There's lots to see and do here, but getting out of town isn't simple, as you need a rifle and someone who's been cleared to use it. You also need to have had to foresight to request to borrow any equipment (such as a helmet or an avalanche beacon) in the week that you might need on the weekend.
That being said, there's plenty to see and do in the town too. A couple of weekends ago, when it was starting to get light again, me, Jen, Brad and Elliot went into town to explore a bit and to go see one of the famous polar bear signs.
Those who say Santa lives in Lapland are lying to you!
Not the warmest of beaches, but a beach none the less
The mining history of the town is very prominent
You're not aloud beyond these signs without a gun. Photo credit goes to Jen.
Soon after this I went for a "swim" (a very brief run into and out of) in the fjord. It was cold, as you can imagine! We couldn't do it properly because the tide was so low, so I might go again some time. It was fun and I warmed up again pretty quickly. Every Friday a group go do this, and anyone can join.
Then, just over a week ago a few of us walked up to mine 2b. This is a mine that's very close to Nybyen that I walk past every day to get to UNIS. It was quite slippery and hard to get up, but worth it as the views were very nice. Unfortunately you're not allowed to go inside the building anymore as it isn't safe, and the foot traffic is making it worse. I heard that they want to restore it soon though so that people can go in again.
Mine 2b
Made it!
The next day a group of us went for a walk as it was lovely weather, and we wanted to see the sun early by getting on top of the mountain. We underestimated how long it would take and didn't make it to our destination (Trollsteinen), but again, we had lovely views. We got to an entrance to an ice cave and had a peek inside.
The sun was so near, yet so far
And finally, here are some bonus pictures of some reindeer. They're everywhere at the moment! One very obligingly posed for photos outside my bedroom window.
Hello!
Spot the reindeer
Made a little video of some of the walk to the mine and up the mountain. As always, appreciate if you've read this, and hope to have another update next week
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