The Seven Islands are part of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, and are known for the walrus that live on a couple of the islands. The best known and most visited haul-out site for walrus is Isflakbukta on the island of Phippsøya. There are often up to 100 walrus lounging in the shallow bay, and they are exceptionally curious creatures, who often approach the beach and visiting groups.

As part of a visit to Isflakbukta, you’ll have the chance to see a cabin which was originally built during the mining expedition of Hans Merckoll in 1936. This small emergency cabin features two small bunks, and a basic deck area, with an entrance way used for storing firewood. It’s interesting to imagine spending the night here, but for sailors who sank their ships off the shore, it must have been a welcome sight.

Polar bears can also be seen anywhere on the islands. Some stay year-round on the islands, some visit with chunks of drift ice as they pass the islands. More ice in the area generally means more bears, as they hunt for seals which sleep on the passing chunks of ice. There have occasionally been Arctic fox and reindeer seen on the islands too, but numbers are low, and you’re more likely to see bears than foxes.