Bradt Travel Guide Spitsbergen Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, Jan Mayen

The original wilderness encompassing the archipelago of Svalbard (commonly known as Spitsbergen) is a vast region of ice and snow where you can travel for weeks without meeting a soul. Lying as close to the North Pole as can easily be reached, its climate and wildlife are unique in Europe; this is the home of the arctic fox, the reindeer and the polar bear. Polar-travel specialist Andreas Umbreit brings his in-depth knowledge to update the only general guide available for visitors to Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen and Franz Josef Land. With detailed sections on natural history, safety, and red tape, it is essential reading for researchers, independent visitors and those on organized tours. *Wildlife and the environment *Local regulations: tour permission, insurance and other red tape *Natural hazards, safety equipment and proper preparation *Independent travel *Cruise routesUmbreit, Andreas is the author of 'Bradt Travel Guide Spitsbergen Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, Jan Mayen', published 2005 under ISBN 9781841620923 and ISBN 1841620920.