Bear Island, Norway

Bear Island is the southernmost island in of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago. The island is located in the western part of the Barents Sea, approximately halfway between Spitsbergen and the North Cape.

Apart from a few sandy beaches, the coast is mostly steep, with high cliffs and notable signs of erosion such as caverns and isolated rock pillars.

There is little plant growth, consisting mostly of moss and some scurvy grass, but no trees. The only indigenous land mammals are a few arctic foxes. Despite its name, Bear Island is not a permanent residence of polar bears, although many arrive with the expanding pack ice in the winter.

Things to Do & See

* Birdwatching
* Wildlife viewing

General information

Cruise Season - Feb - Dec
Currency - Norwegian krone (NOK)
Language - Danish
Land Area - 178 km²
Population - 9 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code - + 47

Port Location - A number of anchorages and landing points exist, as well as a small harbor at Herwighamna on the north coast.

Transport Links - Bear Island can be accessed by boat from Spitsbergen, Tromso and Keflavik.