Forvikum

Forvikum is a village located in the municipality of Lurina in the northern region of Svalbard, Norway. It lies on the western coast of Spitsbergen, overlooking Nordvik Fjord. The village sits at an elevation of 58 metres above sea level and experiences a subarctic climate, with mean temperatures ranging from −8 °C in January to 12 °C in July. Winters are long and dark, while the summer months bring the phenomenon of the midnight sun.

The history of Forvikum dates back to the late 19th century, when it was founded as a small fishing settlement by families from the nearby town of Longyearbyen. The name "Forvikum" is derived from the Old Norse words for "forth" (forr) and "village" (vik), reflecting its position at the mouth of a fjord. During the early 20th century, the village grew modestly as a hub for walrus hunting and kelp farming. By the mid‑century, it had a population of approximately 120 residents, many of whom were involved in the mining and shipbuilding industries that operated on Svalbard’s mainland.

Today, Forvikum maintains a population of about 85 people. Its economy is primarily based on tourism, scientific research, and limited fishing. The village hosts a seasonal research station operated by the Norwegian Institute for Polar Research, which studies marine ecology, glaciology, and climate change. Folk music and traditional Svalbard folk tales are preserved through community gatherings, and the local school serves children from Forvikum and neighboring settlements.

Notable landmarks include the Forvikum Lighthouse, erected in 1912, and the Forvikum Memorial Hall, which commemorates the village’s founders and the hardships of polar habitation. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged cliffs, tide pools, and a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, making Forvikum a focal point for both scientific inquiry and eco-tourism on Spitsbergen.