Russehamna

The little bay Russehamna, situated in the southeastern part of Bear Island, is too small and too shallow for ships, but relatively well sheltered for small boats. The shore is easily accessible for Zodiacs, unless you have winds and swell from the east or southeast. Centuries ago, the Pomors took advantage of this and built a small hunting station. Not much is left of their shelter, just the foundations are visible directly next to the modern huts. These belong to the Norwegian weather station and are used by station members during their free time. It is actually one of Bear Island’s most beautiful huts, both the building itself and its natural surroundings. The rocky shoreline with many offshore rocks is one of the most beautiful parts of the coast of Bear Island, which is generally quite spectacular. Until the 19th century there was a huge coastal cave called Borgmesterporten, referring to the Glaucous gulls (“Borgmester”) breeding there, but it collapsed in the late 19th century. Nothing but old drawings have remained from Borgmesterporten until today.

Russehamna was used by several expeditions in the early years of exploration. During the 1920s, trial mining of the lead-bearing mineral galena was established at two sites west of Russehamna, south of the river, but the activity was small-scale and did not last long. Today, not much is left of it.

The way from the weather station on the north coast to Russehamna, west of Miseryfjellet, is very stony and accordingly mostly quite tough walking. It is easier in the winter. Walking is much easier in the vicinity of Russehamna than further north. Due to the beautiful scenery and the position as a starting point for tours to the spectacular southern part of the island, the hut at Russehamna is a popular destination for hikers amongst the station crew.