Svalbard
Svalbard hotels: the best places to stay in Longyearbyen
Fireside lounges and the polar night, the aurora over the mountains and polar bear country just outside town. These are the hotels in Longyearbyen we recommend, and everything you should know before booking a stay in Svalbard.
Few places on Earth feel as remote as Svalbard. When the plane lands in Longyearbyen, you step into a landscape of mountains, glaciers and silence, with polar bear country just outside town. And when you come in from the cold, it is good to know the hotel is waiting with a fire, warmth and good food.
Almost all accommodation in Svalbard is in Longyearbyen. These are the hotels we recommend, and the advice that makes choosing easier.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hotels in Longyearbyen
Funken Lodge: a cosy lodge with a view
A hotel on the hillside above Longyearbyen, with a restaurant and fireside lounge. A cosy base for Arctic adventures.
Book your stay: See rooms at Funken Lodge
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen: comfort in the centre
A large hotel with a restaurant, close to the Svalbard Museum and the town centre.
Book your stay: See rooms at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen
Svalbard Hotell The Vault: central with a bar
A modern hotel in the heart of Longyearbyen, with a bar and a short walk to everything.
Book your stay: See rooms at Svalbard Hotell The Vault
Basecamp Spitsbergen: trapper atmosphere
A hotel with a restaurant and bar, with an interior inspired by Svalbard’s old trappers.
Book your stay: See rooms at Basecamp Spitsbergen
Coal Miners Cabins: simple and affordable
Simple, affordable accommodation in the old miners’ quarters, close to Svalbard Church.
Book your stay: See rooms at Coal Miners Cabins
The Vault in Longyearbyen.
When should you visit Svalbard?
The polar night: From late October to February the sun stays below the horizon, giving long nights with a chance of the aurora, even at midday.
Late winter: March and April bring sunshine, snow and dog sledding, and are popular for snowmobile trips.
The midnight sun: From late April to August the sun never sets, perfect for boat trips, glaciers and birdlife.
Read more about things to do in Svalbard, and see our guide to the northern lights in Norway.
Food and evenings in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is small but has a surprisingly good choice of restaurants and bars. Many hotels have their own restaurants with Arctic ingredients such as reindeer, Arctic char and king crab, and in the evening locals and visitors gather in the town’s pubs. After a long day in the cold, few things beat a warm dinner by the fire.
Which hotel suits you?
For comfort with everything close by, the central hotels are the safest choice. If you dream of cosy lounges and atmosphere, a lodge with a fireside room suits you better. On a tight budget, the simpler options give you a bed and a roof over your head, so you can spend more on experiences.
Experiences from your hotel
Many hotels can help you book dog sledding, snowmobile trips, boat tours and guided hikes, and many tour operators pick you up at your hotel. Book popular trips well ahead, especially in high season.
Tips before you book
Book early: Svalbard has few hotel rooms, and they fill fast in high season.
Choose your location: Most hotels are within walking distance of the centre, but it can be cold and dark to walk.
Check breakfast and dinner: Restaurant choice is limited, so a hotel with a restaurant makes life easier.
Prepare for the cold: Bring warm clothes and good footwear, whatever the season.
Safety in Svalbard
Svalbard is polar bear country, and you should not leave the settlement of Longyearbyen without an experienced guide with the necessary protection. Most visitors experience the wilderness through guided tours.
Getting to Svalbard
There are flights to Longyearbyen from Tromsø and Oslo. Read our guide to how to get to Svalbard.
Frequently asked questions about Svalbard hotels
Where should you stay in Svalbard?
Almost all hotels are in Longyearbyen. Funken Lodge, Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen and Svalbard Hotell The Vault are good choices.
Are there affordable hotels in Svalbard?
Coal Miners Cabins is a simpler, more affordable option in Longyearbyen.
When can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?
During the polar night from late October to February you can see the aurora, even at midday.
Can you hike alone in Svalbard?
No, you should not leave the settlement without an experienced guide with protection against polar bears.