Svalbard is home to the Global Seed Vault which is built into bedrock above Longyearbyen Airport and houses almost one million seed samples from all over the world.
As a result of all the rocks and ice, cold temperatures and low humidity, Svalbard falls into the northern part of our planet known as ‘Arctic desert’
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands are located in Europe, with a population of 2,572 people. Its capital is Longyear, and the currency is Norwegian Krone. The official language spoken is Norwegian.
They celebrate many holidays including:
- Maundy Thursday (Apr 1)
- Good Friday (Date Varies)
- Easter (Date Varies)
- May Day (May 1)
- Ascension Day (May 13)
- Constitution Day (May 17)
- Whit Sunday (May 23)
- Christmas Day (Dec 25)
- Second Day of Christmas (Dec 26)
- New Years Day (Jan 1)
It has no world heritage sites.
It has seven national parks including:
- Forlandet National Park
- Indre Wijdefjorden National Park
- Nordenskiöld Land National Park
- Nordre Isfjorden National Park
- Sassen–Bünsow Land National Park
Want to learn more? Check out Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands tourism website.
Also check out the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen for additional information.
Fun activities to do
