Svalbard’s Northernmost Post Office

Tucked within the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund lies a rare Arctic treasure: the northernmost post office in the world. Operated seasonally and surrounded by glaciers, fjords, and a population of scientists and support staff, this tiny outpost offers travelers a one-of-a-kind chance to connect with the rest of the globe—from 78°55′N.

Where It Is and How to Get There

Ny-Ålesund is located on the northwestern coast of Spitsbergen and is accessible only by ship during the summer months. Most visitors arrive via expedition cruises that include this stop as part of an Arctic itinerary. Tourists are welcome during these brief visits, and the post office is one of the highlights.

Coordinates: Roughly 1,200 km from the North Pole.

Access: Only via boat—no public flights.

Open season: Typically mid-May through September, depending on ice and weather.

Why It’s Special

This isn’t just a post office—it’s a living symbol of Arctic connection. Operated under the Norwegian postal system, it handles both outgoing letters and packages, all marked with a unique postmark that reads “Ny-Ålesund – 9173.” It’s become a rite of passage for visitors to drop a handwritten postcard into the red postbox and imagine its journey south.

Collectors’ item: The official postmark is sought after by philatelists.

Photo opportunity: The bright red box against glacial backdrops is iconic.

What You Can Send

You can mail postcards, letters, and small parcels. There’s usually a limited selection of postcards and stamps available for purchase on-site—some featuring Arctic wildlife or historic exploration themes.

Prices: Similar to mainland Norway; bring cash or card.

Mail time: It can take several weeks to reach Europe or the U.S., depending on transport schedules from the settlement.

Cultural Significance

Sending mail from Ny-Ålesund is more than novelty—it connects today’s Arctic travelers with the legacy of explorers who relied on post to share news of survival and discovery. The settlement itself once served as the starting point for legendary polar flights and remains a hub of international science and cooperation.

Historic note: The town was a launch base for Roald Amundsen’s airship expedition to the North Pole in 1926.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Bring your own postcards if you want special designs or personal photos.

Write your cards early in the cruise so you're ready when you dock.

Be respectful—Ny-Ålesund is an active scientific community, not a tourist town.

Photos are usually permitted, but flying drones is not.



Visiting Svalbard’s northernmost post office offers a rare chance to pause and reflect. In a world obsessed with instant digital connection, writing and sending a message from this remote place is a slower, more thoughtful gesture. It's a memory sealed with cold air, hand-drawn ink, and the quiet echo of ice.