The 5 Best Hotels in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
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INTRODUCTION
Planning a trip to Longyearbyen, Svalbard? Congratulations! It is truly one of the most interesting and unique towns I’ve ever visited. Whether it’s a quick stop before embarking on an Arctic expedition, or your base for all your Svalbard adventures, you’re going to love it!
WHY LONGYEARBYEN?
Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, is a gateway to the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, offering a unique blend of adventure and serene beauty. Nestled between rugged mountains and fjords, it serves as a base for exploring glaciers, spotting polar bears, and experiencing the endless daylight of the midnight sun in summer or the ethereal northern lights in winter.
THE NEED TO KNOW
While planning our summer trip to Svalbard, I found myself a bit confused when it came to choosing accommodations in the capital city (settlement) of Longyearbyen. Although our ultimate destination was the more remote Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, we needed a place to stay in Longyearbyen both before and after our adventure.
I created this guide to hotels in Longyearbyen, Svalbard to help other visitors navigate their options (starting with this essential need-to-know information). In a hurry? Jump right to the hotels.
1. THE POLAR BEAR SAFETY ZONE
Though rare, polar bears occasionally wander near Longyearbyen. Rest assured, a comprehensive safety plan is in place to guide them safely out of the area. All hotels, stores, tour operators, and museums are located within the designated polar bear safe zone.
2. POLAR BEAR SAFE ZONE MAP
Here is a map of the polar bear safe zone (shown in light pink). To give you an idea of scale, walking from the furthest community of Nybyen (left of map), to the ocean’s edge (right of map), takes about 45 minutes (5 minute cab ride).
3. POLAR BEAR PROTECTION
If you choose to leave the polar bear safe zone area, you are required by law to have polar bear protection (a rifle), or be with a guide who does. If you are participating in any kind of organized tour that takes you outside of the settlement of Longyearbyen (ex. dog sledding, glacier hike etc.), your guide(s) will have polar bear protection on them.
4. GETTING AROUND LONGYEARBYEN
Longyearbyen is very walkable when the weather cooperates. For additional transportation, you can also rely on local services like Longyearbyen Taxi and Svalbard Bus and Taxi.
An airport shuttle bus services all hotels and guesthouses in town. During the Polar Summer, you can borrow bicycles from the Tourist Information Centre, and Arctic Autorent, located at the airport, offers car rentals.
5. FINDING A HOTEL IN LONGYEARBYEN
If you look at the town map again, you’ll notice the inset, darker pink rectangle. This marks the town center, where many hotels, tour operators, stores, and museums are located. In my opinion, this is the best area to stay, as everything you need is right outside your door.
There are a couple of hotels in Longyearbyen, Svalbard near the long tip of this triangle (to the left, in the Nybyen area), but it’s important to consider the logistics of getting to and from this location. While Nybyen is located within the polar bear safe zone (walkable to and from town), many visitors feel more comfortable taking a taxi).
Note: We walked this route several times during our two July visits. While it felt a bit eerie at times, the walk was fine, especially with the Midnight Sun (24 hours of daylight). However, during the Polar Night (24 hours of darkness), I’d likely take a cab! Although the chances of encountering a polar bear are incredibly slim, it’s about personal comfort.
QUICK TIPS FOR LONGYEARBYEN HOTELS
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1. BOOK EARLY
Longyearbyen accommodations are quite limited. Book your hotel or guest house as early as possible, especially when there are cruise ship departures and arrivals.
See the Longyearbyen Port schedule here.
2. LOOK FOR DEALS
Finding cheap hotels in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is quite a challenge—this town is expensive! However, with some research, you can find the best option for your budget.
I used Booking..com for our two stays in Longyearbyen, making flexible bookings with free cancellation in case our plans changed. Fortunately, our chosen hotel offered a better deal closer to our arrival and I was able to rebook, saving us hundreds of dollars.
See Longyearbyen Norway hotels on Booking..com.
3. VACATION RENTAL OR HOTEL?
While a vacation rental can sometimes be a more economical option—especially if you’re looking to self-cater or need more space for a family—I found the prices to be quite high in comparison to hotels in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Other factors to consider include the proximity of the rental to the nearest bus stop (if that’s how you plan to get around) and the property’s access times. With a hotel, you can often relax in the lounge after check-out, use the Wi-Fi, and store your luggage.
Tip: I did see a couple storing their luggage at the Tourist Information Center in town before their flight.
4. LOCATION
If possible, I highly recommend staying near the main pedestrian street in town (the inset rectangle on the map), where everything you need is right outside your doorstep. Even in July, we were surprised by the strong winds and chilly temperatures (2-5°C), but this location becomes especially convenient during the cold, dark Polar Night.
5. GET YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK
Operating businesses in a remote location like Svalbard comes with unique challenges, such as staffing and supply logistics. It’s helpful to manage expectations when visiting Svalbard, especially regarding Longyearbyen accommodations. While you may book a 4-star hotel, it’s important to understand that the unique challenges associated with this remote setting might affect some aspects of your stay.
