Jan Mayen Island (Arctic Norway)

Jan Mayen Island is one of Arctic Norway's territories. The island has length of approx 55 km (34 mi) and covers a total area of approx 373 km2 (144 mi2). The island is partly covered by glaciers - around its highest elevation point - Beerenberg volcano (2277 m / 7470 ft). The island is generally uninhabited, with under 50 non-permanent residents.

Jan Mayen is located approx 600 km (370 mi) northeast of Iceland, approx 500 km (310 mi) east of Greenland and approx 1000 km (620 mi) west of North Cape Norway.

The island has two separate parts: bigger (Nord-Jan) and smaller (Sor-Jan) linked by an isthmus (a narrow piece of land) with width of 2,5 km (1,6 mi). The terrain is mountainous, with the highest point being the stratovolcano Beerenberg (located in the north).

The linking isthmus is where are the island's two largest lakes - named Nordlaguna (North Lagoon) and Sorlaguna (South Lagoon). The only inhabitants on Jan Mayen are the stationed personnel working for the Norwegian Army or the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.

Transport to Jan Mayen Island is provided via Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft operated by RNoAF (Royal Norwegian Air Force). These planes land on the gravel runway of Jan Mayen airfield. The aircraft fly from Bodo (Main Air Station, 2 hours away) 8 times per year. Cargo ships visit the island during summer, bringing heavy goods. The ships are anchored as the island has no harbours.

As no commercial airline flies to the island, the only way to get there by air is via a privately chartered airplane.

Since 2010, Jan Mayen Island is designated as a nature reserve (under Norway's jurisdiction) to ensure the preservation of this pristine Arctic island, as well as the marine life in the surrounding waters.

The island is also identified as IBA (Important Bird Area) by BirdLife International as a breeding ground for many seabirds, including little auks, thick-billed and black guillemots, Arctic fulmars.

Jan Mayen Island cruise terminal