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Heros of the Great Patriotic war (World War II). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Final match in the sport hall was long ago. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Visitors can today step inside the buildings in Pyramiden. Like this sport hall. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Pyramiden is situated 50 kilometers north of Longyearbyen. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
".... our northern," reads half of the photo-collection poster left on the wall in the palace of culture. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The red tower of this town sign sculpture is made of old water-pipes from the coal mine. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The grand piano is an original "Red October" (Красный октябрь). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Imagine a Saturday evening when the palace of culture was packed with coal miners listening to classical music. Or maybe there was an Arctic version of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake ballet on stage? Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Soviet fairy tale illustration on the wooden fence outside the school. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The blocks of flats are well preserved by the Arctic climate. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Likely a door to heaven for the coal miners. The sign reads "Beer Bar", but the last pint was emptied 20 years ago. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
No more water in the world's northernmost swimming pool. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
One lonely ice-skate left in the window. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The mechanical workshop for the coal mine. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The entrances to the coal mine are up in the mountain above the town. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
... and yes, it is also the world's northernmost bust of Lenin. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Yes, lots of children lived in Pyramiden, a well functioning family society. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Where people once lived, birds have now taken over. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Svalbard is famous for its bird-watching sites. Although this "bird-cliff" is somehow special. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Why the town was named Pyramiden? Well, take a look at the nearest mountain. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Comrade Lenin has a great panorama view over the town with the Nordenskiold glacier in the background. The town is still state-owned and maintained by the Russian mining company Arktikugol Trust. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
From the shafts, the coal was transported to port via this structure. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Coal loading crane in the port of Pyramiden. Operated by the Russians, but Svalbard is Norwegian land. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Nice playground under the Arctic sun, but image how it was to be a child here during polar night. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
USSR-Norwegian friendly connections. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Hammer and Sickle, the symbol of the Soviet Union. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Pyramiden even had its own cowshed. Nothing's like a fresh glas of milk after a long night in the coal mine at 79 degrees north. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
With a bit of luck you may meet an Arctic fox in between the abandoned buildings in Pyramiden. A bit curious, and not too afraid of humans if you keep a distance. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The hospital. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Children's reading book over a dusty version of the transcripts from the 27th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (1986), the first congress presided over by Mikhail Gorbachev as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Outdoor sport stadion named after Yury Gagarin, the first man in space. Football field in summer, ice-skating rink during winter. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
In times of climate changes, Pyramiden coal power plant provided both heat and electricity. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Pyramiden was abandoned in 1998, but the houses are still in rather good shape and are maintained by Arktikugol Trust (Арктикуголь means Arctic coal). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
"Kuzbass" is another important coal region for Russia. Pyramiden heliport in the background. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Seems like this building is sad not to house people anymore. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Soviet-style Arctic art made of mosaic on the wall in the cantina. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Really large cooking pots in the cantina. For the coal miners. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Twelve-past-we-left-the-town. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Some plants are thirstier than others. For this one, it is too late. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The party is over. For good. Priviet (hello) vodka. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The main (and only) avenue in Pyramiden is named after the 60th anniversary of the October revolution. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
"No smoking". Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Map of the world on top of the world. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Pyramiden coal harbor. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Long time ago, in Pyramiden, a green indoor plant decorated the cantina. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The world's northernmost Palace of Culture. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Once upon a time the world's northernmost kindergarten (rigth) and school (2-storey building). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Part of the port facility in Pyramiden. The Nordenskiöld glacier across the fjord. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Pyramiden is located in Billefjorden, an appendix fjord in the innermost part of Isfjorden. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Pyramiden - A Soviet Ghost town at 79 degrees north

