Thousand Islands (Svalbard)

The Thousand Islands (Svalbard) are a scattered group of small islets and skerries within the Svalbard archipelago in the high Arctic, characterized by low, rocky islands and polar marine environment. The name denotes a large number of small landforms rather than a single large island.

The archipelago offers remote coastal scenery, birdlife and sea-ice-influenced marine habitat; there are no permanent settlements and natural features are the main highlights. Activities around the islands are primarily wildlife watching and small-boat exploration from expedition vessels, with no developed visitor facilities.

Historically the islands were visited intermittently by sealers, whalers and later by polar expeditions; they have seen limited human use and are now treated as remote natural areas within Svalbard’s regulatory framework. Scientific visits and regulated tourism are the primary contemporary uses.

Geographically the group lies off the southeastern sector of the main Svalbard islands, in Arctic Norway, roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Longyearbyen by direct distance. The islands sit in cold Arctic waters and are surrounded by sea ice for part of the year.

• Access and restrictions: Access is by expedition boat or ice-strengthened vessel and is seasonally limited by sea ice and weather. Landings are often regulated because the islands are remote and environmentally sensitive.
• What to expect: The group is uninhabited and consists of many small islets and skerries that are best appreciated from sea or by guided Arctic cruises.