svalbard site guidelines North-West Spitsbergen
80°N 79°43.9’N 010°59.7’E Smeerenburg
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park – From smeer (Dutch), meaning speck or blubber, accordingly the name means blubber town.
Photo: Christopher Ide Europe’s first oil adventure
”Blubber town” was the main base for Dutch whaling in the first half of the 1600s. The blubber produced oil for lighting, paint, soap and other products in demand, in the increasingly-expanding urban Europe. Contrary to the myth of 20 000 inhabitants and a hectic party-life in Smeerenburg, the reality was 200 hard-working men in a growing oil industry at almost 80° North.
Vegetation The main part of Smeerenburg was built on fine-grain sand. Most probably there was no vegetation here during the whaling period, but over the years a thin moss cover has developed. Behind the outer plain is a large vegetated area with polygonal ground, perfectly sorted with wet clay in the center, surrounded by larger stones.
Fauna Common eider and Arctic tern breed close to the shore. Arctic skua and probably also great skua breed on the flat inland area. This is a feeding and moulting area for barnacle goose. Several species of waders, including ringed plover, ruddy turnstone, purple sandpiper and sanderling inhabit the area. Harbor seals are residents in the area and can often be seen resting on stones near the shore. Walrus, reindeer, polar bear and Arctic fox may frequent the area.
cultural remains The most visible traces after the whaling station of Smeerenburg is the “concrete” from the 12 remaining blubber ovens. The asphalt-looking mass was formed by the greasy whale oil, which was blended with sand and gravel. Long after Smeerenburg was abandoned, it was still used as a harbor of refuge, equipment storage, a rendezvous for whale boats in the spring and autumn and as a burial ground. 101 graves are found in the area. svalbard site guidelines Smeerenburg
map Symbols
Landing area
1 Information board
2 Graves
Cairn
Blubber oven Likholmen
2
Smeerenburgodden 1
0 50 150 Meters
Guidelines
– Stay on the beach as long as the area is snow-covered and wet in order to avoid unintentional trampling on the cultural heritage remains and damage to the vegetation.
– Observe the remains of the blubber ovens and the graves from the perimeter.
– The small pieces of blubber concrete are also protected and must not be touched.
– Retreat if terns and skuas attack while watching were you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
– Especially in late June and in July, approach the area carefully and allow family groups of geese and eiders to make a controlled retreat.
– The polygonal ground behind the plain is muddy, partly very muddy. Walking in the area could cause vis- ible footprints.
Photo: Frigg Jørgensen Photo: Trond Haugskott Photo: Ole Magnus Rappv
Limit walking to the beach area when the ground Harbor seal, the only seals in Svalbard that rest on An asphalt-looking mass formed by greasy is still snow-covered or wet. stones, especially at low tide. whale oil.
Tip Smeerenburg is one of the northernmost places where harbor seals are often seen.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines North-West Spitsbergen
80°N 79°51.3’N 011°35.9’E Ytre Norskøya
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park Ytre Norskøya means “Outer Norwegian island”.
Photo: Jørn Henriksen Old whalers’ paths
For the whalers, catching sight of the whales as early as possible was of utmost importance. The important “spotters” were positioned in lookouts with good views of the ocean. While waiting they enjoyed their clay pipes and wine. When the first whalers arrived in 1611, the waters were “boiling” with whales. About 200 years later the big whales in the north were almost exterminated. Today visitors can walk on the old whalers` paths to enjoy the sight from this last point of land before the North Pole.
Vegetation At first sight Ytre Norskøya looks barren and shale-covered. But as you pass the shoreline fantastic carpets of colorful moss cover, called golden moss tundra, appear. Further up in the landscape is solid rock and stone, and the vegetation cover is sparse and dominated by grey moss and lichens. Some flowering plants are present, like wood rushes, Svalbard poppies, and large populations of pygmy buttercups.
Fauna The bird cliff on the island is occupied by many thousand seabirds. The little auk is most common, but other breeding birds include Brünnich’s guillemot, Atlantic puffin, black guillemot and glaucous gull. Several pairs of Arctic tern, Arctic skua and sometimes great skua breed on the lower part of the island. Other breeding birds here are barnacle goose, common eider and purple sandpiper.
cultural remains The burial ground at Ytre Norskøya, with 165 graves, is one of the largest in Svalbard. Fifty of the graves were excavated by Dutch archaeologists in 1980. Clothes and textiles from the graves are part of the “Smeerenburg-collection”, on exhibit at the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen. The whaling station is also one of Svalbard’s largest. svalbard site guidelines Ytre Norskøya
Gåsholmen map Symbols
Cooksundet Landing area Recommended path
Lookout
Utkiken Area with entrance prohibition
Vulnerable for trampling
Utkikpynten a Wet area a 1 Nesting area for common eider and geese 1 2 Arctic tern colony
Bird cliff 2
0 100 500 Meters
Guidelines
– Observe the entrance prohibition at the cultural heritage site. All traffic is forbidden but the remains can be observed from the Utkiken mountain or from the ridge on the western side.
