Deep within the Arctic Circle, in Svalbard, an archipelago known for its spectacular glaciers and polar ice floes, lives Swedish photographer Cecilia Blomdahl. Residing in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in this remote region, Blomdahl is among approximately 2,500 residents who call Svalbard home. The vibrant cabins of Longyearbyen stand in contrast to vast ice caps, and the natural beauty of the place is accentuated by stunning celestial displays. Since moving to Svalbard in 2015, she has shared her extraordinary life with millions of followers on social media, culminating in a new photobook titled “Life on Svalbard.” In her words, the overwhelming serenity and beauty of her surroundings create an infatuating connection with nature that shapes her daily experience.
While Svalbard offers breathtaking natural landscapes, it is also steeped in rich resources such as fish, gas, and minerals, which have historically sparked economic and diplomatic disputes. This region acts as a hub for global scientific research and economic activity, attracting tourists from all over the world who are keen to experience its unique lifestyle. Yet, for residents like Blomdahl, life in Svalbard can be challenging. The harsh arctic climate presents dangers that include extreme cold, with temperatures sometimes plunging to minus 30 degrees Celsius, alongside the need for caution against roaming wildlife like polar bears. As Blomdahl notes, each day offers its own adventure, be it the stillness of a winter night illuminated by the Northern Lights or the vibrancy of the midnight sun during summer.
For many drawn to such extreme climates, like Blomdahl, the motivations can range from a quest for adventure, the desire to push their physical and psychological boundaries, to a need for a fresh start away from the complexities of modern life. Blomdahl herself was captivated by Svalbard’s otherworldly beauty, prompting her to abandon corporate ambitions in favor of a simpler, nature-connected existence. She describes the landscape as almost magical in its purity, evoking a sense of wonder and respect for the environment that becomes the backbone of her lifestyle.
In her documentation of daily life in Svalbard, Blomdahl highlights the profound ways the environment dictates her existence. For instance, she illustrates the necessity of carrying polar bear protection gear when venturing outside of settlements, underscoring the real dangers posed by wildlife in the region. Her photobook captures the stark contrast of the breathtaking beauty and the realities of living in an area where normal social conventions are challenged by the extremes of nature. Life here oscillates between periods of polar night—days without sunlight—and midnight sun, each presenting unique challenges for health and wellbeing, including disturbances to sleep patterns and vitamin levels. Yet, Blomdahl’s perspective imbues even the darkest days with a sense of warmth and coziness, reflecting her ability to create routine and maintain a positive mindset in the face of these extremes.
The issue of climate change looms large over Svalbard, with the region experiencing warming at six times the global average. The rapid thawing of permafrost and rising sea levels threaten both the local economy and the infrastructure that supports daily life in Longyearbyen. While studies indicate that residents report a high level of life satisfaction, research also points to a significant mental toll associated with the drastic environmental changes unfolding. To counter this, Svalbard conducts annual environmental surveys to keep tabs on the associated risks. Through her art and social media, Blomdahl aims to raise awareness of these issues while celebrating the beauty of her Arctic home.
Despite the challenges, Svalbard is uniquely self-sufficient, equipped with amenities that most cities offer, including an airport and a hospital. However, the harsh living conditions and mission-driven economy result in a transient population, with the average resident staying for about seven years. Local governance prioritizes maintaining the current lifestyle over expansion, which further underscores the delicate balance of sustaining life in such an extreme environment. Blomdahl embodies this unwavering commitment to her community by focusing on uplifting content that portrays the Arctic’s beauty, rather than fixating on uncertainties tied to climate change or the unpredictability of life in Svalbard. Her purpose is clear: to inspire awe in the natural world and foster appreciation for the unique Arctic lifestyle that Svalbard offers.
