Moffen Island

Moffen is a small, low island north of the mouth of Wijdefjorden, on the northern coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago.

The island is a protected and important area for walrus and a nesting site for birds, especially the rare Sabine's Gull, Arctic terns and kittiwakes.

Moffen played an important rule in re-establishing walrus here after becoming all but extinct.

Approach during the summer (mid May-mid September) is limited to a minimum distance of 500m. In any case, most ships stay further away due the waters around Moffen being very shallow.

Landing or entering the inner waters is strictly forbidden for fear of disturbing the wildlife.

Moffen island can be accessed by boat from Longyearbyen on Spitsberge.