Restricted areas

To protect the vulnerable natural environment and the research sites in and around Ny-Ålesund, regional and local restrictions apply.

Nature reserve and national parks

Ossian Sars-fjellet is a nature reserve. It is not allowed to make a fire, or make camp.

To visit Prins Karls Forland and Nordvest Spitsbergen National Park in the summer you need to fill out a form from the Governor of Svalbard before you go. This form is available in the reception area in the Service Building.

Bird sanctuaries

There are three bird sanctuaries in Kongsfjorden. The sanctuaries include the islands and the surrounding sea, 300 meters from the shore. No traffic is allowed in the sanctuaries between the 15th of May and the 15th of August. The banned activity includes boating, kayaking and disembarking. Any scientifically warranted visit in the sanctuaries during this time period requires specific permission from the Governor of Svalbard.

The area surrounding Solvatnet and Thiisbukta (see map below) are local bird sanctuaries. Traffic in these areas is not permitted between the 15th of May and the 15th of August.

Instrument areas

In Ny-Ålesund some specific areas are reserved for scientific instruments. Do not enter the instrument areas unless you have to maintain or look after your own instrument. If you need to go inside the instrument area, please pay close attention to the other instruments there, some might be difficult to see.

As a main rule, keep to the roads while walking in town. The tundra is vulnerable and might contain instruments, field locations or fragile cultural heritage that are hard to spot. In the winter, you are required to use the dedicated snowmobile routes for travel to and from Ny-Ålesund.

No activity is allowed within a 200 meter radius from the Zeppelin Observatory.

Snow sampling areas

Areas east of the Old Post Office, east of Italy building and the AWIPEV observatory, and east of Gruvebadet are dedicated for snow sampling throughout the winter season, and should not be entered. The use of snowblower is also restricted to avoid contamination of these areas.

Restrictions in Kongsfjorden

Kongsfjorden is also protected against fishery activities. There is a ban on all commercial trawl fisheries. Fishing by trawl includes also similar activities that could damage the bottom conditions in the fjord, including trawling for seaweed, kelp, and shells.

Fishing for scientific reasons or whale hunting is not included in this regulation.