Moffen Island (Svalbard Norway)

Moffen Island is located north of Wijdefjorden's mouth, off the northern coast of Spitsbergen Island (Svalbard's largest). The island has become a popular cruise itinerary stop for ships touring the Svalbard Archipelago. However, landing or entering inner waters is strictly forbidden due to fear of disturbing wildlife. Moffen Island is an important location for walrus and seabirds nesting site.

The island was first mapped in 1655. Dutch whalers knew the island in the 17th century, and it soon became a slaughtering site for walrus.

Moffen is within Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park. Most of the island is gravel and sand, without solid bedrock. Travel on the island and its surrounding sea zone of 300 m (984 ft) is prohibited in the period May 15 through September 15. Despite its small size ( 2x3 km / 1x2 mi), the island features interesting wildlife, although observation opportunities are not great due to the legally required minimum distance. There are large numbers of breeding Arctic terns and Sabine’s gulls (both extremely rare in Svalbard).

Moffen Island cruise terminal