The islands, which have the largest concentration of polar bear in Svalbard, are part of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, along with Nordaustlandet and Kvitøya.

Kong Karls Land was discovered by an expedition sent by the Muscovy Company in 1617,[1] probably from a high point on Barentsøya.

They named the group Wiche Islands, after a member of the company, Richard Wyche.

In the mid-19th century, the islands were rediscovered, and in 1859 the Norwegian Erik Eriksen made the first landing on Svenskøya.

The polar bear is found during portions of the year at Kong Karls Land; this bear feeds on local harp seals and ring seals.