Positioned between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago of which its main island, Spitsbergen, is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas. Its surrounding islands are uninhabited nature reserves, meaning Spitsbergen provides travellers with a haven amongst dramatic snowy peaks, glaciers, and vast ice fields. Known for its polar bear population (or small human population - there are more polar bears than people), the island is also home to caribou, polar foxes, a huge variety of birds, and a diversity of whales including the magical Beluga and Narwhal species. Top locations to visit include the stunning jade-coloured Magdalenefjord Bay; the breathtaking shores of Krossfjorden, scattered with cultural relics; and the phenomenal images at the Wild Photo Gallery. Adventurers come here to watch the Northern Lights, kayak among icebergs, go dogsledding, and watch the island’s numerous live concerts.