Prins Karls Forland

Prins Karls Forland is a long, narrow island off the west coast of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. The island is largely uninhabited and notable for Arctic wildlife and rugged coastal scenery.

The island supports seabird colonies and is an important haul-out area for walruses; polar bears and other Arctic mammals are also present, making it a destination for wildlife-focused cruises and scientific visits. There are no permanent settlements and facilities are minimal, so visits are typically short landings from expedition boats.

Parts of the island and surrounding waters are protected under Norwegian conservation designations; the area is managed to conserve wildlife and habitats. Human activity has been limited to hunting historically and to regulated scientific and visitor use in modern times.

Prins Karls Forland lies off the western shore of Spitsbergen within the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It forms a narrow island running roughly north-south parallel to Spitsbergen’s west coast and is reached only by sea.

• Access restrictions: Most landings are by expedition vessel and visits are regulated because the island lies within a protected area.