– Especially in late June and in July, approach the island carefully to allow family groups of geese and eiders to make a controlled retreat.
– Retreat if terns and skuas attack while watching where you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
– Walk around the wettest part of the moss tundra as it has small tolerance for trampling. Pay special at- tention at the borderline between the shoreline and the moss tundra.
Photo: Linda Drake Photo: Dagmar Hagen Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp
The barnacle goose is found in three different The golden moss is like a colorful treasure in the grey The Svalbard puppy holds its ground. populations in the Arctic; Svalbard, northeast landscape at Ytre Norskøya. Greenland and northwest Russia.
Tip The Atlantic puffin, nicknamed the sea parrot, nests in the bird cliff on the northern side of the island. From the top area of the mountain it is possible to get good views of the puffins, as well as guillemots, barnacle geese and glaucous gulls. It is possible to land in different places around the island and also possible to walk over the mountain along the old whalers’ paths.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines Kongsfjorden
80°N 78°57.8’N 012°2.9’E London
The Norwegians jokingly called the English camp “London”, and this name came into general use.
Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp The marble bubble
An enterprising and charming Englishman created a lot of enthusiasm when he claimed to have found an entire island of marble. Money was quickly in place and industrial equipment bought and shipped to Blomstrandhalvøya. The marble was beautiful while left in the ground, but during transportation it crumbled to pieces. The pipe dream was demolished.
Vegetation The vegetation at Blomstrandhalvøya and London illustrates how temperature, water and snow conditions create a mosaic of different plant communities. The white Arctic bell heather needs snow cover in the winter, and in Svalbard it is only found in the temperate inner fjord areas, as here at London. Go down on your knees and smell the beautiful scent. The mountain avens and Svalbard poppies use their parabolic flowers to catch sunlight for ripening the seeds.
Fauna The long-tailed skua is rare in Svalbard, but a few pairs breed here as well as Arctic skua and Arctic tern. Several pairs of rock ptarmigan can often be found in the surrounding hills. It is easiest to catch sight of the male, which in summer is grey-white. Reindeer and Arctic fox are also common in the area.
cultural remains London is inextricably attached to Ernest Mansfield and Northern Exploration Company Ltd, NEC. The marble deposits were discovered in 1906 and the adventure started in 1911, but the dream of an easy profit ended quickly, and the industrial town and all of the advanced technical equipment were left behind. Almost all houses were moved from London to Ny-Ålesund in the 1950s. Today London is still the place in Svalbard with the most preserved technical equipment dating from before World War I. svalbard site guidelines london
2 Blomstrandhalvøya Øvretjørna map Symbols 1
Jakobskjelda 3 Landing area
Cabin 1 1 Path london 2 2 1 Locomobile
2 Homestead 4 3 Marble apparatus
4 Crane
Vulnerable steep slope – avoid trampling
1 Nesting area for long-tailed skua
2 Nesting area for wetland birds (No walking in June and July) Peirsonhamna
0 50 200 Meters
Guidelines
– Please use the existing paths up to the cabins. Do not use the brink as a crosscut. The fine-grained soil is easily eroded and very vulnerable to trampling.
– Use existing tracks whenever possible.
– Please keep distance to the breeding long-tailed skua. It will warn you by flying very close, possibly dive-bombing you and make anxious noises. Return in the direction you came from, until the bird has calmed down.
– Observe the house ruins and construction sites from a perimeter. Avoid trampling as the cultural remains are fragile.
– Small pieces of marble are also protected cultural remains as part of the heritage site. They are not to be removed.
– Please respect privacy if the cabins are occupied.
Photo: Jørn Henriksen Photo: Yan-Ali Tabarand Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp The “locomobile” – one of the advanced technologies The long-tailed skua from Svalbard winter mostly Gently rub the white Arctic bell and smell the used in London. in the ocean around South Africa. beautiful scent.
