Spitsbergen Explorer Map

The Spitsbergen Explorer is the ideal map to accompany cruising amongst these dramatic islands.

The Svalbard Archipelago was a pioneer destination for Arctic tourism, and the Explorer contains essential details on the flora and fauna that have attracted visitors since the mid-19th century.

Featuring:

• Illustrated biographies of 27 noted explorers..
• Color photos and introductory text on plants & wildlife.
• Map showing protected areas.
• Diagram charting the rising & setting of the midnight sun.

1000 x 685mm (40" x 27") unfolded / 230 x 125mm (9" x 5") folded.

The Dutch who discovered this land in 1596 named it Spitsbergen meaning "pointed mountains", and that is what most people still call these islands. However, Norwegians now use the Viking word Svalbard meaning "cold coast", as the official name for the whole archipelago in recognition that Vikings may have reached it in the 12th century. The name Spitsbergen is reserved for the largest island. The archipelago is located in the Arctic Ocean, much of it between the north Norwegian coast and the North Pole.

From colourful saxifrages and the Svalbard poppy to barnacle geese and auks, walruses, and over 3,000 polar bears – the islands are populated with a rich diversity of wildlife, and the map includes brief information on the ones that you are likely to see. Over 50% of Svalbard’s land area is protected, and the Spitsbergen Explorer shows the national parks, nature reserves, bird reserves, and plant sanctuaries.

The map features illustrated biographies of no less than 27 explorers associated with the archipelago, including Willem Barents, Umberto Nobile, Horatio Nelson and Roald Amundsen. We have even included a calendar plotting the Polar Night and the Midnight Sun.