Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is a remote volcanic island in the North Atlantic between Norway, Greenland, and Iceland. Beerenberg rises from the sea and forms the center of the landmass, while flatter coastal sections shape the surroundings.

Dutch and English whalers named the island after several captains in the early 17th century before the name Jan Mayen took hold. Norway claimed the territory officially in 1929 and established a permanent weather station soon afterward.

The island serves as a research center where Norwegian scientists conduct geological studies and monitor climate changes through the established weather station.

A flight on a Norwegian military aircraft is the only way to reach here, and seats are very limited and mostly reserved for scientists. Regular visitors need special permits and must expect extreme Arctic weather.

The volcano erupts rarely, but its last eruption in 1985 lasted several weeks and covered parts of the station with ash. The island has no native population and hosts only a rotating crew of about 18 people.

Capital city: Olonkinbyen

Elevation above the sea: 2,277 m

Reference: 22

Website: http://jan.mayen.no

GPS coordinates: 70.98300,-8.53360

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:58