Tip London is a great location for creative photography. The old buildings and constructions make excellent backdrops.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines Krossfjorden
80°N 79°7.3’N 011°50.9’E Fjortende Julibukta
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park Named after the National Day of France.
Photo: Yan-Ali Tabarand The Hanging Gardens of Svalbard
Very few places near 79° North can offer more opulent vegetation than this very special site. Here you can enjoy the rich diversity and colors of Arctic vegetation and nice smells at close range. The bay close to the glacier offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the Arctic. The water temperature may not be impressive but the view is!
Vegetation This site offers very contrasting vegetation within a few hundred meters, from the barren gravel near the glacier to the most spectacular flowering meadows below the bird cliff. The high diversity of species and the size of individual plants make the site a vegetation hotspot. Species like the yellow polar dandelion and black erigeron have a restricted distribution at Svalbard, but are seen in large numbers under this bird cliff. These can be observed from below, without walking up the slope.
Fauna The bird cliff above the shore holds thousands of seabirds, including Brünnich’s guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, glaucous gull, black guillemot, little auk, Atlantic puffin and a few razorbill. A few pairs of Arctic skua breed close to the shore and barnacle and pink-footed geese breed on the slopes below the cliff. Reindeer also frequent these slopes. Good numbers of common eider and Arctic tern can be seen around the bay. svalbard site guidelines Fjortende Julibukta
Redingerpynten map Symbols
Landing area
Recommended for zodiac cruising 1 1 Hanging gardens
a Vulnerable for trampling
a Wet area with vegetation
Nesting area for Brünnich’s guillemot, Atlantic puffin and razorbill
Bird cliff
Fjortende Julibukta
0 100 500 Meters Fjortende Julibreen
Guidelines
– Stay along the shore and the lower flat area to avoid disturbance of breeding and foraging geese and trampling on the loose vegetation on the slope.
– Walk around the wetland areas as they have very low-trampling tolerance.
– The breeding areas for Brünnich’s guillemot, Atlantic puffin and razorbill can be observed from the small ridge to the east of it. Avoid walking into the breeding area.
– This breeding area can also be observed from the water, but beware of shallow waters.
Photo: Georg Bangjord Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp
The Atlantic puffin is also known as The cliff is like a botanic garden with high Go for a swim from one of Svalbard’s finest the sea parrot. diversity of species, also in sizes rarely seen beaches. in Svalbard.
Tip Stroll along the beach towards the glacier, Fjortende Julibreen. However, do not approach too close and in the event of a calving be aware of the surging wave.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines Krossfjorden
80°N 79°16.3’N 011°32.1’E Signehamna
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park – Named after Signe Amalie Isachsen, the wife of the polar and Spitsbergen explorer, Gunnar Isachsen. The bay was mapped and named by the expedition to Spitsbergen which Prince Albert I of Monaco organized and Gunnar Isachsen led in 1906 and 1907.
Photo: Jørn Henriksen The war for weather data in mighty nature
Weather information can make the difference of a battle lost or won. In World War II German generals realized the value of weather data in the North Atlantic and established weather stations in Svalbard from 1941. In the beautiful surroundings of Signehamna, men overwintered and sent daily weather data to the German military. In 1943, Norwegian forces bombed and burnt the Signehamna station.
Vegetation The vegetation at Signehamna is quite ordinary, but very characteristic, and envelops the amazing and interesting landscape. The grey moss carpet covers large areas, and the presence of yellow reindeer lichen indicates that the area is not heavily used by reindeer. Polar willow and wood rush are the dominant flower- ing plants. The walk from landing site up to the cultural remains passes through a perfect polygonal ground, and the shape of the stone ring is enhanced by vegetation in different colours.
Fauna The bird cliff, Nilspynten, holds thousands of seabirds, dominated by Brünnich’s guillemot and black-legged kittiwake. The lakes and their direct surroundings feature breeding red-throated diver, Arctic tern, Arctic and great skua, barnacle goose and purple sandpiper. Black-legged kittiwakes from Nilspynten use the lakes as a bathing place.
cultural remains Supporting legs to an antenna and remains of batteries lie on a ridge not visible from the fjord. By Lake Hajeren lie the remains of the manned weather stations, Knospe and Nussbaum. Large amounts of technical equipment, domestic utensils, personal outfits, fuel barrels and bits of tent canvas from the station building is spread around on the ground. svalbard site guidelines Signehamna
map Symbols
Landing area
Gunnarpynten Recommended path
Lookout Nilspollen Cultural remains: 2 1 Authomatic weather station
1 Nilspynten Signedalen 2 Knospe and Nussbaum
Vulnerable for trampling 2 Hajeren 1 Nesting red-throated diver
2 Nesting Arctic tern in the area around the cultural remains of Knospe
Bird cliff Erlingvatnet
0 100 500 Meters 1
Guidelines
– Do not enter the ruins of Knospe and Nussbaum. Watch from a distance to avoid damaging the fragile remains.
