Hello :)

Last year, off the back of my 100th country visit to Norway, I spent three nights in Svalbard, one of the most northern archipelagos in the world. Though I wasn't there for long, I felt it was an interesting place to do a podcast about, covering history, wildlife, culture, and of course the ethical aspect of travelling to somewhere like that in the first place.

Not a spoiler: I did not see a polar bear.

Topics discussed in this episode are: Parts One and Two: Housekeeping and Introduction

Part Three: Overview * So remote even the Vikings didn't go there * Whale-hunting, fur-trapping, Wild West Mining Towns, and how they became Norwegian * Svalbard v Spitsbergen * How its different from Norway * Population un-Density

Part Four: Wildlife & Environment * This is the land of the Polar Bear * Birds, but not in winter * Longyearbyen feels very small from above * There are no trees, only scree

Part Five: Things To Do In Longyearbyen * The Airport is surprisingly insta-ready * The Seed Vault * Museums * The world's most northerly brewery (and why it only dates from 2015) * You don't come here to die * What do you mean 'Shoes are Banned'?! * The Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights

Part Six: Ethical Travel * The notable effects of Climate Change * Cruise Ships and the dichotomy of tourism v environment * How locals view tourists * What some businesses are doing for sustainability * Eating local means eating whale and seal * The transient nature of the population * Visit Svalbard's tips for ethical tourism

Part Seven: What I did when I was there * A local orientation tour * Hiking Sarkofagen * Local Beer * Sailing along Billefjorden * Accommodation in Longyearbyen * Did I visit ethically?

Part Eight: Final Thoughts

A PDF transcript of this podcast is available.

As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution.

I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over.

There is a contribution in this pod from my friend Julie, who blogs at "I Am A Polar Bear", which is an apt name for someone who's also been to Svalbard.

Until next time, bye for now. :)