From Wikitravel

Ny-Ålesund is a tiny settlement on the west coast of the island of Spitsbergen, Svalbard.

[edit] Understand

Located at 78°55′N 11°56′E, Ny-Ålesund is by most measures the northernmost permanent settlement in the world (except for a few military bases). Founded in 1916 as a coal mining town, the town housed 400 people at its peak, until it was shut down in 1962 after an explosion killed 21 people.

Ny-Ålesund reopened in 1968 as a research base. Today owned and run by Kings Bay AS, the tiny town is home to 30-35 people year-round, but the population can swell to over 120 in the summer. Practically all inhabitants are scientists.

[edit] Get in

Ny-Ålesund can be visited fairly easily as a cruise stopover, but spending any more time there is difficult, to say the least. Bona fide scientists interested in running a research project at Ny-Alesund may contact NySMAC to apply.

[edit] By plane

Lufttransport operates semi-regular flights all year round (2-3 weekly) to Longyearbyen (25 minutes), albeit subject to weather conditions. Reservations can only be arranged via Kings Bay, and seats must be booked well in advance.

[edit] By boat

For most non-scientists a cruise stopover is the only way of reaching Ny-Ålesund. The cheapest and fastest way appears to be Spitsbergen Travel's [1] 3/4-day cruises from Longyearbyen, with rates starting at 7900 kr (c. US$1500, cheapest cabin, twin sharing). Cruises operate only from May to October.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• Mining Museum. Yes, there's one of these in every settlement on Svalbard.

[edit][add listing] Do

Summer

• Boating
• Kayaking
• Hiking

Winter

• Snowmobile trips
• Skiing expeditions

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• North Pole Hotel (Nordpol Hotellet). Originally opened in 1936 to house fishermen.

• There is a free camping ground located near the Zeppelin launch tower and the Italia Memorial.

[edit] Get out

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