FORLANDSUNDET
An Attractive Route North
BASIC INFORMATION
Forlandsundet is an almost 90-kilometer strait between the western coast of Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland, an island named after Charles I Stuart, Prince of Wales, and King of England and Scotland. It was here that Willem Barents’ expedition arrived in 1596.
Forlandsundet provides passage for smaller vessels towards Spitsbergen and Ny-Ålesund. In its northern part, there are shallows with underwater rocks, and the depth can drop below 4 meters, making it necessary for larger vessels to navigate outside. Despite having traversed this nearly 3-mile stretch dozens of times, it always brings excitement and requires our full concentration.
The strait offers beautiful views. On Prins Karls Forland Island, there are towering mountains draped with glaciers, reaching heights exceeding 1000 meters above sea level. The shapes of Spitsbergen’s mountains also change, becoming taller and steeper after leaving Isfjorden.
Forlandsundet is also rich in fauna. Whales often venture into the strait, walruses haul out on the shores, and reindeer and polar bears can be spotted.
There are also very interesting sites here. On the western coast of Spitsbergen, on the Kaffiøyra plain, there is the Nicolaus Copernicus University Polar Station, commonly referred to as the “Toruń station”. In the summer, scientists conduct numerous research projects here in hydrography, glaciology, geology, and climate change.
Two “permanent” walrus colonies are also located here: Poolepynten and Sarstangen, which are important stops in our trip itinerary.
