Kvitøya | Everything You Need to Know About Travelling to The White Island

Kvitøya: the White Island, is one such destination near Svalbard that takes you deep into the Arctic wilderness, far away from the last traces of civilisation.

This is the land of the northern lights, the midnight sun, and also the apex predator of the Arctic: the polar bear. The desolate, icy wonderland is perfect for experiencing the Arctic landscapes from close quarters. The crowning glory – the sight of a majestic polar bear casually strolling some distance away.

If you are looking for real adventure, visiting Svalbard and a journey to Kvitøya is an otherworldly experience that will leave you fascinated.

Where Is Kvitøya located?

Located in the northeast of the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, the island of Kvitøya has an area of 682 square kilometres. It is a part of Norway and very close to the Russian border.

The barren island is mostly ice-covered and remains surrounded by a heavy pack of ice for the major part of the year. With so little ice-free land area, there never has been a human settlement on the island. It is only during late summer that cruise ships can venture to the island. 

Kvitøya experiences a borderline ice cap climate where the mean monthly temperature never exceeds 0°C. The weather conditions can change quickly, and you may find the fog covering up the views without warning.

History of Kvitøya

In 1707, a Dutch gentleman, Cornelis Giles, discovered the island. The history of Kvitøya is closely linked with the Arctic Balloon expedition of Salomon August Andrée in 1897. Andrée wanted to launch the balloon from Svalbard and cross the North Pole. After launching with three voyagers, the expedition was lost without a trace.

It was only after 33 years, that some hunters found Andrée’s makeshift boat buried in snow in Kvitøya. The journals and the bodies of the men were also found. 

It was discovered that after their balloon collapsed, the men trekked across the pack ice to reach Kvitøya. The men survived on the island for a few weeks before perishing. A monument stands on the island as a memoir of the ill-fated expedition.

Today, the artefacts recovered from the Andrée expedition can be viewed at the Grenna Museum in Gränna, Sweden, Andrée's hometown. The museum houses a remarkable collection including photographs and journals from the expedition that document their journey to Kvitøya. These preserved items provide a poignant glimpse into the final weeks of these brave explorers.

Wildlife 

While it is a seemingly hostile place for life to flourish, there is no lack of wildlife in the Arctic belt. Note that stricter environmental regulations have been enforced to ensure that the arctic environment and the animals remain protected. The visitors are not allowed to interrupt the natural engagement of animals like polar bears in any manner.

Polar bears

Kvitøya is a polar bear haunt, and a Zodiac trip around the coast will hopefully allow you to see a few of them. During summer the ice bridges connecting the Arctic Ocean sea ice and the various islands melt away and a few bears get stranded on the island. If you are lucky, you might spot a mother and a cub behind a rocky ridge.

Red-throated divers

The red-throated divers lead a life in the freezing Arctic waters. They derive their name from the striking red throat patch that they develop during the breeding season. They are found singly or in pairs around Kvitøya. However, larger flocks with 15–20 birds can be found as well. 

Arctic terns

This small but incredible bird has a grey-white body and a head covered by black feathers. The Arctic tern migrates from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle every year to avoid the Arctic winter. These are social birds and you might find them foraging on the shore in groups. Their diet consists mainly of fish, which they catch from the ocean surface.

Glaucous gulls

This white bird nests on Arctic islands like Kvitøya as they can survive away from the land on sea ice. Glaucous gulls are predatory and are known to raid the nesting colonies of other birds. They are the only gull variety found in the extreme edges of the Arctic.

Walruses

Walruses are commonly found around the eastern tip of Kvitøya and often on ice floes. In most cases, females and calves are spotted in the haulout zones on the island. You can also find walrus families swimming in the waters surrounding the island.

Planning your trip to Kvitøya

Visits to this ice-capped island are combined with a voyage around the Svalbard archipelago. With mountains, glaciers, and fjords Svalbard is an exotic destination that opens up for visitors between June and September. 

One fact about Svalbard is the sun does not set for the entire summer; this is the period of perpetual daylight. While adventure trips to Svalbard are possible in winter and spring, you will not be able to visit Kvitøya in those months.

The only way to visit Kvitøya is to book a small ship expedition and then explore the coastline of the surrounding islands by riding a Zodiac. You will need the support of an experienced guide to explore the area and the wildlife.

Visit Kvitøya with Secret Atlas

The Secret Atlas Expedition Micro Cruise to the North Pole islands including Kvitøya comprises only 12 guests. So, you get more time and freedom to explore this magnificent land at the edge of the vastness. Whether you are a solo traveller, photographer, or retiree, we ensure a safe and comfortable voyage under the supervision of our world-class guides.