BACKGROUND:
The Norwegian Armed Forces operates the community of Jan Mayen. The Station Commander is the
official representative of the Norwegian Authorities is the government’s representative with regard to
public administration, nature management and cultural conservation.
OLONKIN CITY on the southeastern part of the island (near BÅTVIKA), is the main station and is the
accommodation for all employed personnel. On Jan Mayen, there is a gravel airstrip (closed for civilian
flights), a weather station, a navigation site and a variety of roads and infrastructure throughout the island.
There are no operational seaports/harbours. Landing from boat is through the surf in KVALROSSBUKTA. MOUNT BEERENBERG, 2272 meters above sea level, on the north end of Jan Mayen, is
the world’s northernmost active volcano and dominates the scenery. The island is a nature reserve
announced by Norwegian regulation no. 1456 of November 2010. The nature reserve Jan Mayen is
preserving and protecting a pristine arctic island and its surrounding sea, characterized by its unique
landscape formed by volcanic activities, the special flora and fauna and cultural remains. The island is a
very important habitat for seabirds.
FACTORS to Consider:
Lack of a natural sheltered harbour, rough weather, windy beaches and rough sea makes it a challenge to
visit Jan Mayen by boat. The nature and weather of Jan Mayen is extreme. One must be prepared for
winter conditions and storms throughout the year. Freshwater sources are scarce. There are no polar bears or other predators. Pets are not allowed. Medical services are not available for visitors. Helicopter rescue cannot be expected due to the long distance to Norway and Iceland, and there is no dedicated SAR capacity on the island. The station does not offer accommodation or transport services by car or boat. The gravel road between KVALROSSBUKTA and OLONKIN CITY/BÅTVIKA (9 km walk), is closed between November and May due to poor road conditions.
RULES and REGULATIONS:
The island of Jan Mayen is Norwegian territory and Norwegian citizens are free to visit Jan Mayen, but they must follow the islands regulations. Foreign citizens who wants to visit must obtain a permission from the Norwegian authorities prior to arrival. Permission to visit Jan Mayen for non-Norwegian citizens can be granted as follows:
- Up to 24 hours visit, by the Station Commander of Jan Mayen.
Point of Contact by e-mail stasjonssjef@jan.mayen.no - Up to one week visit, by the Chief of Police in Nordland.
Point of Contact by e-mail janmayen@politiet.no - More than a week visit, by the Norwegian Ministry of Justice.
Point of Contact by e-mail postmottak@jd.dep.no
Visitors intending to conduct research or any other activity apart from being a tourist, must apply to the
State Administrator in Nordland. Point of contact by email sfnopost@statsforvalteren.no
Norwegian regulation no. 1456 (2010) regulates and restricts activity throughout Jan Mayen.
For all visitors it is important to note the following:
- There are only one area permitted for landing from boat and disembarkation; this is KVALROSSBUKTA on the western side, position N70° 58′ 03.2″ W8° 41′ 16.1″ (see map below)
- It is forbidden to use a ship’s whistle, loosen shots or otherwise cause loud noise in or within a distance of 1 nautical mile from bird cliffs.
- Driftwood and other natural or human made objects older than 1945 on Jan Mayen, is protected by law and should not be touched or moved.
Regulation on the protection of Jan Mayen Nature Reserve
GUIDELINES for Visitors:
- The preferred landing time by boat is between 08:00 Zulu (UTC) and 13:00 Zulu (UTC),
- Monday to Friday. The exact time must be clarified by the Station Commander.
- The KVALROSSBUKTA is the only landing point.
- KVALROSSBUKTA Out of Bounds for the periode 4th June – 12th June 2024 d/t re-supply operation.
- A minimum of two people in the light boat must wear a dry suit or survival suit, when you land/leave the island.
- All buildings, structures and vehicles on Jan Mayen are off limits to visitors.
- Any movements on the airstrip, is strictly prohibited.
- Do not touch or go near antennas, some of them carry high voltage.
- You cannot take pictures of any antenna installation.
- Stay away from the tip of cliffs as they may slide into the sea due to heavy erosion.
- No littering! Please bring all waste back to the ship (including cigarette butts and chewing gum).
- Please ask before taking pictures of station crew and respect their privacy if they decline.
For visiting ship / yacht:
- The purpose and scope of the visit.
- Date and time of arrival and departure.
- Name, nationality and port of registration of ship / yacht.
- The Ship’s contact information. MMSI number, call sign, e-mail, Iridium number, etc.
- The Captain’s name and nationality.
- POB (persons on board). Number of Passengers, number of Crew, number of Medics.
- Number of passengers and crew going ashore.
- Last port of departure, next port of arrival.
Jan Mayen – Point of Contact:
- E-mail to Station Commander: stasjonssjef@jan.mayen.no
- Telephone, Station Commander: +47 32 17 79 02 (+47 32 17 79 00)
- Maritime radio VHF channel 16 during normal working hours, when radio contact is established – switch to channel 06/10 as agreed