6. NEED A GYM?
If you are in need of a gym and your hotel property does not offer one, there is a very good gym at the community center on the hill above the town center. We were able to buy a pass (140 NOK) by scanning the QR code on the door of the center.
7. SAUNAS
During our time in Longyearbyen, all saunas and the public pool had been closed by the health authority due to an outbreak of Legionella bacteria. (Not concerning at all, right? 🤣) To be honest, I have no idea how often this happens (employees were very vague on this topic), but if a sauna experience at your hotel is important, I would email the hotel in advance to ensure that the sauna is operational. (I see the complaint of a “closed sauna” coming up frequently in hotel reviews.)
THE BEST HOTELS IN LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD
Choosing the right Longyearbyen Svalbard hotel is key to making the most of your Arctic adventure. From cozy boutique stays to full-service accommodations, here are the five best hotels in Longyearbyen, offering comfort, convenience, and a perfect base for exploring the wonders of this remote destination.
1. THE HOTELL POLFAREREN
The Hotell Polfareren has one of the best locations in Longyearbyen, located along the town’s main pedestrian walkway and directly across from the Svalbard Visitors’ Center.
The rooms are equipped with either a king-sized bed or two single beds and feature a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, a bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and tea/coffee-making facilities. The hotel offers a large, cozy guest lobby, a small bar, and a delightful restaurant, the Restaurant Polfareren.
What truly sets this property apart is its exceptional customer service. During our stay, the staff went above and beyond to assist us with arranging dinners, activities, taxis, and more, ensuring we had the best possible experience.
Check rates for the Hotel Polfareren on Booking.com or Expedia. (Looking for space for a larger group? This company also owns the Svalbard Hotell Lodge right across the street, with self-catering apartment that can sleep up to 6.)
2. BASECAMP HOTEL
Basecamp Hotel is themed on a traditional trapper’s lodge and is located in a very central Longyearbyen location. Don’t be fooled by the traditional style though, as this property features all the top modern amenities too! (To be honest, I initially thought this property had a bit too much of a theme-park vibe, but it’s actually really lovely!)
The Basecamp Svalbard accommodations include single, twin, and triple rooms, as well as a family room that sleeps six. Rooms offers comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, complimentary wifi and a deliberate absence of TVs. Instead, guests are encouraged to visit The Cognac Attic, where they can enjoy views of the famous Midnight Sun or Northern Lights through the glass ceiling.
Check rates for the Basecamp Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.
3. MARY-ANN’S POLARIGG
This family-run hotel is as quirky and unique as was it’s founder, Mary-Ann – may she rest in peace. Located just a few hundred meters from the center of town, it provide a more budget-friendly option in an otherwise very expensive town.
Rooms can sleep from 2-4 guests (private and shared bathroom options) and all have access to a shared kitchen. This cozy property has a bar, a TV room, a games room and WiFi access throughout.
The on-site restaurant Vinterhagen serves Arctic-inspired dishes and I highly recommend a meal there even if you are not a guest of this hotel. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Check rates for Mary-Ann’s Polarigg Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.
4. RADISSON BLU POLAR HOTEL
The Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen provides cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and heated bathroom floors. Many rooms offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxing under the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights.
Dining options include Restaurant Nansen, which features locally inspired Arctic dishes, and the cozy Barentz Gastropub. Located near the center of town, the hotel serves as a great base for exploring Longyearbyen, with easy access to attractions like the Svalbard Museum and guided Arctic tours.
Check rates for the Radisson Blu Svalbard on Booking.com or Expedia.
5. FUNKEN LODGE
The Funken Lodge is located on a hill, just a short walk from the main town area, and offers beautiful views of the Longyearbyen and the fjord and mountain beyond. It offers the most luxurious accommodations in Longyearbyen, with a perfect blend of modern comfort and Arctic charm.
The lodge boasts stylish rooms with cozy furnishings, many featuring stunning views. This property also offers a gym and a sauna. Guests can unwind in the lodge’s atmospheric lounge, enjoy a drink by the fire, or indulge in gourmet meals at the in-house restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced Arctic cuisine. (Even if you are not staying at this hotel, I highly recommend a visit for a cocktail or for dinner.)
The rooms at Funken Lodge are designed with a warm, contemporary Arctic aesthetic. Guests will find amenities such as a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar, and coffee and tea-making facilities. The rooms also feature elegant en-suite bathrooms with heated floors, luxurious toiletries, and rainfall showers and include thoughtful touches like soft bathrobes.
Check rates for the Funken Lodge on Expedia or Booking.com.
LONGYEARBYEN HOTEL MAP
I took the liberty of plotting my favorite hotels in Svalbard (Longyearbyen) on the map below, along with the settlement’s major attractions. Please click the image below for the interactive version. (My hotel picks are shown in yellow.)
FURTHER READING
If you are interested in reading about more of our adventures in Norway, please see the following posts:
- A Guide to Svalbard in Summer
- Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, Svalbard
- The Bolder Sky Lodges, Norway
- The Woodnest Treehouses, Norway
Should you have further questions about a Svalbard summer trip, please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, by email, or by leaving a comment below. I love hearing from readers.
