Svalbard

Svalbard, also known as “The Land of the Polar Bears” or “Frozen Hell”, is a group of islands located in the Arctic Ocean. The place may seem like a winter wonderland and a natural paradise, but it is a way more hostile and sinister place than what you might think.

Geography

The archipelago consists of four main islands: Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Barentsøya, and Edgeøya. It is the northernmost settlement with a permanent population, and it is populated by a few hundred people, as well as 3,000 polar bears.

Climate

The climate in Svalbard is a mix of Arctic and coastal, which means it is cold all year round. The temperature can drop as low as -40°C, and there are months of total darkness in the winter, which can make anyone feel like they are isolated in a black hole.

Wildlife

Polar bears are the most abundant and dangerous animal in Svalbard, and they outnumber humans on the island. They are massive, powerful beasts that can easily kill a human, and they have a terrible attitude. Other than that, you have the Arctic fox, musk ox, and a variety of sea animals, such as whales, walruses, and seals.

History

The archipelago was discovered by a Norwegian explorer in the 16th century, and it was used for hunting and trapping for centuries. Later it became a coal mining zone, and it still has a few mines. Now, it is mostly an extreme tourist destination for people who want to have a taste of the polar winter, and for scientists who want to study the extreme environment.

Culture

There are no towns or cities in Svalbard since all the population lives in one small settlement, Longyearbyen, so the social life is limited. Nevertheless, the locals are a friendly bunch, who are happy to have people visit their frozen land. They love their polar bears and always advise tourists to take precautions when encountering them.

Fun Facts

• Svalbard is the only place on earth where there are more polar bears than people
• The place is so cold that planes have to adjust their tires before landing.
• It is illegal to die in Svalbard. If you are about to die, you have to take a plane and die elsewhere.
• The kings and queens of Norway have legal ownership of Svalbard, and they can annex it anytime they want.

So there you have it - Svalbard, the icy, hostile land that is a lot less friendly than it looks. If you are brave enough to visit, you will certainly have a unique and unforgettable experience.