The 5 Best Hotels in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Affiliate Disclosure: This Longyearbyen Hotels post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. 

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 year-round settlement 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). On a subsequent visit, however, during the Polar Night (24 hours of darkness), we took cabs. Although the chances of encountering a polar bear are incredibly slim, I’d like to see at least see it coming!

QUICK TIPS FOR LONGYEARBYEN HOTELS

1. BOOK EARLY

Longyearbyen accommodations are quite limited. Book your hotel or guest house as early as possible, especially during the summer months, when there are a lot of cruise ship arrivals and departures.

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 summer 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—the options in Longyearbyen, Svalbard are quite limited. On a recent search, I could find 36 listings on Airbnb and zero on VRBO.

If you can find one you like though, this can be a more affordable option. On our most recent winter trip to Svalbard as a family, we rented a really lovely 3 bdrm Apartment (not an affiliate link). In the image below, I’ve circled where it was located and where you’ll find many other vacation rentals.

I really love this area because you’re only about 50 metres from the main pedestrian street and very close to the Visit Svalbard tourism office (shown in green), which is a key pick-up and drop-off point for tours and the airport bus.

Note: A couple of things to keep in mind with a vacation rental. Consider where you’ll store your luggage if there’s a gap between checkout and your flight. Also, if you’ll need groceries on your first night, be sure to check store hours in advance at the Svalbardbutikken Co-op. We missed out on our most recent trip because our flight was delayed and the store had shorter hours during the winter holiday season.

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’re looking for a gym and your hotel doesn’t offer one, there’s an excellent facility at the community recreation centre, Svalbardhallen, located on the hill above the town centre. We were able to buy a drop-in pass (140 NOK) by scanning the QR code at the entrance. The facility also has a swimming pool — just be sure to bring your own towel.

7. SAUNAS

The two hotels that have saunas in Longyearbyen are the Radisson Blu and the Funken Lodge. Alternatively, you can book a drop-in or a private sauna session at Svalbad floating sauna near the cruise ship docks.

True Story: On our first trip to 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. 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.

2. 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 airport bus drops you off directly outside the hotel.

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 apartments that can sleep up to 4.)

4. 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.

4. MARY-ANN’S POLARRIGG

Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is a family-run hotel and 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 rat

Check rates for Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.

5. 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.

LONGYEARBYEN HOTEL MAP

If you’d like to explore the hotel options mentioned above, along with other accommodation choices in Svalbard, take a look at the map below.

LET’S CONNECT

I love hearing from you! Should you have further questions about a trip to Svalbard, please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook or by email.

Want to see more unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!

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
• A Guide to Svalbard in Winter
• Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, Svalbard
• The Bolder Sky Lodges, Norway
• The Woodnest Treehouses, Norway