With its breathtaking natural splendor and vibrant Norwegian spirit, this community stands as one of the world’s northernmost gems. Nestled in the Arctic wilderness, it captivates visitors with its unique allure. Our guide, Charlotta, reassures us with a confident smile, brandishing her rifle. “Don’t worry,” she calmly assures us, “I’m quick on my feet if the need arises.” My daughter, aged twelve, gazes apprehensively at the surrounding wilderness. While she cherished Philip Pullman’s tales of armored bears, the realization of our close proximity to their real-life counterparts has begun to sink in.
Throughout the town, road signs serve as constant reminders of the potential danger posed by polar bears. With an estimated population of 3,000, these majestic creatures reign supreme in this remote outpost, outnumbering the local human residents who total merely…
