Norway's Dangerous Remote Island Boasts Incredible Polar Views That Are Worth The Risk

Norway was always the country I wanted to travel to the most growing up, and was the first country I traveled to solo. To this day, it's still one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. So much so that I plan on returning to the northern areas, above the Arctic Circle, which some may call me crazy for doing. There's an area far in the north that almost seems untouched. Svalbard, a remote island in the Arctic, boasts some of the most incredible polar views, but with a potentially dangerous risk that's definitely worth taking. Home to more polar bears than people, Svalbard is a destination to add to your bucket list.

One look at photos of Svalbard, and it's easy to see that this region of Norway has some of the country's most stunning natural beauty. Jagged mountains that tower into the skies above, barren landscapes that make you feel as though you just stepped onto another planet, and some very unique road signs with polar bears on them. Travelers to Norway typically head to seek adventure in the majestic fjords, but outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice when it comes to experiencing Norway's wild side in the Arctic.

Depending what your adventure and travel style entails, the perfect time of year to visit Norway is up to you. Some visit during summer to experience the never-ending daylight of the Midnight Sun, while others prefer the colder, darker months to experience the dancing northern lights that light up the sky. Svalbard, located only 500 miles from the North Pole, may not seem like an ultimate travel destination to some, but one visit to this Arctic desert will open your eyes to an experience unlike any other.

Although remotely located near the North Pole, Svalbard is actually very accessible from mainland Norway. Longyearbyen Airport is classified as the world's northernmost airport, and serves commercial flights year-round. The easiest way to reach Svalbard is by jumping on a three-hour flight from Norway's capital city, Oslo with SAS or Norwegian Airlines.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard's administrative capital, may be cold when it comes to weather, with winter temperatures dropping into the negative double digits, but its residents are known for their warmth and welcoming attitude to tourists. Wearing a headlamp while walking to work in the dark months, or seeing whales breaching from your living room window may seem odd to visitors, but the residents of Longyearbyen feel like they live pretty normal lives, even if reindeer gallop in the town's streets on a regular basis.

Polar bears may look cute and cuddly, but Svalbard takes them very seriously as part of local life. In 2012, the governor of Svalbard made it a law that all residents that venture outside of Longyearbyen (the world's northernmost settlement) must carry a gun for protection against these not-so gentle polar giants. Avid adventure seekers can join guided tours to witness Svalbard's nature safely, while getting to experience the beauty of the great north. Whether you're looking to summit the near 2,800 foot high Trollsteinen, embark on a dogsledding expedition, or kayak the Adventfjorden, one of the region's most beautiful fjords, Svalbard is a destination that will certainly surprise you.

Travelers looking to experience Norway's remote island may be wondering, "what do I bring to a destination like this?" With the unpredictability of the weather in Svalbard, it's always best to pack outfits composed of layers. Think thermal base layers, hiking shoes, waterproof pants, and jackets. With most activities being outdoors, you'll want to make sure you're protected from the elements as much as possible, yes even in summer.

When you think of the word "doomsday," it doesn't seem to have any positive vibes attached to it at all. In Svalbard, you'll find the Global Seed Vault, commonly referred to as the Doomsday Vault. This unique building holds up to 500 seeds to every vital crop in the world, which protects these seeds in case of a global catastrophic event. With over 930,000 crop varieties contributed by numerous places from around the world, while great to have, we hope that we will never need them in the future. Forget about getting access to the vault, as it's only viewable from outside, or by virtual tour.

Svalbard is a place that many travelers are curious about. Redditor u/AliciaMargatritaa299 posted a question on the r/geography subreddit asking what life in Svalbard is like, to which Redditor u/FrikkinPositive responded, "Lived there for 6 months last year. It's a cold, dry, windy, wild and beautiful place." Another user u/fearofalmonds chimed in with "The crime rate is low. People leave their houses and cars unlocked with the key inside for months." In a place where locals still remove their shoes when entering a pub, restaurant, hotel, and even a hospital, it seems like Svalbard has a warm and cozy atmosphere, despite its polar location.