The Magdalenefjord is located in the northwest of the Spitsbergen Island and belongs to the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Here, glaciers meet sandy beaches and rugged mountains meet tundra with mosses and arctic flowers: That's why it is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Svalbard.
Historic whaling site with graves and blubber furnaces from the 17th/18th century.
Gravneset is a historic site in the Magdalenefjord. It is known as one of Svalbard's largest historical cemeteries, was the site of an English whaling station in the early 17th century, and also played an important role in early exploration. In Gravneset, Willem Barentsz formally took possession of Spitsbergen for the Netherlands in 1596.
Gravneset shore leave, history meets mountain panorama in Spitsbergen
Gravneset is an important historical site in Svalbard, located in the beautiful Magdalenefjord and surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Gravneset Spitsbergen Historic whaling site
Hike near Gravneset Spitsbergen Magdalenefjord • Arctic Travel
Gravneset Historic SiteSea Spirit MagdalenefjordTundra Arctic Flowersglacier hikeTran ovens at GravnesetSkua near GravnesetSculptures made from drift iceArctic terns
Gravneset Arctic wildlife: Arctic terns and little auks
Arctic terns and little grebes are common in Gravneset. With a bit of luck, seals or walruses can also be spotted in the fjord during a zodiac trip. If the weather is good, you can take the beautiful hike from Gravneset along the Gullybukta and further to the Gullybreen glacier. Adventurous souls can even enter the glacier. In the AGE™ experience report “Cruise Spitsbergen: Midnight Sun & Calving Glaciers” we take you on a journey
Our Svalbard Travel Guide takes you on a tour to the various attractions, sights and animal observations.
Gravneset History: Graves and blubber ovens with Memorial plaque and inscription
Because Gravneset combines the history of Svalbard with the diverse beauty of the Magdalenefjord, cruise ships regularly visit this site. Unfortunately, tourists desecrated the graves in the 20th century, so the remains are now cordoned off. However, the memorial plaque for the grave site and the remains of the blubber ovens from the former whaling station are still accessible.
Graves and blubber ovens from the 17th/18th century
The inscription on the memorial plaque is written above the map in Norwegian and below the map in English.
Whaling station and burial site 1612–1800 The whaling station was used by Dutch, English, and Basque expeditions from 1612 to 1650. British, Dutch, and German whalers are buried here.
The map shows graves and whale blubber cookers. Entry to the burial grounds is prohibited. The monuments are protected as historical monuments.
The English text is as follows:Cultural MonumentsWhaling station and burial ground 1612 – 1800. The Whaling station was used by Dutch, English and Basque Expeditions 1612 – 1650. British, Dutch and German Whalers are buried here. The map shows graves and blubber cookeries. It is forbidden to walk in the burial area. The monuments are protected by law.
Gravneset a historic whaling site with graves and blubber furnaces
Where is Gravneset in the Magdalenefjord? Svalbard map
What is the weather like in Gravneset Svalbard?
Conclusion: What awaits me in Gravneset Svalbard?
Gravneset Spitsbergen is a historic whaling site steeped in history and breathtaking scenery, located on the Magdalenefjord in the Svalbard archipelago. Mountains with glaciers reaching deep into the Arctic Ocean, tundra, and Arctic wildlife make your visit unforgettable.
Tourists can also discover Spitsbergen with an expedition ship, for example with the Sea Spirit. Do you dream of meeting the King of Spitsbergen? Experience polar bears in Svalbard. Explore the arctic islands of Norway with the AGE™ Svalbard Travel Guide.
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If the content of this article does not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. The contents of the article have been carefully researched and are based on personal experience. However, if information is misleading or incorrect, we assume no liability. Furthermore, circumstances can change. AGE™ does not guarantee topicality or completeness.
Sources
Source reference for text research
information through Poseidon Expeditions or on the Cruise ship Sea Spirit as well as personal experiences in Svalbard visiting Magdalenefjorden, Gravneset, Gullybukta and Gullybreen on July 19.07.2023, XNUMX.
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