Kapp Lee is located in the southeast of Svalbard, on Edgeøya, the third largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. In the 17th and 18th centuries there was a lot of hunting there. First by the Pomors, then by Norwegian trappers. Walruses, foxes and polar bears were popular prey at that time.
The walrus colony of Kapp Lee
One of the main tourist attractions at Cap Lee Kapp Lee on Edgeøya is undoubtedly the most impressive walrus colonyThese animals, known for their imposing appearance and social group behavior, are a fascinating sight in Svalbard. Anyone who wants to experience the wildlife of the Arctic up close can do so during a Svalbard cruise is Sea Spirit Approach the walruses carefully. It is important to keep a respectful distance of 50 to 150 meters, especially if calves are nearby. The distance that should be kept varies depending on how relaxed the animals react.
Even in summer, polar bears in Svalbard sometimes stay on land.
Polar bear in the green Arctic near Dolerittneset Wildlife observation near Kapp Lee on Edgeøya Svalbard
Walrus colony near Kapp Lee on the Svalbard island of EdgeøyaWalruses warm themselves on land before returning to the waterAnimals of the Arctic – Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) in Svalbard – wildlife observation
Kapp Lee on Edgeøya Svalbard
Polar bear Kapp Lee on Edgeøya Svalbard
Historical Sights at Kapp Lee
Those interested in history can also visit the octagonal trapper's hut from 1903 and old animal bones in the tundra, which bear witness to the earlier hunting history of this region.
Landscape Kapp Lee Edgeøya with huts, walruses and reindeer
Octagonal hunting lodge from 1903 Kapp Lee on Edgeøya, Svalbard
More wildlife and nature experiences
In addition to the walruses, Edgeøya Svalbardalso a big one reindeer population, These Spitsbergen reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) are a endemic species, which is particularly adapted to the arctic landscape. In addition, the polar bears from Svalbard are regularly found in the region. Even in summer, the bears sometimes stay on land and can be observed from a safe distance.
Polar bear looks out from behind a rock on the island of Edgeøya
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) in summer in Svalbard, Arctic animals
Kapp Lee – A place for explorers and adventurers
The Island Edgeøya is part of the South East Svalbard Nature Reserve and is one of the most popular destinations for cruise tourists. Especially on an expedition with the Svalbard cruise with the Sea Spirit Visitors can enjoy the unique animal and nature experience on Edgeøya enjoy, go ashore and carefully approach the walruses on foot. A distance of 50 to 150 meters should be maintained. The exact distance depends on whether the group has calves with them and how relaxed the animals react when approached.
Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) Endemic Reindeer – Animals of the Arctic – Wildlife Observation at Kapp Lee on Edgeøya, Svalbard
Visitor tips for Edgeøya and your Svalbard trip
Kapp Lee is located at the western end of the Freemansundet, the strait between the islands Edgeøya and BarentsøyaThis sea route is usually used as part of a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen In the AGE™ experience report "Svalbard Cruise: From Foxes and Reindeer to the Northernmost City in the World" we also take you to Kapp Lee. Read how a swimming polar bear prevents a landing, follow us on a Zodiac tour to the walruses and rediscover the polar bear high up in the rocks.
Our Svalbard travel guide takes you on a tour to the various attractions, sights and animal observations.
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.
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information through Poseidon Expeditions on the Cruise ship Sea Spirit as well as personal experiences in Svalbard when Kapp Lee visited Edgeøya on July 26.07.2023, XNUMX.
Sitwell, Nigel (2018): Svalbard Explorer. Visitor's Map of Svalbard Archipelago (Norway), Ocean Explorer Maps
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What is the weather like at Kapp Lee on Edgeøya, Svalbard?
What is the weather like at Kapp Lee on Edgeøya, Svalbard?