Northwest Spitsbergen National Park

The Northwest Spitsbergen park covers the northwestern corner of the archipelago and holds most of what expedition ships come for: Magdalenefjord with glaciers at its head, the remains of the Dutch whaling station at Smeerenburg, walrus haul-outs, the ruins of Andrée's and Wellman's balloon and airship attempts on the pole at Virgohamna, and hot springs at Bockfjorden that are among the northernmost on earth.

Highlights

• Magdalenefjord - the glacier-headed fjord that ships call at most often.
• The Smeerenburg remains - the blubber ovens of the Dutch whaling station.
• Virgohamna - the ruins of the Andrée and Wellman attempts on the North Pole.
• The Bockfjorden hot springs - warm water rising at one of the highest latitudes anywhere.

When to go

June to September is the open-water season. Sea ice can block the north into July in some years. Landings are governed by strict rules.

Practical notes

Landing sites are protected and several, including Virgohamna, require permits and are closed to general visitors. Access is by expedition ship only. Ice conditions can close the whole area.

Nearby

Smeerenburg is within the park, and Kongsfjorden is south.

Key facts