Andréetangen

77°23.7’N 022°35.9’E

Vegetation

Vegetation is not the first thing that strikes you at this site. An unstable and fragile moss layer is all that is able to establish itself in the eroding sand. Any vegetation surrounding the cabin has lost the battle against the local inhabitants – the walrus. However, between the rocks in the cliffs you find a soft moss vegetation with a number of plant species like turf saxifrage, common scurvy weed and wood rush. As for the most of Svalbard, surrounding the small ponds is a thick and green moss layer.

Fauna

Andréetangen is a feeding area for birds and mammals. Purple sandpiper, Arctic skua, Arctic tern and snow bunting breed in the area. At the lake north of the site king eider, long-tailed duck, red-throated diver and grey phalarope breed. High-numbers of walrus frequently rest on the beach, also females with calves. Reindeer also feed in the area.

Cultural Remains

This territory was famous for being the best polar bear trapping area in Svalbard. The area was much in use during the first half of the 20th century when the fur from the polar bears was sold at a high price. The present cabin at Andréetangen was built by the famous “Polar Bear King”- Henri Rudi in 1946, and is the last remaining of many cabins built in this place. On the beach, close to the cabin is an old slaughtering place for walrus.

Occupied by Walrus

Henry Rudy found the perfect spot for his trapper cabin as Petter Trondsen had done before him. Already as you approach Andréetangen the beauty of this site catches your eyes. Today walrus occupy the beach, often in different groups. Sometimes they surround the cabin. From the ridges behind there is a nice view of Bjørnbukta and its birdlife.

Guidelines

This site is an important haul-out for walrus, also females with calves, and visits must be conducted in accordance with general guidelines for walrus. Pay special attention to the section regarding females and calves.
Approach the beach calmly when landing.
Keep a distance to the small lake during June and July to avoid disturbing breeding birds.
Retreat if Arctic skuas and Arctic terns attack while watching where you step to avoid trampling on eggs and chicks.
Observe the old walrus slaughtering place from a perimeter and avoid tramping on the remains.
You are welcome to visit the cabin unless it is in use but remember to close the door behind you when you leave.

Tip

Beware shallow waters and swimming walrus.

Watch where you step as the long-tailed duck might nest on the ground. Photo: Photo: Georg Bangjord