Meltwater creates waterfalls on an ice cap, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (© Ralph Lee Hopkins/Corbis)

【September 6 2014】Human occupation of the Svalbard Archipelago began with the whaling industry of the 17th and 18th centuries, which was replaced by coal mining in the 20th century. Today, it’s host to numerous scientific research expeditions and tourists. In 2012, Svalbard had an estimated population of 2,642. Administratively, the archipelago is a part of Norway, though it’s a full 400 miles north of the mainland. Stop at Svalbard and you’re halfway to the North Pole.Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..