NIPR observatory, Ny-Ålesund

The NIPR observatory is located centrally in Ny-Ålesund Research Station, on the shores of Kongsfjorden on the west coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago.

Ny-Ålesund was a mining settlement until the 1960's, after which it became an international hub for scientific research. NIPR has had a permanent presence there since 1990. The Japanese activity officially moved from the previous location at Rabben, near the airport, to the new building Kings Bay Veksthus in 2019. The new observatory contains office space, labs and accommodation for visiting researchers. Kings Bay AS owns and manages the facilities in Ny-Ålesund, and provides additional accommodation, food, laboratories and workshops, equipment hire, safety training and runs a small shop and post office. High speed broadband internet is available, but Ny-Ålesund is a radio silent area so mobile phones, WiFi and bluetooth are not allowed.

Ny-Ålesund is surrounded by tundra vegetation and river plains, on the otherwise mountainous Brøgger peninsula. The areas to the south, east and north of Ny-Ålesund are glaciated. Reindeer and foxes are frequently seen in the area, which is also visited by large number of migratory birds during the summer season. Polar bears are infrequent visitors, while seals, walrus and beluga whales may be seen in the fjord.

Around 30 people live permanently in Ny-Ålesund and keep the research station running all year. The population increases to its peak in spring and summer time, with around 100-150 researchers and technicians coming for short or long stays. There are no inhabitants not affiliated with research activity, and visits from those not linked with research are strictly regulated. Tourists visit the settlement by boat during the summer, but are not permitted to stay in Ny-Ålesund.

Ny-Ålesund has a small airport with a regular flight connection with Longyearbyen (2 flights per week). The flight takes 20-30 minutes and has space for 14-16 passengers. It is also possible to charter flights between Ny-Ålesund and Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen airport has regular flights to and from the Norwegian mainland (Oslo and Tromsø). It is also possible to arrive in Ny-Ålseund by ship, normally between May and October depending on ice conditions. There is no regular boat transport, but tour companies based in Longyearbyen can provide boat transport by request.