Spitsbergen: Svalbard, Franz Josef, Jan Mayen, 3rd; The Bradt Travel Guide

by Andreas Umbreit

• ISBN13: 9781841620923
• ISBN10: 1841620920
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2005-08-01
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Summary

The Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is an antidote to modern-day life and a prime destination for adventure travellers. This guide introduces eco- travellers to this fascinating part of the world, with its intriguing land features and the magical display of northern lights that make it ideal for cruises, wilderness exploration, wildlife watching and extreme sports. The guide is packed with essential information on travel preparations and local knowledge for those braving the Arctic elements.

Author Biography

Andreas Umbreit is an acknowledged expert on Spitsbergen. He is a tour operator specializing in the Arctic and Antarctica and spends several months a year on the Svalbard archipelago.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	viii
Introduction	ix
A note on names: Spitsbergen, Spitzbergen or Svalbard?	xi
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION	1	(154)
Chapter 1 Background	3	(48)
Geography	3	(13)
Climate	16	(13)
Flora, fauna and conservation	29	(22)
Chapter 2 History	51	(24)
Climatic impacts	51	(1)
Discovery	51	(2)
The period of whaling and hunting	53	(4)
Polar exploration and research	57	(4)
Economic development and sovereignty from 1900	61	(4)
World War II	65	(1)
Post-war mining	66	(2)
Tourism	68	(1)
Administration, democracy, legalisation and taxation	69	(1)
International relations	70	(5)
Chapter 3 Practical Information	75	(66)
When to visit	75	(5)
Tour operators and independent travel	80	(6)
Some tour options	86	(19)
Travel for non-tourists	105	(1)
Red tape	106	(5)
Getting there and away	111	(5)
Health	116	(1)
Safety	117	(6)
Disabled travel	123	(1)
What to take	124	(16)
Electricity	140	(1)
Time	140	(1)
Chapter 4 In Spitsbergen	141	(14)
Tourist information	141	(1)
Money and banking	142	(1)
Getting around	143	(2)
Accommodation	145	(1)
Eating and drinking	146	(1)
Shopping	147	(1)
Photography and video	148	(2)
Media and communications	150	(3)
Sport	153	(2)
PART TWO SVALBARD (SPITSBERGEN)	155	(64)
Chapter 5 Svalbard's Regions	157	(14)
(Vest) Spitsbergen	157	(2)
Nordaustlandet	159	(2)
Edgeøya and Tusenøyane	161	(1)
Barentsøya	162	(1)
Kvitøya	163	(1)
Prins Karls Forlandet	163	(1)
Kong Karls Landet	164	(1)
Bjørnøya ('Bear Island')	165	(3)
Hopen	168	(3)
Chapter 6 Svalbard's Settlements and Stations	171	(36)
Longyearbyen	171	(15)
Ny Ålesund	186	(6)
Sveagruva	192	(2)
Barentsburg	194	(6)
Pyramiden	200	(3)
Hornsund	203	(1)
Norwegian stations	204	(1)
Trapper stations	204	(1)
Drilling stations	205	(2)
Chapter 7 Cruise Routes	207	(12)
PART THREE FRANZ JOSEF LAND AND JAN MAYEN	219	(46)
Chapter 8 Franz Josef Land	221	(26)
Geology and geography	221	(2)
Climate	223	(1)
Wildlife and conservation	224	(2)
History	226	(11)
Practical information	237	(3)
The islands	240	(7)
Chapter 9 Jan Mayen	247	(18)
Geology and geography	247	(2)
Climate	249	(1)
Wildlife and conservation	249	(6)
History	255	(6)
Practical information	261	(4)
Appendix I Further Information	265	(17)
Index	282