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Who Discovered Svalbard? |
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Halfway between Norway and the North Pole lies Svalbard, an archipelago of permafrost-covered islands where residents experience 24 hours of darkness from November to January. With some Viking reports of its existence and settlement going back to 12th century Iceland as Svalbarði funning, or loosely “found cold coasts,” William Barents, a Dutch explorer holds the official record for its discovery in 1596. But there’s some evidence—and some debate—that Barents wasn’t the first. |
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Some say that the Russian Pomors settled earlier. Arctic hunters and fishermen, the Pomors sailed from the coast of the White Sea to hunt Arctic wildlife, like walruses, and they built elaborate hunting stations. Archaeological evidence suggests that they left in in 1852, but it’s unclear when they landed. |
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There’s another idea that Svalbard was settled in the Stone Age, around 3000 B.C.E. Two Scandinavian archaeologists in the 1970s found flint from the Stone Age at an excavation of an 18th century whaling site. |
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The Vikings were strong navigators, arriving in Greenland in 986 and Iceland in 870, so who’s to say they weren’t the first? |
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The Northernmost EverythingToday, Svalbard is known for the world’s northernmost everything – town, school, shop, pub, hotel, you name it. It’s the most remote community in the high Arctic and Norwegian law requires residents to carry guns outside of town to protect themselves against polar bears.
This icy archipelago, once home to mining operations and hunters, now houses what may be the key to saving the world – The Global Seed Vault, aka the Doomsday Vault. Built deep in a former Norwegian coal mine above Longyearbyen airport in 2008, it holds and preserves millions of seed samples for all of humanity.
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Little Known FactsSvalbard is home to 10,000 unique reindeer, which are their own special subspecies. The smallest reindeer on earth, with legs shorter than their peers, they’ve lived on Svalbard for over 5,000 years!
After years of being overhunted, Svalbard walruses were protected in 1952. Their population numbered about 100. Since then, their population has rebounded and is at least 3,000! |
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Explore SvalbardLearn more about Svalbard, its history, and the animals who live there – just the animals though, as it’s too cold for plants! |
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Circumnavigating Svalbard – The Ultimate ExpeditionOn this 12-day expedition, you’ll fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town. Before you sail north of 80°, check out the pub and have a chat with some of the residents. Be prepared to spot reindeer and walruses as you head for Hornsund’s fjords! |
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Iceland, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen – Arctic Islands Discovery (Eastbound) Begin your 10-day journey in Iceland, where we recommend getting some advice from the elves, before heading to volcanic Jan Mayen. In Svalbard, check out the rugged fjords of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, where you can see, whales, seals, reindeer, and walruses, and listen to no shortage of local tales. |
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Explore Other Arctic TalesShift your latitude and journey north. Write your own Tale of the Arctic. There's nothing quite like the blue hues of ice, the hum of glaciers, and the thrill of a story. Check out these these stories from other awe-inspiring destinations.
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Uncover Your Next AdventureA world of storytelling awaits. Transport yourself to one of these exciting Arctic destinations. Choose your adventure by clicking on a tile.
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