Trygghamna

A jaw-dropping fjord bay

Trygghamna is a 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) long bay, located on the northern side of Isfjorden at Spitsbergen. Its name translates to “safe harbour”, a name fitting for the bay’s history. It became a haven for anchoring ships, somewhere safe for them to moor away from the harsh Arctic weather.

In the 17th century, the bay became a hotspot for whaling. Today, artefacts and residences from that time have been preserved as cultural remains.

As well as the countless aquatic creatures that live in the bay’s waters, Trygghamna’s cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds. It’s a popular nesting spot for many species, including gulls, geese and kittiwakes.