Barentsburg panorama. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Barentsburg with the Grønfjord glacier. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The new restaurant Krasniy Medved (Red bear). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
With Lenin in front, the stele honouring communism was erected in 1974 to mark Svalbard's first multi-storey residential building. The text reads "Our goal is communism". The slogan in the mountain reads Mir i Mir - (Peace and Earth). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
A growing number of tourists are visiting Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Souvenir shop in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Nordenskiöld glacier. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Norwegian post service in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Arctic foxes. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The coal plant in Barentsburg consumes about 30,000 tons of coal annually. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Ivan Velichenko shows a bottle of the town's own vodka named Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Nordre Isfjorden National Park. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The new hotel in Barentsburg has room for 90 guests. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Lunchtime for this polar bear cub. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Old Finnish houses in Barentsburg. Nordre Isfjorden National Park in the background. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
A polar bear and a reindeer are on display in a corner at the library in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The polar bear in the library wears helmet. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Upgrades of the infrastructure in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Coal mine facilities. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
GoArctica's boat is painted in Ukrainian colours. About 60% of the people living in Barentsburg are Ukrainians. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
GoArctic's boat "Barentsburg" has both Norwegian and Russian flag in the mast. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Russia has a rather large Consulate General in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Waste sorting. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Samovar (tea boiler). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Arcticugol Spitsbergen is the state-owned company in charge of all activities in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Rail tracks into the coal mine in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Coal miner. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Coal mine. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Going deep-down. Mining operation today happens at 1,200 meters deep. Workers need about an hour to get down. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Back up after a long nights work in the mine. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
All coal mining happens underground. Photo: Thomas Nislen
Coal harbour from where ships bring the coal to England. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Maybe not the highlight of a guided tour in Arctic Barentsburg. The mine's waste dump. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The cultural palace has seats for 450 people. That is about everyone who lives in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Kola Science Centre has a research station in Barentsburg. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Both Barentsburg and Pyramiden have their own vodka brands. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Nordenskiöld glacier. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The three-mast sailing ship Antigua at the Nordenskiöld glacier, Svalbard. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Barentsburg: Russia's Arctic tourist resort

Photo: Norwegian Coast Guard
Photo: Norwegian Coast Guard
Photo: Norwegian Coast Guard
Photo: Norwegian Coast Guard
Photo: Norwegian Coast Guard

Norwegian Coast guard collects plastic waste on Svalbard

A Dutch Navy NH-90 helicopter from HNLMS Van Speijk frigate manoeuvres at low altitude while performing an Anti-Submarine Warfare mission during Dynamic Mongoose Exercise. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Dutch Navy acoustic operator listens and manages the signal received by the sonar aboard an NH-90 helicopter while tracking a submarine during Exercise Dynamic Mongoose. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Dutch Navy Aircrewman maintains look-out over the sea surface while conducting an Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission (CASEX) aboard an NH-90 helicopter, launched by HNLMS Van Speijk during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Dutch Navy NH-90 helicopter takes off from HNLMS Van Speijk frigate to conduct an Anti-Submarine Warfare mission during Exercise Dynamic Mongoose. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
An NH-90 aircrew debreifs with the Commanding Officer of HNLMS Van Speijk after conducting an ASW flight during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Dutch Navy NH-90 helicopter raise up its sonar sensor while conducting Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX) during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Polish frigate ORP Kociuszco (243) sails in the Norwegian Sea during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
ORP Kosiusco ,TCG Gediz ,HNLMS Van Amstel and HNLMS Van Speijk sail in formation in Norwegian Sea during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Turkish frigate TCG Gediz sails in the Norwegian fjords during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
HDMS Niels Juel's Navigation Officer lines up the ship in the formation while executing manoeuvres drills during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Danish Navy sailors writes ships names on one window aboard SNMG1 Flagship HDMS Niels Juel, during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Spanish frigate ESPS Alvaro de Bazan (front) sails in the Norwegian fjords during Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Danish Navy diver is winched aboard the MH-60 helicopter from HDMS Niels Juel plateform while training, during Exercise Dynamic Mongoose. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Danish Navy Radar operator reports ships position while SNMG1 flagship Niels Juel, sails outbound Norwegian fjords as Exercise Dynamic Mongoose kicks off. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
A Danish Tactical Officer and Warfare Supervisors focus on the tactical picture around SNMG1 flagship HDMS Niels Juel, during the first manoeuvre drills of Dynamic Mongoose 18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) ship TCG Gediz (F495) sails in the Norwegian Fjords, as Dynamic Mongoose Exercise kicks off. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Maritime Patrol Aircrafts stationed on the tarmac of Andoya Air Station during Dynamic Mongoose18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) flagship HDMS Niels Juel gets underway with media to showcase exercise Dynamic Mongoose18. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde
Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) flagship HDMS Niels Juel sails in the Norwegian Fjords, as Dynamic Mongoose Exercise kicks off. NATO Photo by FRA N WO Christian Valverde

