A former mining town and gateway to the Arctic, this was the northernmost coal mine until 1929 and is the northernmost town in the world. This was the starting point for famous explorers’ race to the North pole. Roald Amundsen, known as the first person, to reach both to the South- and North pole, used Ny-Ålesund as his base when he journeyed to the pole in 1926 with the Airship NORGE, followed by Nobile’s ill fated followup in 1928 in the Airship ITALIA.

Sights & Culture

Nørdste Méd

A wood sculpture in a stylised boat shape from 2005. A gift from Kings Bay AS, Telenor Svalbard and Førde Municipality.

Locomotive & Coal Carriages

The small steam engine remains from Ny-Ålesund’s time as a coal mine. Resting close to the harbour, the engine was build in Berlin in 1909 and is known as Toa (Two) after the number on the chimney and was used to bring the coal to the dock. Since 2015, its protection has been funded by Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund. Prior to thay the Norwegian Railway Club would do sporadic maintenance and recovery.

Roald Amundsen Monument

Sculpted by Alonzo Victor Lewis in 1921, but not cast until 1975, it was errected by the Amundsen Villa (Nord-Pole Hotel) and later moved to its current location in 2003.

The Amundsen Mast

Errected in 1926 for the NORGE airship mission to the north pole, there is a commemorative plaque on the mast, unveiled by Nobile’s widow in 1984, the rivalry between the two men a thing of the past after Amundsen’s death attempting to rescue Nobile.

The mast rises up infront of the shallow bay water and in a wide open field away from the town.

The Graveyard

Not far from the mast, the local graveyard replaced the previous one and has been used since 1957.

School House

The school house, in yellow, is a reminder of Ny-Ålesund’s history as a thriving mining camp and so a place with families. Now a research station, the school is no longer active.

Green Harbour House

A slightly sagging roof marks the oldest building in Ny-Ålesund, constructed in 1909.

Ny-Ålesund Post Office

The old post office, built in 1920 is open to tourists with stamps to use on your passport or letters. (though they should not be used on letters you plan to send from Ny-Ålesund which will be stamped by the postal service.) Inside the blue building you can also see remaining safety deposit boxes.

Nord-Pole Hotel

Known for its distinctive lettering on the roof, the Nord-Pole Hotel or Nord-Pole Bar has changed substaintially from 1918 when it was the Director’s residence. Roald Amundsen stayed on two occasions 1925 and 1926, both times moving the Director out. It was then used as a hotel in the 1930s and when the hotel was moved to the miners baracks it became a bar in the late 1930s. It was renovated and reopened in 1998 as hotel to guests to Ny-Ålesund to stay at.

Boat Houses

Opposide the harbour, a few old boat houses remain in varying degreess of repair.

Museums & Galleries

Ny-Ålesund Museum

Surprisingly large, and always open, the musuem gives the history of Ny-Ålesund and has a focus on some of the research going on and spotlights on some of the residents. Upstairs in the main building information on the airships that used Ny-Ålesund as a base for reaching the North Pole.

There are several other smaller buildings that also form part of the musuem.

Shoppping

Local Store

Operating as post office, local store and souvenier shop, the building is open for only short periods. When we visited, between 13:00 and 13:30 for us to call in. Snacks and basic neccesities are available as well as a large selection of souviners, patches, clothing, glassware and the ability to send postcards from the northenmost town in the world.

Definitly targeted more at tourists than residents, it is an open question where the locals get their day to day needs.

Sports & Activities

79 Degrees

Ever so slightly north of Ny-Ålesund, the 79th latitude can be crossed. Still in Kings Bay, the northern end loops into a protected bay where you’ll cross the line and get the bragging rights of being further north than everyone else in the world except the few people on your boat and a handful of scientists.

Ny-Ålesund