Walrus in Svalbard Norway Postcard

Svalbard, the remote Arctic archipelago belonging to Norway, is one of the best places in the world to observe walruses in their natural habitat. These massive marine mammals, with their distinctive long tusks, wrinkled skin, and bristly whiskers, are a striking sight as they haul out on the rocky beaches and ice floes of Svalbard’s coastlines. In summer, as the sea ice retreats, walruses gather in large numbers at traditional haul-out sites, such as Poolepynten on Prins Karls Forland, where visitors on Arctic cruises or guided tours can watch them resting, socializing, and occasionally slipping into the icy waters to feed on clams and other shellfish from the seafloor. Seeing walruses in Svalbard is not just about witnessing their size and strength; it’s a glimpse into the delicate Arctic ecosystem. Once hunted extensively, walrus populations around Svalbard have recovered significantly due to strong conservation measures. Today, watching these animals up close — while keeping a respectful distance to avoid disturbance — is a highlight of any trip to Svalbard, often accompanied by sightings of polar bears, Arctic foxes, and seabird colonies. The combination of wild landscapes, sea ice, and these iconic Arctic creatures makes walrus viewing in Svalbard a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.