Ny Alesund is a research town where several nations run their stations under Norwegian administration and coordination. Previously a mining society, coal was mined until 1962 when it was closed after several serious accidents. One of the northernmost year-round communities, Ny Alsund now has a permanent population of about 30-35, although numbers in the summer can reach 120. The town boasts the world’s northernmost post office, and there are now a couple of hotels, plus a small café and souvenir shop.
Ny Alesunds claim to fame is historical – as the launching point for North Pole Expeditions pioneered by Amundsen and Nobile. In 1925, Amundsen tried to reach the North Pole with the seaplanes N24 and N25 but succeeded with the airship Norge in 1926. A monument to this successful crossing still exists in Ny Alesund today.
