The Norwegian flag flying over the world's most northerly civilian settlement at Ny Alesund on Spitzbergen
Ny Ålesund ("New Ålesund") is one of the four permanent settlements on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago in the High Arctic Ocean. It is located on the Kings Fjord. Like the rest of Svalbard, Ny-Ålesund is administered by Norway. Ny Ålesund is the world's northernmost functional civilian-manned public settlement. It is inhabited by a permanent population of approximately 30-35. All of them work for one of the research stations or the logistics and supply company which 'owns' and runs the research village. In summer the population is increased by up to 120 scientists and technicians. Cruise ships regularly visit, however, there is a danger of interference with the sensitive scientific devices in the settlement, so tourists are closely observed. Visitors are supplied with a local map and are required not to stray off the marked path — a round-trip of about one km from the pier. There is one shop, a tiny museum and small post office, the northernmost in the world. In summer Arctic terns nest on the ground alongside the path and may "dive-bomb" visitors who get too near.
Size: 4320px × 2879px
Location: Ny Alesund, Spitzbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
Photo credit: © Roger Goodwin / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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