Forlandet National Park

Forlandet covers Prins Karls Forland, a long narrow island running parallel to the western coast of Spitsbergen with a spine of sharp peaks and a low plain at its northern end. Walrus haul out at Poolepynten on the eastern shore, which is the most reliable place in Svalbard to see them from a boat, and the island also holds the world's northernmost breeding population of harbour seals. The strait between the island and Spitsbergen is shallow and shoal-strewn, which is why larger vessels keep to the outside and small boats work the inner passage.

Background

The park was established by royal resolution on 1 June 1973 and takes in all of Prins Karls Forland together with the surrounding sea, 616 km2 of land and 4031 km2 of water. No population of common guillemot in the world lives farther north. Remains left by Norwegian and Russian hunters and whalers are scattered across the area. Within the park, the Forlandsøyane Bird Sanctuary was listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance on 24 July 1985, and BirdLife International names the park an Important Bird Area for its breeding barnacle geese, common eiders and black guillemots.

Source: Wikipedia, "Forlandet National Park"

Highlights

• The Poolepynten walrus - the most reliable haul-out for boat visits in Svalbard.
• The harbour seals - the northernmost breeding population of the species.
• The peak spine - the sharp mountains running the length of the island.
• The northern plain - the low tundra at the island's far end.

When to go

June to September is the boat season. Walrus are present through the summer. Sea ice can affect the strait in early summer.

Before you go

Landing near the walrus is restricted by distance rules and viewing is from the boat. Weather cancels crossings. There are no facilities on the island.

Nearby

Isfjorden is east, and Kongsfjorden is north.

Key facts