Fjortende Julibukta

AECOGuidelinesSite-SpecificFjortende Julibukta

79°7.3’N 011°50.9’E

Vegetation

This site offers very contrasting vegetation within a few hundred meters, from the barren gravel near the glacier to the most spectacular flowering meadows below the bird cliff. The high diversity of species and the size of individual plants make the site a vegetation hotspot. Species like the yellow polar dandelion and black erigeron have a restricted distribution at Svalbard, but are seen in large numbers under this bird cliff. These can be observed from below, without walking up the slope.

Fauna

The bird cliff above the shore holds thousands of seabirds, including Brünnich’s guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, glaucous gull, black guillemot, little auk, Atlantic puffin and a few razorbill. A few pairs of Arctic skua breed close to the shore and barnacle and pink-footed geese breed on the slopes below the cliff. Reindeer also frequent these slopes. Good numbers of common eider and Arctic tern can be seen around the bay.

The Hanging Gardens of Svalbard

Very few places near 79° North can offer more opulent vegetation than this very special site. Here you can enjoy the rich diversity and colors of Arctic vegetation and nice smells at close range. The bay close to the glacier offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the Arctic. The water temperature may not be impressive but the view is!

Guidelines

Remember to always approach a landing site calmly and carefully.
Walk around the wetland areas as they have very low-trampling tolerance.
In June and July, stay along the shore to avoid disturbance of breeding and foraging geese. Keep the group of visitors together and walk slowly. Do not approach the if eiders and geese are present on the shore.
Avoid trampling on the loose vegetation on the slope.
The breeding areas for Brünnichs guillemot, Atlantic puffin and razorbill can be observed from the small ridge to the east of it. Avoid walking into the breeding area.
In June and July, we recommend that the breeding area is observed from the water, but beware of shallow waters.

Tip

Stroll along the beach towards the glacier, Fjortende Julibreen. However, do not approach too close and in the event of a calving be aware of the surging wave.