Jan Mayen is an island between Greenland and Norway in the Arctic Ocean, administered by Norway. The island has 18 inhabitants, employed by the Norwegian Armed Forces or the Norwegian Institute of Meteorology.
This desolate, mountainous volcanic island was named after a Dutch whaling captain who supposedly dicovered it in 1614 (though earlier claims have been reported). It was visited only occasionally by seal hunters and trappers over the following centuries, and the island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg volcano (2,277 meters) resumed activity in 1970; it is the northernmost active volcano on Earth.
Arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog.
Visitors must gain permissions from the station commander well in advance before visiting the island.
There is an 1600m unpaved airstrip. No commercial flights. A NDB (JAN 362kHz) is available for air traffic.
There are no natural harbors. The Kvalrossbukta and Båtvika bay are often used for getting on shore using rubber zodiacs. A Norwegian company called EcoExpeditions organizes trips from Iceland to Jan Mayen .
There is nothing to eat on Jan Mayen
It is possible to drink the water on Jan Mayen but this would not be advised.
Take a stroll around the island. Though it is highly advised to bring a gun to scare off polar bears
Beerenberg, the islands highest point and the northernmost volcano in the world. It is possible to climb the mountain but a high level of mountaineering experience is need.
There is no economic activity on Jan Mayen. Jan Mayen is a Norwegian tax free zone.
There are no public accommodations on Jan Mayen.
The harsh Arctic climate (see travelling in cold weather), occasional volcanic activity and polar bears are the greatest hazards.