keep you occupied for your entire stay with their enthusiasm and love of the outdoors.

Climate

Find Out What The Climate Is like In The Svalbard Islands

Svalbard's climate is considerable mild considering its proximity to the North Pole. Winters usually sit at below zero while during the summer months temperatures can be at a high of 6 degrees. During the winter months at Svalbard's main island of Longyearbyen experiences averages of -13 during the day and -20 in the evening. As many as 15 days of rain can occur during the month of January with the sunning not rising at all during January. In the summer months approximately 7 hours of sunlight can be expected.

Geography

Geographical Information On The Svalbard Islands

The Svalbard Islands can be located in Northern Europe north of Norway in between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The total land mass from all islands combined is 62,049 square kilometres with a coastline of 3,587 kilometres. The countryside is mountainous and rugged with much of the highland being covered in ice. The population over 2,701 with the main island being Longyearbyen.

Economy

Learn About The Economy In The Svalbard Islands

The main source of income for the Svalbard Islands comes from coal mining with up to 60 percent of the country being employed by the coal companies. Reindeer, fox and seals are also hunted. The official currency is the Norwegian Krone.

Festivals and Events

Discover What's On At The Svalbard Islands

The islands of Svalbard celebrate the return of the sun each January with the popular Sunfest Week which is full of entertainment and exhibitions as well as plenty of concerts. If you are a fan of jazz or even blues then the islands have it all covered for you, with Polarjazz held in february and Dark Season Blues Spitsbergen which is held each October.