Kongsøya

Kongsøya (King Island) is one of the three main islands in the Kong Karls Land archipelago, part of Svalbard, Norway. Located in the Barents Sea, it lies east of Edgeøya and northeast of Svenskøya. The island is approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) long and 14 kilometers (9 miles) wide at its widest point, covering an area of 191 square kilometers (74 square miles).

The island is largely covered by glaciers and ice caps, including the prominent Kongsvegen glacier. The terrain is generally rugged and mountainous, with few areas suitable for vegetation.

Kongsøya is an important habitat for polar bears and seabirds. The island is part of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, established to protect the unique Arctic environment and wildlife of the area. Landing restrictions and other regulations are in place to minimize disturbance to the sensitive ecosystem.

The island has no permanent human settlements. Scientific expeditions and occasional tourist visits are the only human presence on Kongsøya. Its remote location and challenging conditions limit accessibility.

Kongsøya's name, meaning "King Island," reflects its prominence within the Kong Karls Land archipelago, named in honour of King Charles XV of Sweden and Norway.