– Please do not pick-up or in any way rearrange any of the small and larger objects at this site.
– If the terns attack, walk away while watching where you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp Photo: Georg Bangjord
The rusty barrels are protected cultural heritage Binoculars are almost compulsory when traveling in The red-throated diver is the smallest of the remains. Svalbard. divers and has circumpolar distribution.
Tip An approximately one kilometer hike from Knopse and Nussbaum in a westerly direction will bring you to a hill from where you will have good sight of three freshwater lakes, as well as a view of Signehamna with the Lilliehöök glacier as a backdrop.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines hornsund
80°N 76°56.6’N 015°50.9’E Gåshamna
Sør-Spitsbergen National Park – Gåshamna means “goose bay” in Norwegian. “…the bay is called Bowles Bay by the English and Goeshaven by the Dutch...” (Conway).
Photo: Christopher Ide The earth was not circular after all
During the large Russian Arc of Meridian Expedition in 1899-1900, the scientists were making trigonometric measurements in Gåshamna and made what was considered a sensational discovery of the time. The scientists worked over large areas, measuring the distance between latitudes and determined the earth was flattened at the Poles.
Vegetation Gåshamna is barren with a few plant species scattered over the gravel and sand. Next to the cultural remains are green spots of vegetation, due to the supply of nutrients from human whaling and hunting activities of the past.
Fauna This area holds relatively few species and low numbers of animals and birds. A few pairs of Arctic tern, Arctic skua and common eider breed here.
cultural remains The ruins of the large Russian research station built for the Arc of Meridian Expedition appear as colorful spots in a grayish landscape. The remains include a residence, laboratory and an observatory. Later, a small cabin for Norwegian overwintering trappers was built within the remains of the station and was named Kon- stantinovka. Fragments of two large 17th century English whaling stations with their blubber ovens flank the river delta. Most creative is perhaps the Norwegian trapper`s cabin built of whale bones and crates within the remains of a blubber oven. svalbard site guidelines Gåshamna
map Symbols
Schønningholmane Cabin
1 Homestead of «Arc of Meridian»
2 Burial ground
3 Area with polygonal ground
Blubber oven
Gåshamna Remains of a cabin built within a blubber oven
Vulnerable steep slope – avoid trampling
Nesting area for Actic tern
konstantinova Small bird cliff 3 1
2 0 100 500 Meters
Guidelines
– The moss carpet surrounding the blubber ovens and the whalebones are fragile. Walk carefully and minimise trampling on vegetation by walking on the barren soil.
– When visiting the whaling burial ground, enter from the eastern side to avoid erosion in the steep slope.
– Observe the house ruins and blubber ovens from a perimeter and avoid tramping on them.
– If the terns attack, walk away while watching where you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
Photo: Jørn Henriksen Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp Photo: Jørn Henriksen
It is sometimes difficult to recognize blubber Remains of a large Russian research station. Arctic tern – attacks when you come close ovens. Green vegetation is typical. to eggs and chicks.
Tip On the ridge east of the ruins is a large area with polygonal ground.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines hornsund
80°N 77°0.9’N 015°52.3’E Gnålodden
Sør-Spitsbergen National Park – Gnålodden has its name from the incessantly humming mountain Gnålberget, that is inhabited by a large number of shrieking black-legged kittiwakes.
Photo: Jørn Henriksen Trapper cabin under the sound of birds
The female hunter and trapper Wanny Woldstad was tougher than most males. Below the steep and very noisy bird cliff she stayed in one of her hunting cabins. The cabin stands as a monument over toil and self-denial. Her nearest neighbors were the remains of a Russian trapping station and a grave of a 17th century whaler.
Vegetation The south facing slope and rich nutrient supply from the large bird colony makes this a particulary produc- tive vegetation site. Just inside the shoreline are continuous carpets of moss. Large diversity of flora can be found further up the cliff, including several species of buttercups, saxifrages, and a large population of the rare alpine rock cress.
