Skansbukta
A bay on the shore of Billefjorden with remnants of an abandoned gypsum mine, a hunters’ hut and bird cliffs. Tour boats often stop here.
Skansbukta is backed by layered sedimentary cliffs that look like a castle. On the beach lie wooden cabins and boat wrecks left from a gypsum mining venture that failed in the 1920s. The cliffs are home to seabirds such as northern fulmars, and reindeer are often seen on the grassy slopes. In summer, tour boats heading to Pyramiden often land or stop here, and it is a good spot for photographing Arctic rock strata. Landings are led by an armed guide.
Opening hours
Summer cruise ship calls only
Nearby sights
- Pyramiden
- Kjell Henriksen Observatory
- Adventdalen
- Hiorthhamn
- North Pole Expedition Museum
- Svalbard Museum
- Taubanesentralen
- Svalbard Church