The remote and captivating Jan Mayen is an isolated island in the Arctic Ocean that lies 600 km northeast of Iceland. This rarely visited destination hides volcanic peaks, dramatic glaciers and black sand beaches. One of the last truly wild frontiers on earth, Jan Mayen Island draws adventurers and those seeking off-the-beaten-path travel.
On the island’s only settlement of Olonkinbyen, less than twenty residents call Jan Mayen home. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, the awe-inspiring landscapes here offer hiking and wildlife watching, where visitors can spot unique bird species and majestic whales swimming just offshore. The main spectacle on Jan Mayen remains the epic Beerenberg volcano which rises, blanketed in snow, above the entire island. As the northernmost active volcano in the world, climbing Beerenberg is worth the journey and offers some of the Arctic’s most astounding views. Elsewhere, ash-black beaches, thundering waterfalls and jagged rock formations shrouded in mist encapsulate the desolate, untouched atmosphere. Jan Mayen is one of the most difficult places in the world to reach, requiring permission from the Norwegian government, a long journey over rough seas and just the right conditions to ensure maximum daylight. Those who manage to step foot on the shores, Jan Mayen will be rewarded with incomparable natural wonders.
Recommended Jan Mayen Tours
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