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World Tourism Destination : Tourism Attractions in Norway: Syalbard Islands

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Syalbard Islands, Norway

The name Svalbard means “cold coasts” and it was first mentioned in Icelandic texts in the 12th century. The Svalbard Islands are located halfway between Norway and The North Pole and offers untouched arctic wilderness with vast mountain areas and magnificent and natural glaciers. The beauty of the place is to be seen to be believed. The place offers one of the most memorable and wonderful vacations you may have in your life.

How to reach
To reach Syalbard, you can reach Norway first. A number of airline operators fly to Norway from every part of the world. You can also reach Norway by ferry coming from Denmark, Germany Sweden and from England, (Newcastle). Norway is also connected through train network. There are express trains to Copenhagen. There is no regular boat transportation between the mainland of Norway and Svalbard. The easiest way to get to Spitsbergen is by plane. Most of the year, there are daily flights from Oslo directly to Longyearbyen. The airport is Svalbard Lufthavn.

Major Attractions
Longyearbyen is the seat of local government and Norway's main administrative centre on Svalbard. Some of the largest concentrations of birds in the North Atlantic region can be found at Svalbard. Other animals are the Svalbard Reindeer, the Arctic Fox and a species of mouse, a sibling vole. Polar bears can be encountered wherever you are on Svalbard. About 60% of Svalbard's land-mass is covered by small and large glaciers. Only 6-7% of the land-area is covered by vegetation. The Svalbard Islands offer great, wild nature, old mines and polar bears. Close to 65% of the surface of Svalbard consists of protected areas, including 3 nature reserves, 6 national parks, 15 bird sanctuaries and 1 geotopical protected area. In Svalbard you can experience a new universe in the ice caves under the glaciers. A tent-tour deep in the polar night will definitely be an adventure to remember all your life or just relax and enjoy a bit of wine tasting in the world's northernmost wine cellar.

Gourmet and Nightlife
Cafes, pubs and excellent restaurants offer everything from simple and inexpensive to the most exquisite menus, including many Arctic specialties based on ingredients such as seal, whale, reindeer grouse and Arctic char. On rare occasions you may also find polar bear meat on the menu. The place is a paradise for those want to experiment different varieties of non vegetarian cuisine and wines. It is indeed a complete dining experience here.

Shopping
In Longyearbyen you can buy gold, silver, Svalbard-necklaces, silverware, furs including those of polar bear, leather clothing, cosmetics, seal-skin products, fossils, reindeer skins products, sports equipment, leisurewear and shoes, bicycles, ski, prams, weapons, ammunition, mountain-, sports- and leisure wear, fashion clothes, gifts and souvenirs. In Longyearbyen Kunst- og Handverkssenter (handicrafts centre) several small workshops produce and sell handicrafts and national costumes.

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