On the trail of Arctic research in Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen

Research Station Ny-Ålesund

Main island of Svalbard

Arctic – Svalbard Archipelago

Ny-Ålesund is the northernmost research station in the world, which operates year-round. It is located at 79 degrees north latitude in the west of the island of Spitsbergen, on the Kongsfjord. The research center, including the atmospheric observatory, employs Scientists from eleven countries.

At the same time, the past is omnipresent: An Amundsen statue adorns the center, as the former mining settlement served as the launching point for Amundsen and Nobile's North Pole expedition with the airship Norge. The anchor mast still stands there. The former coal train, the northernmost railway in the world, is also preserved.

Ny-Ålesund Svalbard Amundsen Monument

Amundsen's North Pole expedition started from this place.

The small settlement of Ny-Ålesund is even more north than Longyearbyen and is therefore the northernmost settlement on Spitsbergen. However, since it only has between 30 and 120 people (depending on the season), it cannot challenge Longyearbyen's title of "northernmost town in the world". In addition, only members of the research station are allowed to live there. Tourists on a cruise can, however, visit the place for a short time and explore the surrounding area.

There are numerous information panels and a small museum, which also contains a piece of the original hangar from the Amundsen expedition's airship Norge. The oldest building at the research station dates back to 1909. Furthermore, the world's northernmost post office is located in Ny-Ålesund, inviting visitors to send greetings to their loved ones. A walk to the airship's mooring mast is also possible. Along the way, we were able to admire Arctic flowers and observe Arctic terns, wild geese, and even reindeer.

The Magazine.Travel experience report “Spitsbergen Cruise: Under the Midnight Sun, En route to calving glaciers” takes you on a journey.

Our Svalbard travel guide will take you on a tour of the various attractions, sights and wildlife viewing.

Svalbard travel guide

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.

Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise • Spitsbergen Island • Ny-Ålesund • Experience report

Results from the research station Ny-Ålesund

Where is the research station? Svalbard map

What's the weather like in Ny-Ålesund Svalbard?

Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise • Spitsbergen Island • Ny-Ålesund • Experience report

Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard: The northernmost research village in the world

Why is Ny-Alesund so special?

The research village on the Svalbard archipelago is the northernmost permanently inhabited research site in the world. Scientists from all over the world research climate change, the Arctic environment and atmosphere here. But what makes this place so unique?

A center for polar research

Since its founding as a coal mining settlement, Ny-Ålesund has developed into a globally important research center. Institutes from Norway, Germany, China and other countries operate research stations here. Atmospheric research and climate change studies in particular benefit from the pristine environment.

local scientific institutions

Ny-Ålesund is home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Alfred Wegener Institute from Germany and the Chinese Arctic Yellow River StationThanks to these renowned institutions, the site has established itself as an internationally recognized hotspot for Arctic research.

Sustainability and nature conservation

Access to Ny-Ålesund is strictly regulated to protect the environment. Tourists have limited access and the focus is on sustainable research. It is also one of the few carbon-neutral settlements in the world.

Conclusion on global significance

The small town is not only a fascinating travel destination for researchers, but also a symbol of sustainable science and international exchange. Anyone interested in the future of our planet should keep an eye on this unique place.