Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve

The reserve spans 55,354 square kilometers, with 18,663 square kilometers of land and 36,691 square kilometers of water across northeastern Svalbard archipelago.

Established in 1973, the reserve encompasses Nordaustlandet, Kong Karls Land, Kvitøya, Sjuøyane, and other islands to protect Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity.

The reserve contains remnants of past expeditions, including a Russian Orthodox cross on Krossøya and the starting point of the 1897 Arctic balloon expedition.

Access to Kong Karls Land archipelago remains restricted as it serves as the primary breeding ground for polar bears in the Svalbard region.

Three-quarters of Nordaustlandet features glacial coverage, including Norway's largest glacier, Austfonna, which extends over 7,000 square kilometers.

Location: Svalbard

Inception: June 1, 1973

Website: http://dirnat.no

GPS coordinates: 80.00000,24.00000

Latest update: March 3, 2025 14:26