Fauna The most striking feature of Gnålodden is the bird cliff in the characteristic Gnålberget mountain. This spectacular cliff is occupied by thousands of seabirds, dominated by three species; black-legged kittiwake, Brünnich’s guillemot and northern fulmar. The ice in the fjord is also a good area for finding bearded seal and is frequently visited by polar bear.
cultural remains Below the bird cliff is an old trappers` cabin used by Norwegian overwintering hunting and trapping parties. The cabin is well known because of the legendary female trapper, Wanny Wolstad. She used it as a satellite station when she overwintered in Hyttevika, just north of Hornsund, in the 1930`s. Not far from the cabin a small homestead used by Russian overwintering parties during the 18th century and what presumably is a whaler`s grave from the 17th century. svalbard site guidelines Gnålodden
Brattpynten
map Symbols
Landing area
Cabin
Lookout
1 Winch with wire
2 Russian homestead remain
D 2 3 Whaler’s grave Gravodden B a a 3 Vulnerable for trampling
a Steep slope
B Steep slope/lush vegetation
c c 1 Spot with wetland
D Resting place for goose in Gnålodden springtime
Bird cliff 0 50 200 Meters Svartholmen
Guidelines
– Please walk on the vegetation-free shoreline when walking between the cultural heritage sites.
– The moss carpet surrounding the cabin and the pond is fragile. Walk carefully and minimise trampling on vegetation.
– It is quite easy to reach the lower part of the bird cliff and observe the breeding birds without disturbing them. However, beware of falling/rolling rocks from the cliff as falling rocks can be triggered from people walking.
– You are welcome to visit the cabin unless it is occupied. Remember to close the door behind you when leaving the cabin.
Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp Photo: Jørn Henriksen Photo: Dagmar Hagen
Remember to close the door behind you when Thousands of seabirds occupy the spectacular cliff, The rare alpine rock cress can be found in leaving the cabin. Gnålberget. Gnålodden.
Tip A small walking-excursion can bring you to the point east of Gnålodden from where you can view the large glacier fronts in Burgerbukta, the Sofiakammen mountain and potentially seals and bears on the ice.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines Bellsund
80°N 77°33.1'N 014°58.8'E Ahlstrandhalvøya
Sør-Spitsbergen National Park – Ahlstrandhalvøya is named after the Swedish librarian, Johan August Ahlstrand (1822-96) who was interested in polar exploration.
Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp When belugas were big business
Large piles of beluga whale bones adorn the beach, the result of hectic and valuable summer-hunting during the interwar years. The beluga blubber as well as the skin was sought after. The beluga whales swam in large groups into the fjords where trappers were waiting with large seine nets to close the mouth of the fjord, trapping and slaughtering the whales. This slaughtering place is a unique cultural remain in Svalbard.
Vegetation This is one of the most favorable and productive climatic regions for plants at Svalbard. Within the range of a short walk, several of the most typical of Svalbard vegetation types can be observed, including saxifrage heath, wetland, grassland, moss heath, along with exposed ridges of vegetation.
Fauna The birdlife on this peninsula is relatively rich and varied and Ahlstrandhalvøya is an important feeding area for family groups of barnacle geese and female common eider. Several species of waders, including ruddy turnstone, purple sandpiper, sanderling and grey phalarope are also present in the area. Reindeer are commonly seen grazing on the rich vegetation.
cultural remains The cabin, Bamsebu, in Ingebrigtsenbukta, was built as a beluga whaling station and is the only excellent example of a beluga whaling station remaining in Svalbard. Next to the cabin is the small storage place, Kjeftausa, where a turned boat forms the roof. Three of the seine boats lie on the beach in Fleur de Lyshamna. The names of the bays, beaches and headlands of Ahlstrandhalvøya originated from the cultural heritage environment connected with the hunting of beluga. svalbard site guidelines ahlstrandhalvøya
map Symbols 2
Landing area Richardodden Fleur de Lyshamna Cabin
1 Slaughtering place for beluga
2 Seine boats
Pitnerodden Vulnerable for trampling Kapp Madrid a Wet area
b Scattered vegetation on fine Bourbonhamna substrate Polahaugen Important nesting area Kapp Toscana
1
a bamsebu / Private cabin b Kjeftausa
0 100 500 Meters
Guidelines
– The slaughtering place and the remains of the belugas are protected cultural remains. Please do not touch.
– The small patches of wetland next to the cabin Bamsebu have low trampling tolerance, so please walk outside them.