Dynamic Mongoose 18

CLICK ON GALLERY TO SEE MORE. Apron and taxiways with the control tower. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Once upon a time, a busy runway for warplanes. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The mining town of Zapolyarny visible in the horizon from the huge closed down air base. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Woman on duty in the control tower. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
On the wall of the control tower. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Once upon a time, a Soviet military check-point. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Abandoned apartment blocks close to the air-field. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
«Peace on earth. We protected our freedom in fight». Photo: Thomas Nilsen
A golden bust of Yury Gagarin shines the glory of the town. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Abandoned apartments block. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
School bus in front of on of the few apartment blocks where people still are living. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The school in Korzunova. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
School bus ready to drive home the children from the military garrisons around Korzunova. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
"Tankodrom" - Roadsigns in Korzunova are not like in any other towns. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Photo: Thomas Nilsen
There are still some military activities outside of Korzunova. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Scrap metal from installations once upon a time important for the Soviet air force. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Corroded bust of Lenin stands in front of one of the abounded buildings in the town center. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Workers tear down some of the old houses in the center of Korzunovo. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The Gagarin museum. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Inside the Gagarin museum. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
A golden Yury Gagarin shines glory over Soviet space history. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Colonel Yuri Korzunov, a Soviet hero pilot from World War 2, gave the name to the town of Korzunovo. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The newly rebuilt monastery in Pechenga. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Korzunovo and Luostari air base.

Norwegian Sea King rescue helicopter exercising evacuation of people found at sea to a Coast Guard vessel. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
"OV Bøkfjord" - Operated by Norwegian Coastal Administration - participates in collecting oil spill at sea. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Bent-Ove Jamtli is Director of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of North Norway. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Coordinating radio traffic on the bridge of "KV Barentshav" during exercise Barents 2018. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The Russian navy vessel "Elbrus" exercising oil spill cleanup with lense and skimmer. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Key players in exercise Barents 2018, Norwegians and Russians. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Norwegian offshore and tug vessel "Far Sabre" with oil spill lense. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Jan Pedersen is Senior Advisor with the Norwegian Coastal Administration's Centre for Emergency Preparedness. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Fast-roping to the deck of the Norwegian Coast Guard ship "KV Barentshav" from a Russian Mi-8 helicopter operating for the rescue service based in Murmansk. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Norwegian Coast Guard vessel "Farm" sailing in pair with a FSB Coast Guard vessel. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Two of the "missing people" in the exercise were found on board this lift raft. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
In search for the "missing life raft" - Norwegian and Russian military and civilian ships and helicopters participated. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Fast-roping evacuation from a SAR-vessel to the helicopter. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Preparing for fast-roping from a rescue helicopter. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Lifting people to helicopter for evacuation is part of the exercise. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
A few of the "survivors" are safely on board a Coast Guard vessel. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Smile for cooperation: Captain on bridge Frode Urke (left) and Head of the Northern Fleet's exercise unit Aleksandr Ulyanov (in the middle). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Speedy working boat shuttles people in between the Norwegian and Russian participating ships. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
The Russian Northern Fleet's new logistics support ship "Elbrus" and the civilian offfshore- and tug vessel "Umka" (in the horizon). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Norwegian Coast Guard vessel "Farm" with oil spill lense. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Igor Makeev is Captain Coordinator with Murmansk Sea Rescue Centre. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Coast Guard officer on watch. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
From the bridge of "KV Barentshav" team coordinators watching oil-spill cleanup practicing by the Norwegian vessel "Far Sabre" towing a lense in the sea. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
This special equipped aircraft can both search for people at sea and possible oil-spill. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
This special equipped aircraft can both search for people at sea and possible oil-spill. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Norwegian Coast Guard vessel "KV Farm" and a Russian FSB Coast Guard vessel. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Chief on "KV Barentshav" Frode Urke (left), Coordinator Captain for Murmansk Sea Rescue Centre Igor Makeev and Head of Northern Fleet exercise unit Aleksandr Ulyanov (right). Photo: Thomas Nilsen
Exercise coordination room onboard Coast Guard vessel "KV Barentshav". Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Exercise Barents 2018

The night to Wednesday, this adult polar bear came visiting outskirts of Longyearbyen on Svalbard. First through Hiorthamn on the other side of Adventfjorden towards the delta in the Adventsdalen. Photo: Bjørn Frantzen
Slowly walking towards Longyearbyen, the bear listened curiously to the sounds from the dog kennels outside the town, crossed the river-delta and continued towards the settlement. Photo: Bjørn Frantzen
The Governor on Svalbard, acting as the local police, arrived with a few cars to observe the situation. Although the bear seemed curious to what nightlife could offer in the world’s northernmost town, such visit is not much appreciated or welcomed. So, the governor’s officers briefly turned on both blue lights and sirens. Photo: Bjørn Frantzen
The polar bear turned around, crossed the road and headed towards Isdammen, the local reservoar for drinking water. Photo: Bjørn Frantzen
At Isdammen, the bear washed off some dirt and ambled further into the Adventdalen and disappeared into the Arctic wilderness. Quit and beautiful. Photo: Bjørn Frantzen