Breaking of ice is not allowed
Several fjords on Svalbard are covered in ice this year. Throughout winter and spring, many species depend on sea ice for survival. The ringed seal births its pups in snow caves on the ice, and the ice is an important habitat and hunting area for polar bears. The breaking of ice is considered a deterioration of the natural environment and is not allowed.
Published 2/21/2020
They lost their lives on the Fridtjov glacier
It was the German citizens Sascha Brandt (39) and Magdalena Katarina Zakrzewski (40) who lost their lives in the avalanche on the Fridtjov glacier on Svalbard on Thursday 20 February. The relatives have been notified.
Published 2/20/2020
Two people declared dead in avalanche
Two German citizens have been declared dead after an avalanche on Fridtjovbreen. They were hit by the avalanche while on a trip with the Russian tourist company Arctic Travel Company Grumant earlier today. The guided group consisted of two guides and five foreign tourists.
Published 2/20/2020
Missing on Fridtjovbreen
At 14:50 this afternoon, the Governor was notified that two people are reported missing in the area around Fridtjovbreen. The missing persons were part of a guided group travelling with a Russian tourist company. The sequence of events is currently unclear. The Governor has dispatched a helicopter with rescue personnel and an avalanche dog.
Published 1/23/2020
Invitation to Sysselmannens time
The Governor would like to invite all guides and expedition leaders in Longyearbyen to the annual "Sysselmannens time". The event will be held in Møysalen at UNIS on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 19.00 hrs.
Published 1/23/2020
Simplified notification and processing of travel plans for residents
Local residents who are planning one or more trips during the winter or summer season to the areas which require notification, may now give notice of their tentative tour plans for the season. This change is put into effect in order to ease the notification and case processing for local residents.
Published 1/19/2020
Polar bear in Bolterdalen
During the past days a polar bear has stayed in the Bolterdalen area. The area is outside the zone near the settlement where, according to the polar bear instruction, the Governor moves out when polar bears are observed. However, this bear has, on two occasions, sought out tour groups and created dangerous situations.
Published 7/4/2019
Keep distance to Alkefjellet in Hinlopen Strait
The Governor of Svalbard urges larger vessels (over 70 feet) to keep a minimum distance of 1,000 metres away from Alkefjellet in Hinlopen Strait from now until 15 August. The Governor will, if necessary, be able to impose a temporary ban on entering this area.
Published 6/21/2019
Start of work on management and protection plans for Central Spitsbergen
The Governor of Svalbard hereby announces the start of work on the three processes for the management and protection plans for Central Spitsbergen. The Governor invites all to an open information meeting in Lassegrotta, Forskningsparken (the Svalbard Research Park) in Longyearbyen on 4 July at 7.00 pm.