Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen lies alone in the Norwegian Sea between Iceland and Svalbard, a narrow volcanic island around fifty five kilometres long with the Beerenberg volcano at its northern end and a low isthmus running south. Around eighteen people staff a joint meteorological and navigation station at Olonkinbyen; there is no other population. The whole island is a nature reserve, and visits require permission from Norwegian authorities.

What you actually see

• The island shape - a narrow strip with the volcano at one end and lowland south.
• Olonkinbyen - the station that is the island's only settlement.
• The nature reserve - protection covering effectively the whole island.
• The isolation - alone in the Norwegian Sea between Iceland and Svalbard.

When to go

June to August is the only practical window. There is no scheduled transport at any time. Fog is very frequent around the island.

Honest expectations

There is no scheduled transport and visits require Norwegian permission; the station cannot host tourists. Landing is by small boat and often prevented by swell. Fog closes the island for long stretches.

Nearby

Beerenberg is at the northern end, and Iceland is southwest.