SKANSBUKTA
Gypsum bay
BASIC INFORMATION
Skansbukta is a unique bay at the beginning of Billefjorden. The flat beach area is surrounded on three sides by the towering cliffs of Mount Skansen, protecting the site from wind and frost. Thanks to this location, thermophilic vegetation predominates here. An example is Jacob’s Ladder, rarely found elsewhere.
Skansbukta is secluded and friendly. There is a convenient anchorage just off the beach, so you can get ashore quickly. The site is unique not only for its location, but also for the minerals available here. In the 20th century, gypsum was mined here. The first phase of mining was initiated by Dalen Portland Cementfabrikk from Brevik in Norway in 1918 and lasted for one season. The mine was reopened by the shipowner, Kjode, in the 1930s. There are many remains on site mainly from the second period of mineral extraction – the remains of loading installations, a narrow-gauge railway, a carriage, ramps, the remains of a smithy, a workshop and toilet and a staff building.
To the south-west of the bay are the remains of an early 20th century trapper’s hut. The outline of the lodge can be seen here, as well as the grave of the daughter of trapper Peder Furfjord, who wintered there between 1904 and 1905.
A little further on there is another trapper’s hut, probably built as a satellite to a larger hunting station in 1923 by Arthur Oxaas and Peder Ullsfjord, and recently renovated by the Governor of Svalbard. It is interesting to note that the hut was built from materials found nearby, rather than especially imported. The practice of reusing building materials is extremely popular on Svalbard.
A place for observation and shelter
The bay has good anchorage conditions and is thus a frequent spot for our stops. We make landings here on the nearby beach and also, because of the open shore surrounding the bay, look out for wildlife. Polar bears often wander along the shore towards Pyramiden. Reindeer and polar foxes also appear here.
