Svalbard

Protected islands

No fewer than seven of Norway's 47 national parks are on Svalbard.

National parks and other protected areas are established to ensure that we can experience and enjoy being outdoors in untouched natural landscapes – while also protecting endangered plants and wildlife.

Svalbard can be visited in both the summer and winter months. In the summer, the sun doesn't set and as you view the barren landscape you almost get the feeling that you could be on the moon. In the winter, it is dark around the clock, but when the skies are clear you can enjoy watching the Northern Lights dancing over Longyearbyen.

The landscape, biology and cultural heritage of this group of islands are essential components of the Svalbard experience. The glaciers, unique Arctic natural environment and many species of animals are scarcely found anywhere else.