Tempelfjorden
An inner arm of Isfjorden ending at a glacier front, below a layered mountain.
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Tempelfjorden branches north from Isfjorden and ends at the front of the Tunabreen glacier, with Templet rising above the southern shore, a mountain whose horizontal sedimentary layers give it the cathedral-like look the fjord is named for. In cold winters the inner fjord freezes and the ice becomes the route in by snowmobile; in summer boats run to the glacier front. Ringed seals pup on the ice and bears follow them.
What you actually see
- The Tunabreen front - the glacier calving at the head of the fjord.
- Templet - the layered mountain the fjord takes its name from.
- The fjord ice - the winter surface used as the route in by snowmobile.
- The ringed seals - the pupping on the ice that draws polar bears.
When to go
March to May is the snowmobile season if the fjord has frozen. June to September is the boat season. Fjord ice has become unreliable in recent years.
Honest expectations
The inner fjord no longer freezes reliably and snowmobile access has failed in several recent winters. Polar bear risk means a guide and firearm are required outside the settlements. Weather cancels trips regularly.
Nearby
Fredheim is on the fjord shore, and Longyearbyen is southwest.
What to pack for Tempelfjorden
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.