Smeerenburg Fjord is a fjord located in the Svalbard and Jan Mayen archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It is located in the northernmost part of the Svalbard archipelago, just south of the island of Spitsbergen. The fjord is approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) long and has a maximum depth of 1,200 feet (366 m).
The fjord was first discovered in the 17th century by Dutch whalers. At that time, the area was known as Smeerenburg, meaning 'blubber town'. The whalers had established a base in the area to process the whale blubber they had harvested. As the whaling industry declined in the 19th century, the base was abandoned and the area became a ghost town.
Today, Smeerenburg Fjord is a popular tourist destination. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and seals. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the abandoned whaling station, which are now a protected heritage site.
The fjord is also an important historical site due to its role in the Cold War. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union established a military base in the area. This base was used to monitor the activities of NATO forces in the region. The base was abandoned in the 1990s, but the ruins remain as a reminder of the Cold War.
Smeerenburg Fjord is a unique and beautiful place that has a rich history. It is home to a variety of wildlife and is an important historical site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the abandoned whaling station and the remains of the Soviet military base. It is a great destination for those looking to experience the beauty and history of the Arctic.
Experience Smeerenburg Fjord with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Smeerenburg Fjord. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Smeerenburg Fjord in Svalbard and Jan Mayen experiences a polar climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winters are typically cold and dark, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to -30°C and only a few hours of daylight. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C and up to 24 hours of daylight. Precipitation is low throughout the year, with snow and rain occurring mainly in the spring and autumn months. Overall, the climate in Smeerenburg Fjord is cold and dry, with temperatures varying significantly throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Smeerenburg Fjord helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 8th 2024 Dec. 8th 2024 | max: -4.7 °C min: -8.7 °C |
42.5 m/s 49.3 m/s |
99.9 % 3.6 m |
86.1 % 1,007 hPa |
||
Dec. 9th 2024 Dec. 9th 2024 | max: -6.6 °C min: -11 °C |
36.4 m/s 46.1 m/s |
66.4 % 3.5 m |
81.8 % 1,006 hPa |
||
Dec. 10th 2024 Dec. 10th 2024 | max: -8.4 °C min: -11.3 °C |
42.5 m/s 45.0 m/s |
95.9 % 0.7 m |
78.9 % 1,015 hPa |
||
Dec. 11th 2024 Dec. 11th 2024 | max: -11.4 °C min: -14.3 °C |
38.5 m/s 41.8 m/s |
100.0 % 0.4 m |
85.5 % 1,027 hPa |
||
Dec. 12th 2024 Dec. 12th 2024 | max: -11.7 °C min: -15 °C |
23.8 m/s 23.8 m/s |
100.0 % 0.8 m |
82.3 % 1,030 hPa |
||
Dec. 13th 2024 Dec. 13th 2024 | max: -11.9 °C min: -14.5 °C |
18.2 m/s 19.2 m/s |
99.1 % 2.0 m |
79.7 % 1,016 hPa |
||
Dec. 14th 2024 Dec. 14th 2024 | max: -11.9 °C min: -13.7 °C |
18.0 m/s 21.2 m/s |
83.8 % 9.9 m |
77.5 % 1,001 hPa |
||
Dec. 15th 2024 Dec. 15th 2024 | max: -10.5 °C min: -13.4 °C |
43.2 m/s 45.5 m/s |
82.5 % 0.7 m |
81.3 % 999 hPa |
||
Dec. 16th 2024 Dec. 16th 2024 | max: -10.9 °C min: -15.3 °C |
45.4 m/s 47.9 m/s |
100.0 % 0.7 m |
79.9 % 1,003 hPa |
||
Dec. 17th 2024 Dec. 17th 2024 | max: -14.9 °C min: -17.9 °C |
25.9 m/s 26.0 m/s |
100.0 % 0.3 m |
81.3 % 1,002 hPa |
||
Dec. 18th 2024 Dec. 18th 2024 | max: -13.5 °C min: -17.3 °C |
30.2 m/s 36.4 m/s |
100.0 % 7.6 m |
79.0 % 1,001 hPa |
||
Dec. 19th 2024 Dec. 19th 2024 | max: -9.8 °C min: -13.8 °C |
57.0 m/s 61.9 m/s |
99.9 % 0.7 m |
84.0 % 1,002 hPa |
||
Dec. 20th 2024 Dec. 20th 2024 | max: -4.8 °C min: -13.6 °C |
67.0 m/s 76.7 m/s |
95.4 % 6.3 m |
82.7 % 999 hPa |
||
Dec. 21st 2024 Dec. 21st 2024 | max: -6.5 °C min: -12.6 °C |
64.8 m/s 73.8 m/s |
98.2 % 3.9 m |
78.6 % 1,013 hPa |
||
Dec. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 | max: -12.7 °C min: -15.8 °C |
42.8 m/s 48.6 m/s |
98.6 % 2.5 m |
81.7 % 1,024 hPa |
Would you like to travel to Smeerenburg Fjord on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Smeerenburg Fjord.
Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
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