Ny-Ålesund research station guidelines
The most northernmost community
Last update: 27. August 2024
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 Ny-Ålesund 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 Ny-Ålesund, 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.