Forlandet Island (Svalbard Norway)

Forlandet Island (aka Prins Karls Forland) is located near Spitsbergen Island's western coast (Oscar II Land) in Norway's Svalbard Archipelago. Isle's entire land is included in the Forlandet National Park.

The island has a total area of 615 km2 (237 mi2) and highest elevation point (Monacofjellet) 1084 m (3556 ft). It was discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz (1550-1597, Dutch navigator and cartographer). In 1610, Jonas Poole (1566-1612, English whaler) named it "Black Point Isle". By the British, Forlandet was called "Prince Charles Foreland" (after King James's son - Charles), while the Dutch called it "Kijn Island". On isle's northern headland, the English built a whaling station (called Fuglehuken today). There, in 1946 was installed a radio beacon.

The landscape has many contrasts with copper green grass fields, barren rock deserts and alpine peaks, all side by side. Near Fuglehuken (the island's northern tip) is where Willem Barentsz presumably set foot in Svalbard. Both Russians and Norwegians previously hunted here whales, polar bears and foxes. Archeological remains of bear traps, old trapper cabins and demolished set guns still can be found there. The bird mountains are full of nesting kittiwakes, puffins and polar guillemots, and travelers may also see the polar fox engaged in hunting. On Forlandet's opposite side at Sarstangen is the haul-out place for walruses.

Forlandet National Park was created in June 1973. It covers the entire Forlandet Island and the surrounding sea area. The park has a total area of 615 km2 (237 mi2) and a marine area of 4031 km2 (1556 mi2). This wilderness reserve has the world's most northerly colony of pinnipeds (seals) and common murre (guillemot) population. The park is also a Ramsar site (wetland) and identified as an IBA (Important Bird Area) for its large breeding populations of barnacle goose, common eider (sea duck) and black guillemot (tystie). Seabirds can be seen to nesting on the cliffs. Along the coast can be seen harbor seals.

Forlandet Island cruise terminal