Hi! I'm now back in Longyearbyen to by some extra food and liqour for the next months
Big Norm; I'm not in northern Norway, but in an island further north. It's under Norwegian controll, but not directly a Norwegian island. Everyone, of any nationality can live here. For more info you can visit
www.svalbard.com
There are no musk oxen here, but you can find them in Dovrefjell Norway. They kick the snow away and find their food just like reindeer at winter.
If you plan to spend the summer in Svalbard, be prepared for quite cold weather and be sure the sun has come back. If not it is "night" 24hours a day
I think the pancake houses you refer to are cabins that is open and free for everyone to use. As long as you leave enogh cash to cover the food. There are many of there all over Norway, and often in very nice places. I can try to find a map over these if interested
If you plan to visit northern Norway, I suggest driving up the north coast. Maybe take "Hurtigruta" that is a boat that goes from Bergen to Kirkenes. It goes in many of the fjords.
I have lived in Kirkenes for several years, close to the russian border. But I now live in Trondheim, Svalbard is just temorary to experience the nature during the winter. It wold be nice to meet other forum members!
Happy new year to everyone!