11/28/2023
Svalbard is an archipelago situated about midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Polar bears are the iconic symbol of Svalbard, and one of the main tourist attractions. Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land (a Russian archipelago in the east) share a common population of 3,000 polar bears. The islands of Kong Karls Land have the largest concentration of Polar bear in Svalbard but are closed for visitors.
Polar bears can be extremely unpredictable and are far more dangerous than European brown bears. While protected, anyone outside of a settlement is required to carry a rifle as a last resort should a Polar Bear attack. The bears can therefore best be watched on an organized bear safari.