Nature and wildlife in Svalbard

The Svalbard archipelago is characterised by snow, icy seas, the Polar Night and the Midnight Sun. It’s a harsh environment, but it would be harsher still if it weren’t for the warm waters pushed this far north by the Gulf Stream.

Thanks to that balmy current, rather than being ice bound year-round, Svalbard is home to an array of wildlife and habitats that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Where else can you spot polar bears roam, hear glaciers creak and calve, and watch a colourful carpet of flowers unfurl across the tundra in a matter of days?

Svalbard’s wildlife has adapted to survive the extremes of the Arctic. On land, animals have developed thick insulating fur, specialised feeding behaviours, and other evolutionary strategies to endure the long, cold winters and make the most of the short, bright summers. The plant life, though sparse, bursts into a brief but vibrant display of colour during the summer, with species flowering quickly after the snow melts.

The marine ecosystem around Svalbard is equally remarkable. Far from being a frozen desert, the archipelago’s cold, nutrient-rich waters are home to a diverse range of marine species. This abundance of life is supported by the productive seas, which benefit from nutrient upwelling, making Svalbard a hotspot for Arctic marine biology.

Svalbard’s skies are filled with life, too. One of the archipelago’s most notable aspects is its status as a critical breeding ground for millions of seabirds. Species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes flock here during the brief Arctic summer, capitalising on the long days and abundant food to breed and raise their young on Svalbard. Birds adapt to the Arctic environment in remarkable ways, showcasing the rich avian biodiversity of the region.

Here are some of the Arctic animals you might see on a Svalbard cruise.

Svalbard is a prime destination for whale watchers. You’ll never forget seeing one of these magnificent creatures surface among the icebergs, with rugged, glacier-streaked mountains in the background.

The waters surrounding Svalbard are home to a variety of whale species. The nutrient-rich Arctic seas support a diverse ecosystem, providing plenty of food for these majestic mammals.

Here's an overview of the whale species you could spot around Svalbard:

Svalbard's significance extends beyond its biodiversity. This remote archipelago is a critical indicator of climate change. Experiencing some of the most rapid temperature increases globally, Svalbard has been called the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for global environmental changes.

The impacts of climate change on Svalbard's ecosystems provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by Arctic species and underscore the urgency of global conservation efforts.