– In late June through July, approach carefully in order to let family groups of geese and eiders make a controlled retreat. This cautionary behavior will help to avoid chicks being separated from the adults, making them easy prey for glaucous gull and Arctic fox.
– From late May through July avoid traffic on and around the islets off Fleur de Lyshamna as birds are breeding there.
– Please respect the private cabin Bamsebu.
Photo: Yan-Ali Tabarnd Photo: Trond Haugskott Photo: Ole Magnus Rapp
The spectacular tilted folded strata are part of the The charming grey phalarope is relatively common Quite well kept seine boats lie on the beach in Ullaberget series. in the area. Fleur de Lyshamna.
Tip A four kilometer hike will take you from Ingebrigtsenbukta to Fleur de Lyshamna. If you walk the first part along the beach you will avoid the wet tundra. During the trip you will cross the spectacular tilted folded strata of the Ullaberget series.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO svalbard site guidelines Bellsund
80°N 77°39.4’N 014°44.4’E Gåsbergkilen
Gåsbergkilen means the goose rock bay.
Photo: Yan-Ali Tabarand Green oasis made by birds
This place is full of life, but it is also quite sensitive so set your foot gently and pay special attention to the guidelines. Through thousands of years of accumulated guano from the bird cliff, this area developed a thick peat, which is now the bed for very lush plant-life. The bird cliff is full of life all through the summer. Over it flies the glaucous gull, searching for food. Arctic fox are often seen under the cliff in search of prey.
Vegetation This is one of the very few areas at Svalbard with patches of peat, and the vegetation cover is exceptionally thick and productive. The combination of moist and temperate climate in the fjord and nutrients from the nearby bird cliff have created this biomass hotspot. The turfs of peat moss and flower-size variation of turf saxifrage are well worth observing.
Fauna The bird cliff in Midterhuken is one of the largest on the west coast of Spitsbergen and is dominated by Brünnich’s guillemot and black-legged kittiwake. This is one of the few places in Svalbard where razorbill and common guillemot are found. It is also an important area for barnacle and pink-footed goose. svalbard site guidelines Gåsbergkilen
Gåsbergkilen map Symbols
Landing area Gåsbergodden Area with entrance prohibition
Vulnerable for trampling a Gåsberget Vulnerable steep slope – avoid trampling
a Wet, lush vegetation
Nesting area
Bird cliff
Midterhuksletta
0 100 500 Meters
Guidelines
– This site requires special attention to the guidelines for any visitors and guides.
– From late May through June activity ashore should be restricted to the beach only, due to the large num- bers of breeding geese.
– Especially in late June through July, approach the area cautiously to let family groups of geese retreat calmly.
– The vegetated brink next to the shoreline is very fragile, and each single trampling will cause erosion. If you enter the vegetated area, use the stony slope at the eastern end of the beach.
– You can get great views of the bird cliff from the sea, but drive slowly to avoid bird jumping. Beware of rock fall.
Photo: Georg Bangjord Photo: Georg Bangjord Photo: Trond Haugskott
Accumulated guano from birds has made Pink-footed goose – starts breeding right after arrival Brünnich’s guillemot – among these a few com- Gåsbergkilen a green oasis, which also has in the second half of May. mon guillemot. polygonal ground.
Tip Beware of the protected cultural heritage site on Midterhuksletta. Landings and visits within the area are prohibited, but you will have a good view of all the remains from the hillside above, which can be reached by walking from Gåsbergkilen.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO SVALBARD SITE GUIDELINES NORTH-EAST SVALBARD
80°N 80°5.0’N 031°25,7’E Andréeneset, Kvitøya
Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve – After Salomon August Andrée, 1854-97, a Swedish engineer and Arctic explorer.
Photo: Lisa Ström The Eagle has landed
Virgohamna, 11 July 1897: Everything is set for an expedition in the spirit of Jules Verne, equipped with high-technology and daring in the struggle against the extreme forces of nature. The moorings of the balloon “Örnen” (the Eagle) are cut and three men are sent to their deaths on a quest to reach the North Pole. Kvitøya, 5 October 1897: Salomon August Andrée, Nils Strindberg and Knut Frænkel reach Kvitøya and put up a camp after a strenuous journey when the balloon crash-landed in on the ice. Two weeks later they are dead. The summer of 1930: The crew from the catching vessel “Brattvåg” stumbles across the remains of Andrée’s expedition.
VEGETATION Kvitøya is without a vegetation cover, but some single plants cling to the ground between the stones and in the gravel. Botanists have visited the island on some occasions, and throughout all of the visits five species of vascular plants and eight lichen species have been reported here.
