Barenstburg is the second largest settlement on Svalbard, with about 350 inhabitants, almost entirely Russians and Ukrainians. Barentsburg started as a Dutch mining town in 1920. In 1932 the Dutch sold their concession to the Soviet Union. The main economic activity is coal mining by Trust Arcticugol. The towns relies entirely on the mainland Russia for food. During the Soviet era, Barentsburg was used as a poster for communism in the Arcticregion and was well maintained and populated. Following the collapse of the USSR, funding was significantly reduced, and is today a shadow of its former self. The population in Barentsburg continues to decline.
We are in the city for nearly two hours, after the guided tour one has some time to spent. Visit f.ex. the little chappel build in rememberance of the people who died in the airplane accident in 1996 (Opera mountain close to Longyearbyen) Souvenirs can be bought in the shop next to the Sportshall. If you need more time why not stay a night in the hotel? Contact us for booking.
We are heading for Barentsburg on tuesday, thursday, friday and sunday.
Pick-up starts at 08:30 in Nybyen and we will leave the harbour at 09:00.
.
