Ny-Ålesund
The Most Northernmost Community
Last update: 06. November 2025
Welcome to Ny-Ålesund – a unique, Norwegian research station hosting a large international research community.
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Ny-Ålesund research station hosts research projects carried out by researchers from 100+ institutions from 20+ countries. Peak activity is in spring and summer, while in winter, Ny-Ålesund is home to around 40 persons. Research has priority, and other activities must adapt to limit any possible negative impact on ongoing research.
Ny-Ålesund was founded by Kings Bay AS in 1916, and has been owned and operated by the company since then. Until 1963 NyÅlesund was primarily a coal-mining town, but since 1966 research has been the key activity.
A number of famous polar expeditions have set out from NyÅlesund, including the first flight across the North Pole in 1926 led by Roald Amundsen, Umberto Nobile and Lincoln Ellsworth. Ny-Ålesund is home to Svalbard’s largest collection of protected
buildings.
Some Special Considerations
To avoid disturbance of the natural environment, cultural heritage objects, or ongoing research activities, we ask that you walk only on the roads and boardwalks. Instruments, research locations and cultural heritage objects aren’t necessarily easy to see, but are very easily disturbed or destroyed.
The Norwegian Mapping Authority runs measurements in Ny-Ålesund that are critical to reliable use of GPS systems, and to a host of other applications. NMA’s measurements are severely compromised by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT), and the use of Wi-Fi/BT is therefore not allowed.
While you are in Ny-Ålesund (and within a 20 km radius outside the settlement), please switch off Wi-Fi and BT on your mobile phone, camera, smart watch etc. The use of drones is not permitted in Ny-Ålesund.
Guidelines
- Do your utmost to minimise your footprint and your overall impact on the environment.
- To protect sensitive measurements in Ny-Ålesund, there is a ban on the use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in a 20 km radius out from Ny-Ålesund. Please switch off Wi-Fi and BT on all your devices well in advance of your arrival in
Ny-Ålesund. - Telenor ASA operates a mobile phone network in NyÅlesund, but the ban on the use of Wi-Fi and BT applies. NB! Do not set up wireless access points while in Ny-Ålesund!
- The use of drones in Ny-Ålesund is not permitted.
- Please stay on the roads and boardwalks while in Ny-Ålesund.
- Parts of Ny-Ålesund are protected as bird sanctuaries.
- Research can be disturbed or destroyed – sampling sites may not be visible.
- Fragile cultural heritage is everywhere but not necessarily visible.
- Use dedicated routes when arriving/departing.
- Please do not touch or remove any research equipment.
- Reindeer, foxes and birds can be seen around town. Please do not feed them, try to touch them, or disturb them by getting too close.
- Please respect the privacy of people living and working here.
- Please do not enter any buildings without permission. The exception to this rule are the museum buildings (Museum and Telegraph) which are open 24/7 (no
entrance fee), and the store. When entering the store, please take off your shoes in the hallway. - Please do not go close to the dog yard. Observe and take photos from a distance.
- Enjoy the self-guided tour following the signs that are placed throughout town.
- The only public toilet is located by the harbour office.
- Help us keep Ny-Ålesund tidy. Please use garbage bins and ashtrays, and leave nothing behind.
- For your own safety, do not leave the settlement without proper polar bear protection.
Did you know?
- We provide state-of-the-art research infrastructure and research facilities.
- Looking for souvenirs, stamps or postcards? Visit our local store!
- All meals are served in the common dining hall.
- Supplies, fresh fruit and vegetables arrive by boat every 6-8 weeks.
- The Museum is always open – free of charge.
- People live and work in Ny-Ålesund year round. Please respect our privacy, and do not enter private homes, offices or research laboratories.
AECO’s Guidelines Are Funded by