FAUNA This site has few species of birds and mammals. Common eider, Arctic skua and Arctic tern breed in the area. Even if the birdlife is not very rich, purple sandipiper, pomarine skua, glaucous gull, kittiwake and ivory gull may be seen in the area. Walrus and polar bear are often seen. The walrus are usually not lying near the land- ing site, but females with calves are often observed on the rocks and skerries close to the landing site.
CULTURAL REMAINS Remains of the camp where the participants of the Andrée expedition perished can be seen, including arti- facts from the expedition that are still lying on the ground where the camp once was put up. However, most objects have been retrieved and exhibited in museums, mainly in Sweden. Close to the camp is the stone crevice where Strindberg`s body was buried. Equipment, diaries and photos found in 1930 made it possible to follow the journey through the eyes of the doomed. A monument commemorating Andrée and his expedition can be seen raised on a cliff overlooking the camp a few meters away.
First published 2013 2015 Governor approved edition SVALBARD SITE GUIDELINES ANDRÉENESET, KVITØYA
MAP SYMBOLS
Landing area
1 Memorial stone
Shallow waters / stones Kvitøya 1 1 Walrus Bratvaagbukta
Andréeneset Bekkeflya
1
1 Kvalrosstranda
Vindrabbane 0 1 km 3 km
Guidelines This site is an important haul-out for walrus, also females with calves, and visits must be conducted in accordance with general guidelines for walrus. Pay special attention to the section regarding females and calves.
Try to walk in a line to avoid disturbing incubating common eiders.
When approaching the camp, walk up the cliff to the monument on the south-western side. Do not walk in the area underneath the monument.
Do not pick up or in any way rearrange possible artifacts at the site.
Tip Try a walk on the glacier-cap which is relatively easily-accessible from Andréeneset.
Photo: Åsa Lindgren Photo: Lisa Haglund Photo: Georg Bangjord
The impressive Kvitøyjøkulen covers most of Andrèeneset is one of few sites in Svalbard where The very robust eider duck is by far the most Kvitøya with massive glacier fronts rising from walrus cows and calves can be observed. common duck in Svalbard. the sea, except for here at Andrèeneset where it is accessible.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO SVALBARD SITE GUIDELINES SOUTH-EAST SVALBARD
80°N 77°24,4’N 022°39,7’E Andréetangen
Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve – After Karl Andrée, 1808-75, German geographer.
Photo: Georg Bangjord Occupied by walrus
Henry Rudy found the perfect spot for his trapper cabin as Petter Trondsen had done before him. Already as you approach Andréetangen the beauty of this site catches your eyes. Today walrus occupy the beach, often in different groups. Sometimes they surround the cabin. From the ridges behind there is a nice view of Bjørnbukta and its birdlife.
VEGETATION Vegetation is not the first thing that strikes you at this site. An unstable and fragile moss layer is all that is able to establish itself in the eroding sand. Any vegetation surrounding the cabin has lost the battle against the local inhabitants – the walrus. However, between the rocks in the cliffs you find a soft moss vegetation with a number of plant species like turf saxifrage, common scurvy weed and wood rush. As for the most of Svalbard, surrounding the small ponds is a thick and green moss layer.
FAUNA Andréetangen is a feeding area for birds and mammals. Purple sandpiper, Arctic skua, Arctic tern and snow bunting breed in the area. At the lake north of the site king eider, long-tailed duck, red-throated diver and grey phalarope breed. High-numbers of walrus frequently rest on the beach, also females with calves. Reindeer also feed in the area.
CULTURAL REMAINS This territory was famous for being the best polar bear trapping area in Svalbard. The area was much in use during the first half of the 20th century when the fur from the polar bears was sold at a high price. The present cabin at Andréetangen was built by the famous “Polar Bear King”- Henri Rudi in 1946, and is the last remaining of many cabins built in this place. On the beach, close to the cabin is an old slaughtering place for walrus.
First published 2013 2015 Governor approved edition SVALBARD SITE GUIDELINES ANDRÉETANGEN
Andréetangen MAP SYMBOLS
Landing area
Cabin
Recommended walk
1 Slaughtering place for walrus
2 Walrus haul-out
Bjørnbukta Vulnerable for trampling 1
2 2
0 100 500 Meters
Guidelines This site is an important haul-out for walrus, also females with calves, and visits must be con- ducted in accordance with general guidelines for walrus. Pay special attention to the section regarding females and calves.
