Hopen

Iversenfjellet, view north
Johan Hjortfjellet towards Småhumpen
Johan Hjortfjellet, view south
Thorkelsenskaret, view south
Kvasstoppen towards Askeheimodden

Hopen

  • Country: 
    Norway
  • Site number: 
    1957
  • Area: 
    318,567 ha
  • Designation date: 
    12-11-2010
  • Coordinates: 
    76°34'N 25°11'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Hopen is an Arctic island, mostly covered by rocks and continuous permafrost, with a very narrow beach from which the landscape rises sharply. In the north of the island there are steep cliffs with horizontal shelves which are ideal for breeding seabirds, including the globally vulnerable Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica). The Site also supports a population of 130,000 black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), over 1% of the global population. Northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), black guillemot (Cepphus grylle), little auk (Alle alle) and glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) are all found here. The birds are important in the transfer of nutrients from the ocean to support the island’s mammal, invertebrate and plant species. The island is also important for marine mammals. Polar bears Ursus maritimus use the Site for denning, feeding and migration, and the shallow waters surrounding Hopen are important as a resting place for walrus Odobenus rosmarus. Five trapper huts from the 19th century are protected as cultural heritage sites, and there is also a meteorological station on the island. Recreational activities among the station crew include both hiking and use of recreational cabins. Climate change and its effects may be the most serious threat to the Arctic environment.

Administrative region: 
Svalbard

  • National legal designation: 
    • Nature Reserve - Hopen
  • Last publication date: 
    23-06-2023

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