What is the difference between Svalbard and Spitsbergen?
West Spitsbergen was the original name of Svalbard’s biggest island, and the word literally means ‘rugged mountain peaks’. The island is today called Spitsbergen and that is the island on which both Longyearbyen and the Russian settlement Barentsburg are located.
Can I go on holiday to Svalbard?
Norway’s scenery reaches a crescendo of snowy peaks and glacier-fringed fjords in Spitsbergen – largest of the Svalbard islands, located halfway between Norway and the North Pole. As polar specialists, we can arrange holidays to this spectacular Arctic realm in both summer and winter.
How do you get to Svalbard Norway?
Things to Consider
- The most common route to reach Svalbard is to fly via Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen.
- Flying time is 3 hours between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
- Longyearbyen airport is the world’s most northerly airport to receive regular scheduled flights.
Who owns Spitsbergen island?
The Spitsbergen Treaty granted Norway sovereignty over Spitsbergen as of 1920, but anyone who is a citizen of the more than 40 signatory nations has the legal right to settle within Spitsbergen.
Is Spitsbergen part of Norway?
Spitsbergen, formerly West Spitsbergen (Vestspitsbergen), largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, part of Norway, in the Arctic Ocean. Spitsbergen, with an area of 15,075 square miles (39,044 square km), is approximately 280 miles (450 km) long and ranges from 25 to 140 miles (40 to 225 km) wide.
Did Covid reach Svalbard?
The COVID-19 pandemic in Svalbard is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Svalbard on 6 October 2021.
What is the temperature in Svalbard?
Seven day forecast for Svalbard
| Time | 06:00 | 19:00 |
|---|---|---|
| Chance of precipitation | 20% | 10% |
| Temperature °C °F | ||
| Temperature in degrees Celsius | 5° | 6° |
| Feels like temperature °C |
Why are cats banned in Svalbard?
Cats are banned, in the whole archipelago actually. It is for the reason that they might harm the wildlife, specifically the bird’s population.
What is Spitsbergen called in English?
pointed mountains
The name Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains” (from the Dutch spits – pointed, bergen – mountains), at first applied both to the main island and to the associated archipelago as a whole.
How long can I stay in Svalbard?
indefinitely
Everybody may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely regardless of country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals.
How much money do I need to live in Svalbard?
Living expenses The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month. All travel expenses to and from Longyearbyen must be paid by the student.
Can anyone move to Svalbard?
Everybody may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely regardless of country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may live and work indefinitely visa-free as well.