A lost world in the Arctic (Svalbard, Norway)

Today we move virtually to northern Europe to discover that the natural laws of Svalbard do not resemble anything we can know. But in addition, despite their geographical situation, the islands enjoy a relatively benevolent climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, which leaves some surprises:

Svalbard, an archipelago secluded in the Arctic, is a collection of curiosities, in a territory that seems to have no life to the naked eye and yet is far from completely desolate. In one of the towns of the island, its name Longyearbyen is a curious toponym with a tinge of humor (a mixture of English and Norwegian) that describes what it can mean to live in the archipelago: the place where the year is very long. Time seems to run slower.

Its inhabitants are defined as polarniks or polar, although in reality, coexist in an unusual neighborhood of Russians and Norwegians, and in a territory where anyone can settle without needing a visa or residence permit. It is a territory in which, apparently, everyone is invited to arrive, and yet almost no one arrives. Managed by Norway, although with legally settled Russian bases, Svalbard is an inhospitable territory to which almost no one came for pleasure, until in recent years tourism begins to dawn, which slowly competes with mining as the main economic activity.

You can arrive to Svalbard by cruise (in high season), or by plane, and once in the archipelago travel on snowmobiles (weather permitting) or by plane and helicopter between villages and islands. Watching polar bears is the most common type of excursion on the island, although it is not easy to find or guaranteed. In any case, it is possible to observe with greatness the nature of the Arctic, with virgin glaciers, mountains and places to observe caribou, polar foxes, whales, seals and walruses. Always, making excursions contracted with professional guides. Even for more experienced adventurers, Svalbard is the starting point for excursions to the North Pole.

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