News | Governor of Svalbard

Use a face mask

The Governor's Office reopens for services relating to traffic, visas and weapons. Appointments must be made by calling phone no 79024300. The switchboard is open from 09.00 to 15.00. It is mandatory to use a face mask.

1/19/2021

Allows driving in snowscooter-free area

Due to the great risk of avalanches, the Governor allows snowmobile driving from Reindalen through Tverrdalen and Bolterdalen until Monday night.

4/10/2021

Update avalanche from Hiorthfjellet

The Governor has investigated the avalanche area. There is no indication that anyone was taken by the avalanche. It is not reported that anyone is missing. It looks like the avalanche is naturally triggered.

4/10/2021

Large avalanche from Hiorthfjellet

There has been a large avalanche in the mountainside from Sneheim in Hiorthfjellet. The avalanche has passed through the scooter trail to Linken and down towards the cabins. The Governor investigates the area with scooter patrols and helicopter. We ask people not to visit the area.

4/10/2021

Large cornices can fall down – evacuates Nybyen until further notice

Based on assessments from Skred AS and NVE, the Governor has decided to evacuate the buildings on the upper side of the road in Nybyen until further notice. The evacuation must be completed by 18.00 on Friday. At the same time, a ban on residence and traffic will be introduced in the area.

4/9/2021

Great avalanche danger - avalanche in Ottofjellet

It is now avalanche danger level 4 - high- on Nordenskiøld Land. The Governor has just been notified of an avalanche in Ottofjellet, about 15 kilometers northeast of Longyearbyen. No one was taken by the avalanche.

4/6/2021