Unbelievable Facts About Svalbard You Should Know Before Visiting

What if I told you that the closest place to the North Pole is a town where about a little less than 3,000 people live… and that there are more registered snowmobiles in the area than the residents themselves. Would you believe me? The former sounds more believable. But the latter sounds like fiction.

Way up north is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean called Svalbard. According to WorldData.info, there are 2,926 residents. Interestingly, there are actually more snowmobiles than people because they are essential for traversing Svalbard’s icy roads.

Despite its northernmost location, Svalbard is open for anyone to visit. The place is a magical wonderland that will leave you breathless. But what else do you know about this North Pole neighbor? Read on and find out!

P.S. – As you prepare for your arctic adventure, make sure to read up on local regulations so you can have the majestic experience you deserve.

• You’re legally required to carry a gun outside the settlements: Since polar bears inhabit the area, a 2012 rule mandates that anyone traveling outside settlements must carry a firearm for protection. However, it is illegal to use them in public town spaces.
• The sun doesn’t set for the entire summer: From April 19th to August 3rd, Svalbard experiences the "Midnight Sun." During this time, the sun never dips below the horizon.
• The sun doesn’t rise during winter: From mid-November to late-January, Svalbard enters "Polar Night." This is the best time to see the northern lights, even in the middle of the day.
• Longyearbyen is the closest town to the North Pole: Located on the island of Spitsbergen, this settlement is only about 818 miles (1,316 km) away from the North Pole.
• The Doomsday Vault is here: The Global Seed Vault houses over 1.2 million seed samples from almost every country on Earth, stored at a constant -18°C.
• Svalbard is a visa-free zone: No special visa or residence permit is required to live or work here, regardless of your country of origin, though Norwegian laws still apply.
• There are no trees in Svalbard: Due to the frozen tundra and permafrost, trees cannot grow. However, you can find 164 species of plants including mosses and lichens.
• Cats are strictly forbidden: To protect the local ecosystem and birdlife, cats are not allowed on the archipelago as they are considered an invasive species.