The Site is located in the Svalbard archipelago in western Spitsbergen, in the inner parts of Kongsfjorden. It consists of ten islands covered with rich, grassy vegetation and small freshwater ponds as well as some skerries and surrounding sea. The vegetation provides the basis for a sizable breeding colony of barnacle geese Branta leucopsis. The islands are also important breeding locations for common eiders Somateria mollissima as well as for various other species of breeding waterbirds. The Site is used as a study area, with Ny-Ålesund, an international research station, located nearby. A small visitor centre provides information about ongoing research activities.