Approach the beach calmly when landing.
Keep a distance to the small lake during June and July to avoid disturbing breeding birds.
Retreat if Arctic skuas and Arctic terns attack while watching where you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
Observe the old walrus slaughtering place from a perimeter and avoid tramping on the remains. You are welcome to visit the cabin unless it is in use but remember to close the door behind you when you leave.
Tip Beware shallow waters and swimming walrus.
Photo: Lisa Ström Photo: Lisa Ström Photo: Georg Bangjord
Walrus calves do not develop tusks until they are Men leave, nature takes its land back! The old boat on Watch where you step as the long-tailed duck approximately two years old. the shore has been crushed by walrus. might nest on the ground.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO SVALBARD SITE GUIDELINES SOUTH-EAST SVALBARD
80°N 78°12,3’N 021°0,9’E Kapp Lee – Dolerittneset
Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve – Originally Lee’s Foreland was the name of the area forming the northwestern part of Edgeøya, south of Freemansundet.
Photo: Lisa Ström The return of the walrus
The returned walrus resting at the beach, Stretehamna, may at first glance be the largest attraction by Kapp Lee and Dolerittneset. But the area offers much more. From early historical walrus slaughtering, cultural remains bring you through history up to present scientific projects, everything surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
VEGETATION Edgeøya is really an oasis compared to the major parts of eastern Svalbard, with high productive vegetation types and high plant species diversity. From Kapp Lee and Dolerittneset it is possible to see a variation of the most typical Svalbard vegetation heath types, including mountain avens, twinleaf saxifrage, polar-willow and moss wetland. Next to the buildings and slaughtering place the vegetation has been heavily influenced by human activity through centuries.
FAUNA The site is an important area for birds and mammals. Common eider, purple sandpiper, Arctic skua and Arctic tern breed in the lower parts. The islet is an especially important breeding site for common eider and Arctic tern. In the cliffs and steep slopes close to the site pink-footed goose, glaucous gull, little auk, black-guillemot, snow bunting, and probably barnacle goose breed. It is a feeding area for reindeer and denning area for Arctic fox. The beach is a haul-out place for walrus.
CULTURAL REMAINS Kapp Lee holds one of Svalbard`s largest remaining historical slaughtering places for walrus. Numerous nose-chopped walrus skulls and bones from hunting done by the whalers and later Russian trappers scatter the entire beach. The octagonal cabin was for several decades used by Norwegian hunters and trappers. It was built in 1904 of prefabricated elements and was called Karosælen (the carousel). The two other cab- ins were used in connection with oil exploration in the 1960s. On the ridge above the present cabins lie the remains of a Russian Pomor hunting station. The station has been excavated.
First published 2013 2015 Governor approved edition SVALBARD SITE GUIDELINES KAPP LEE – DOLERITTNESET
MAP SYMBOLS
Landing area
Kapp Lee station and octagonal cabin
Stetehamna Lookout
Recommended walk 1 1 Slaughtering place for walrus
2 2 Walrus haul-out A R Rosenbergdalen R A R R R Remains Russian overwintering trapping
Dolerittneset Vulnerable for trampling
A Wet area
0 500 m 1 km
Guidelines Walrus haul out on the beach and visits must be conducted in accordance with the guidelines for walrus.
Approach the beach calmly when landing.
Retreat if the Arctic skuas and Arctic terns attack, while carefully watching where you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
If you walk towards the cliffs south of Dolerittneset, use the path marked on the map to avoid the wet areas and the risk of sinking in.
Walk along the beach to observe the walrus slaughtering place. Watch from a perimeter and do not tramp on the remains.
Watch the remains from the Russian overwintering trapping from a perimeter and do not tramp on them.
You are welcome to visit the cabins if they’re not occupied, but please close the doors behind you when you leave.
This tip applies after July 20th to avoid disturbance of breeding birds. A one kilometer walk to Tip the south will bring you to a dolerite-cliff with a scenic view. Beware of glaucous gulls that may attack during the breeding season. The surrounding area offers a number of possibilities for excursions, such as into Rosenbergdalen and to Leefjellet.
Photo: Georg Bangjord Photo: Georg Bangjord Photo: Georg Bangjord
Hundreds of nose-chopped walrus skulls make up The green slopes and valleys at Edgeøya are very The very robust purple sandpiper is the most the historical slaughter site and tell stories of the productive, with high species diversity. numerous wading bird in Svalbard. massacres that once took place here.
Funded by WWW.AECO.NO