Skinnboden: The natural beauty and rich resources of Svalbard

Text and photo: Skinnboden

Only nine degrees south of the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago known for its stunning Arctic vistas, flora and fauna, and majestic ice and snow ranges. Home to over 23 nature reserves and numerous protected wild animals, restricted hunting is permitted on the islands. Skinnboden, a boutique specialising in Arctic animal skins, provides customers with specialised leather, furs, and skins harvested in the Arctic under strict regulations.

With a cosy, cottage-like shop situated in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s main town, Skinnboden began as a side business for miner Terje Sørgulen in the 1980s. “There were products not easy to get hold of that proved highly popular,” says Mørk, Skinnboden’s CEO. “In the beginning, we sold skins from, amongst others, seal, polar bear, black bear, lynx, and Arctic fox. Later, the boutique expanded to include jewellery, footwear, and fur and leather clothing, as well as souvenirs.”

Skinnboden: The natural beauty and rich resources of Svalbard

Much of the jewellery sold at the boutique is designed using patterns exclusive to Skinnboden.

Today, nestled in the frozen landscape, Skinnboden is full of a range of Arctic products, from snug fur boots to home décor and furnishings to individually designed gold rings, necklaces and other gold accessories.

Skinnboden’s main business happens in its store, but special skins such as wolf, polar bear and musk can be ordered by contacting the store. This also applies to goods, made from particular types of leather, that cannot be found in other stores. Many products are Skinnboden’s own design and are exclusive to their business.

Some of the most popular products are made of seal skin. “Sealskins can’t be found in many stores in Norway,” explains the CEO. “Most of our gold jewellery is our own well-loved design. As Svalbard is a duty-free region, our goods are quite favourable in terms of price.”

The Skinnboden shop on Svalbard.

Ethically obtained skins and fur

Skinnboden has customers coming from all over the world. Those interested in obtaining rare types of animal skins are especially interested in buying them from this company because of the standards and regulations it abides by.

“Our leather is sustainable,” says Mørk. “As for our seal skins, there is always a veterinarian onboard ships that catch seals, for example, to ensure that the catch takes place according to strict criteria set by the authorities. Our polar bear skins come from Canada. In this instance, we rely on Canadian governmental regulations for hunting and the strict rules for sustainable harvesting. We, as a serious trading company, and all of our suppliers, are underlaid by the strict international CITES regulations, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.”

Warm gloves, hats, and sweaters are enjoyed by many customers visiting the boutique in Longyearbyen.

Animal skins are natural and warm but can be delicate. Prices range quite widely, from a few hundred Norwegian kroner, the equivalent of a few euros, to 150,000 NOK, or about 15,000 EUR. Some skins in Skinnboden are caught by the area’s only trapper, Tommy Sandal.

Animal skins are known for their individual patterns and textures.

Originated and designed on Svalbard

Products exclusively from Svalbard are polar fox skins and jewellery and buttons fashioned from reindeer antlers. Skinnboden also specialises in proper winter clothing including jackets, vests, gloves and headgear. These protect against most forms of wind and weather.

A cute polar bear stuffed animal is a popular gift for children from Skinnboden.

Besides polar bear skins, Skinnboden can source wolverine, grizzly bear, lynx, as well as other items for those looking for an unusual skin to showcase in their home. “A polar bear skin is both a wise investment and an ornament for your home,” adds the CEO. “Other distinctive skins can really enhance your living space with their singular beauty, patterns, and texture.”