Are you planning a trip to Svalbard? From budget-friendly to Arctic luxury, here are your options for places to stay when visiting Longyearbyen.
Regular readers will know I am a big fan of visiting Svalbard. The home of polar bears and outstanding natural beauty, Svalbard has a magnetic pull for adventurous travellers.
The remote Arctic archipelago is one of the northernmost places in the world that it's relatively easy to get to. Longyearbyen, the largest settlement, is your gateway to exploring the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of Svalbard.
Whether you're seeking budget-friendly accommodations or luxurious Arctic experiences, Longyearbyen offers a variety of lodging options to suit every traveller's needs.
Svalbard Travel Resources: Longyearbyen Guide – Book Accommodation – Travel Insurance – Car Rental in Longyearbyen
In this guide, we'll explore the best places to stay, ensuring your visit to this extraordinary destination is comfortable and memorable. Just be sure to book well in advance, for Longyearbyen accommodation is limited and it does fill up.
I'll start with two places I've stayed before, the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and Funken Lodge.
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
If you want a full-service hotel within easy walking distance of major attractions and activities, look no further than the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel.
Not everyone wants the comforts of such a hotel when they travel. However, I'd highly recommend considering it if you're planning a visit in the autumn, winter, or early spring.
As you can see from the picture, I spent a few days trudging around the fresh snow of Longyearbyen in December. Temperatures plunged down to approximately -14°C.
If I'd been staying away from the downtown area, this would have been very uncomfortable indeed. It was so nice returning to a warm hotel!
Funken Lodge
Another top hotel choice is Funken Lodge, located a little to the south of the main downtown strip in Longyearbyen. It's about 10 to 15 minutes walk from the start of the high street.
When I stayed at Funken Lodge in 2019, I loved the comfortable rooms and cozy atmosphere of the hotel. I travelled on my own, but it would be an ideal hotel to share with a partner.
Great efforts have been made to create such a vibe inside the hotel's lounges. Dark colours, lots of cushions and soft lighting are just what you need after a day exploring Svalbard, especially in the winter.
The restaurant is excellent, featuring French-inspired dishes and typical Arctic specialities. But where it really shines is the wonderful mountain and valley views.
Basecamp Hotel
Perhaps the most atmospheric of the downtown accommodations, Basecamp Hotel is kitted out in a traditional trapper's lodge style. Now, I haven't had the chance to stay here yet, but I've had a look inside and it looks lovely!
Guests rate the breakfast highly, and commend the quality of the solid beds. Although the rooms have a rustic feel to them, they feature modern bathrooms to add a touch of luxury to your stay.
Svalbard Hotell
Spread over several buildings, Svalbard Hotell offers guest room accommodation or self-catering apartments.
Svalbard Hotell Polfareren offers 24-hour reception, free WiFi internet access, a terrace and modern rooms with flat-screen TVs. This centrally-located facility features a restaurant with Nordic, French and Asian inspired choices.
The nearby Svalbard Hotell The Vault has bright, modern rooms with a vibrant public lounge. It's aimed at younger travellers.
Coal Miners’ Cabins
In the Nybyen part of Longyearbyen about a 20-minute walk from the downtown area, you'll find the budget accommodation at Coal Miners' Cabins. It's the ideal choice for the more adventurous traveller.
The main building features a shared TV lounge, snack bar, restaurant, and Wi-Fi access. Guest accommodations are located in separate buildings, each with shared bathrooms, kitchen and a common lounge area.
Mary-Ann's Polarrigg
Last but definitely not least, Mary-Ann's Polarrigg is full of character. Described by returning guests as a ‘home from home,' the accommodation features a common dining area, TV room, and games room including a lively bar.
Svalbard Travel Resources: Longyearbyen Guide – Book Accommodation – Travel Insurance – Car Rental in Longyearbyen
The accommodation is based to the northwest of central Longyearbyen, but is within easy walking distance of the main attractions. On-site restaurant Vinterhagen (the Winter Garden) serves meals inspired by the Arctic.
There are other places to stay in Longyearbyen, especially if you're prepared to stay in a self-catered apartment or other simple lodgings. The above accommodations will all provide you with a comfortable stay in this very special part of the world.
Have you ever stayed in Longyearbyen? I'd love to hear about where you stayed, and whether you would recommend it to others. Let me know down in the comments.
