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Safety in Svalbard

It is important that you comply with regulations and rules when visiting Svalbard. This applies both for your own safety, and to preserve the fragile environment and the unique wildlife.


Safety in Longyearbyen

A safety zone in Longyearbyen is required due to polar bear danger. Please note that you should not go outside the settlement without the safety equipment. See map below with marked light green zone for safe travel. Polar bear protection is not required within the light green zone. Outside of this zone, § 30 a. (Protection against polar bear attacks) applies:

30 a.( Protection against polar bear attacks)

Anyone traveling outside settlements, with the exception of visitors and residents who participate in organized travel arrangements, is obliged to have knowledge of security against polar bear attacks. Necessary measures shall be taken to avoid the risk of attack by polar bears and to avert such attack without injuring or killing the animal.

Anyone traveling outside settlements, with the exception of visitors and permanent residents who are involved in organized tour arrangements, must have appropriate measures for scaring and chasing polar bears.

The paragraph is taken from the Governor of Svalbard.


Go organized!

It is highly recommended to discover Svalbard on an organized trip with local tour operators. The weather conditions changes quickly and it is important to know the terrain. The guides are well qualified to take care of your safety who always bring necessary safety equipment on each trip. Your guide will consider the weather conditions, avalanche risk, ice conditions, risk related to polar bears and other risk factors.

Another reason to go on an organized trip is that the guide will share information about history, culture and nature. This will increase the total nature experience.


Polar bear

The polar bear is the one of the animals people are most concerned about. Many want to see the bear, but the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act strictly limits how to behave. The polar bear is the world’s largest land-based carnivore. Svalbard has the densest population of polar bears.

Polar bears have been a protected species in Svalbard since 1973 and can only be killed in self-defense. Section 30 states: «It is prohibited to lure, feed, pursue or otherwise seek out polar bears in a manner that disturbs or causes danger to people or polar bears.» Violation of this section may result in fines and imprisonment.


Firearms and equipment

To rent firearms in Svalbard you must bring a license for firearms. Persons who do not hold a firearms license may apply to the governor for permission to rent firearms. It is also possible to bring your own firearms from the mainland. If so, please contact your chosen airline for updated rules regarding this. If you do not want to carry firearms yourselves, you can hire a guide for a private tour. The guide then provides firearms and security equipment.

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