Svalbard: Polar Bears, No Sun, and Northern Lights | Norway
Live in a land where the sun never sets and polar bears roam! Welcome to Svalbard!
Svalbard is a unique island located around 800 km from Norway. What makes it special is that anyone can live or work here without needing a visa. If you want to stay in Svalbard, all you need is a job and a place to live. The capital, Longyearbyen, is home to only about 2400 people, but they come from 50 different countries.
A Cold Adventure:
Svalbard is extremely cold. In the winter, temperatures can drop to as low as -20°C, while in the summer, the temperature does not go beyond 10°C. Despite the cold, many people are drawn to the island for its beauty and adventure. However, if you’re traveling outside the city, you must carry a rifle because Svalbard has more polar bears than humans! Don’t worry though, it's illegal to kill polar bears here, so it's only for protection in case of danger.
No Night or No Day?:
Svalbard is known for its unique daylight cycle. For five months, from April to August, the sun never sets—this is called the Midnight Sun. On the other hand, during winter, from November to January, the sun doesn’t rise at all, and it feels like one long night. This is why Svalbard is often called the place where the sun never sets or the place where no sunlight is seen for months.
Living in Svalbard:
Life in Svalbard comes with its own set of challenges. If you get sick or injured, you’ll need to go to mainland Norway because there are no hospitals here. Another surprising fact is that you cannot be buried in Svalbard. The ground is frozen, so bodies don’t decompose, and there are no burial options.
A Land Without Trees:
Due to the extreme cold and short summers, trees can’t grow in Svalbard. This means you won’t see any trees on this island, which is quite unusual.
The Northern Lights:
Despite these challenges, Svalbard offers one of nature’s most beautiful sights—The Northern Lights. From October to February, visitors can witness the famous green and pink lights dancing across the sky, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience this natural wonder.
In Svalbard, the blend of extreme weather, polar bears, and unique daylight patterns creates an experience unlike any other. Whether you're looking for a job, planning a visit, or just curious about this incredible place, Svalbard is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure.
