Sassen – Bünsow Land National Park

Sassen - Bünsow Land National Park is a protected area on Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway, covering coastal fjords, glaciers and upland tundra. The park conserves Arctic geological features and habitats typical of central Spitsbergen.

Key natural attractions include steep fjord coasts, glacier fronts and broad tundra plateaus that support seabird colonies and Spitsbergen’s characteristic Arctic fauna. The landscape offers opportunities for guided wildlife watching, glacier viewing and expedition-style visits under regulated conditions.

The national park was designated under Svalbard’s environmental protection framework to preserve representative Arctic ecosystems and geological features. Access is regulated and visitors must follow rules to avoid disturbing wildlife and fragile landscapes.

The park lies on Spitsbergen island within the Svalbard archipelago, north of mainland Norway, and is reached by boat or expedition flights from Longyearbyen and other Svalbard settlements.

• Protection status: Established as a protected area under Svalbard regulations, the park protects glaciers, fjords and tundra habitats and is subject to strict access and wildlife-disturbance rules.
• Wildlife notes: Wildlife observers may see reindeer, Arctic fox and a range of seabirds; polar bears occur in the wider archipelago so visitors should follow Svalbard safety guidance.

What to See #

• Sassenfjorden: Sassenfjorden and adjoining valleys form major coastal and valley landscapes within the park, with steep-sided fjord inlets that frame glacier tongues and sea access.
• Bünsow Land: Bünsow Land comprises upland plateaus, mountains and tundra interior to the park with patterned permafrost, visible moraines and nesting sites for cliff-breeding seabirds.