KONGSFJORDEN
The Royal Fjord
BASIC INFORMATION
Kongsfjorden is a 24-kilometre-long fjord located in the northwestern part of Spitsbergen. Situated at 79° north latitude, it is, together with Isfjorden, one of the most frequently visited areas of Svalbard. Its popularity comes from its spectacular scenery, dramatic mountains, large tidewater glaciers, abundant wildlife, and numerous historically significant sites. It is also home to Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost permanent research settlement.
The history of Kongsfjorden dates back to the era of Arctic whaling and was later shaped by mining activities. A large coal mine once operated here before the settlement evolved into an international scientific research centre, where research stations from more than a dozen countries are based today.
A PLACE TO LOSE YOURSELF.
Today, beyond its scientific importance, Kongsfjorden is one of Svalbard’s greatest natural attractions. Many visitors consider it the most beautiful fjord on the archipelago. Nearly 800-metre-high mountains rise along its southern shore, while the magnificent Kongsbreen and Kronebreen glaciers close the fjord to the east. Scattered islands, tundra coastlines frequented by wildlife, colonies of seals, and regular sightings of polar bears all combine to create an unforgettable Arctic landscape.
The fjord is often filled with floating ice, as the surrounding glaciers are highly active and constantly calve large blocks into the sea. Here you can encounter icebergs in countless shapes, sizes, and shades of blue.
During our expedition through Kongsfjorden, we always try to navigate as close to the glacier fronts as conditions allow, giving us the opportunity to witness the spectacular process of glacier calving. Reaching them is sometimes challenging, as we must carefully weave through dense fields of growlers, brash ice, and broken ice floes.
We also cruise beneath the Ossian Sarsfjellet Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of seabirds nest on the ledges of towering cliffs rising nearly 400 metres above the sea. Along the nearby beaches, Svalbard reindeer graze peacefully, while Arctic foxes can often be seen hunting birds and searching for eggs.
Whales regularly enter the fjord, and on several occasions we have been fortunate enough to encounter beluga whales swimming towards the glaciers. The abundance of wildlife, sheltered islands, and sandy shorelines also make Kongsfjorden an attractive habitat for polar bears. Over the years, we have observed them here many times—walking along the coastline, resting on small islands, or swimming across the fjord.
