Arctic – Svalbard Archipelago
Edgeøya Island
Cap Lee
Kapp Lee is located in the southeast of Svalbard Edgeøya, the third largest island of Svalbard. There was a lot of hunting there in the 17th and 18th centuries. First by the Pomors, then by Norwegian trappers. Walruses, foxes and polar bears were popular prey.
The main tourist attraction of Kapp Lee is the resident walrus colony. Those interested in history can also visit the octagonal trapper's hut and ancient animal bones in the tundra while on shore leave. There is also a large reindeer population on Edgeøya, and polar bears are also regular visitors.
Even in summer, polar bears in Svalbard sometimes stay on land.
The island of Edgeøya is part of the Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve and is a popular destination for cruise ships. Tourists can visit Kapp Lee at one Svalbard cruise with the Sea Spirit go ashore and approach the walruses carefully on foot. A distance of 50 to 150 meters should be maintained. The exact distance depends on whether the group has calves with them and how relaxed the animals react when they approach.
Kapp Lee is located at the western end of Freemansundet, the strait between the islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya. This sea road is usually used as part of a trip around Spitsbergen. In the AGE™ experience report “Cruise Spitsbergen: From foxes and reindeer to the northernmost city in the world” we also take you to Kapp Lee. Read how a swimming polar bear prevents a landing, follow us on a zodiac tour to the walruses and rediscover the polar bear high up in the rocks.
Our Svalbard travel guide will take you on a tour of the various attractions, sights and wildlife viewing.
Tourists can also discover Spitsbergen with an expedition ship, for example with the Sea Spirit.
Do you dream of meeting the King of Spitsbergen? Experience polar bears in Svalbard.
Explore the arctic islands of Norway with the AGE™ Svalbard Travel Guide.


Svalbard Travel Guide • Svalbard trip • Edgeøya Island • Kapp Lee Edgeøya • Experience report on the Spitsbergen cruise
Sitwell, Nigel (2018): Svalbard Explorer. Visitor's Map of Svalbard Archipelago (Norway), Ocean Explorer Maps