Svalbard
Where to stay for an unforgettable wildlife experience
Accommodation Guide
Svalbard's accommodation is centred on the small settlement of Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, where options range from converted coal miners' cabins to modern luxury hotels. Beyond Longyearbyen, a few remote expedition-style lodges and ship-based options allow access to polar bear territory. Demand peaks during polar bear season (spring) and northern lights season (November-February).
Top Places to Stay
From budget-friendly to ultra-luxury — hand-picked for wildlife enthusiasts
Coal Miners' Cabins
BudgetSimple, functional cabins converted from old mining accommodation, offering no-frills rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. The most affordable option in Longyearbyen with authentic Arctic character.
- Converted mining heritage cabins
- Shared kitchen for self-catering
- Budget-friendly Svalbard option
- Central Longyearbyen location
Mary-Ann's Polarrigg
Mid-RangeA characterful guesthouse built from reclaimed mining materials, with cosy rooms, a communal lounge, and a greenhouse restaurant serving Arctic cuisine. Quirky Svalbard charm at a reasonable price.
- Built from reclaimed mining materials
- Greenhouse restaurant
- Cosy communal lounge
- Walking distance to Longyearbyen centre
Basecamp Hotel
Mid-RangeA modern hotel in central Longyearbyen with an Arctic explorer theme. Comfortable rooms with reclaimed driftwood decor, a tour desk for glacier hikes and snowmobile trips, and an on-site expedition gear shop.
- Arctic explorer-themed decor
- Tour desk for expeditions
- Expedition gear shop on-site
- Central Longyearbyen location
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
LuxuryThe world's northernmost full-service hotel, offering comfortable rooms with Arctic views, a restaurant, bar, and the convenience of a well-known international brand in a remote destination.
- World's northernmost full-service hotel
- Restaurant and bar
- Comfortable international-standard rooms
- Northern lights viewing from the hotel
Funken Lodge
LuxurySvalbard's premier hotel, set on a hillside above Longyearbyen with panoramic views of the valley and mountains. Elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, wine bar, and a luxurious spa with Arctic-inspired treatments.
- Panoramic valley and mountain views
- Gourmet restaurant
- Wine bar and spa
- Svalbard's most upscale hotel
Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel
LuxuryA remote heritage hotel in a converted 1933 radio station at Kapp Linne, accessible only by boat or snowmobile. An all-inclusive Arctic wilderness experience with guided hikes, kayaking, and polar bear territory walks.
- Remote 1933 radio station conversion
- Accessible by boat or snowmobile only
- All-inclusive Arctic adventures
- Polar bear territory excursions
💡 Booking Tips for Svalbard
- All activities outside Longyearbyen require a rifle for polar bear protection. Join guided tours unless you are an experienced Arctic traveller.
- Spring (March-May) offers the best combination of daylight and snow for snowmobile, dog sled, and polar bear boat trips.
- Northern lights are visible from late October to mid-February during the polar night.
- Svalbard is visa-free for all nationalities, but you must fly via mainland Norway (Oslo or Tromso).
- Book expedition cruises around Svalbard 12-18 months in advance for the best cabins and prices.
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Where to Stay in Svalbard FAQ
Stay in Longyearbyen before and after your expedition. Guesthouses and hotels range from basic to boutique. The expedition ship is your home during the cruise.
Longyearbyen guesthouses cost $100 to $200 per night. Hotels run $200 to $400. Expedition cruises cost $5,000 to $15,000 for a full voyage.
Book expedition cruises 6 to 12 months ahead. Popular voyages sell out a year in advance. Longyearbyen accommodation books up fast in summer.
Hotels in Longyearbyen are safe. On expedition cruises, polar bear guards accompany all shore landings. You are always protected when off the ship.