Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. It is situated in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole and surrounded by remarkable wildlife and untouched wilderness.

This small, former mining town is now home to approx. 2000 inhabitants, a university campus, various shops, cafés and restaurants, library and museums. The town centre is relatively small and can easily be explored on foot. Please note: you must stay within town limits (marked by the famous Polar Bear signs) unless you are accompanied by an armed guide with a rifle. 

We offer a choice of hotels within Longyearbyen to suit all budgets – do remember that this is Norway! Accommodation is offered on a Bed & Breakfast basis unless stated, other meals can be taken at a local café or restaurant in the town ranging from the library café to a gourmet restaurant with some of the best views in town! Some hotels have their own restaurants on site, serving a range of traditional local cuisine.

Please note: traditionally you leave your outdoor shoes / boots on a shelf in the lobby of a hotel, lodge or museum when you enter and change into slippers (provided). If you prefer you can instead carry these with you as no liability is accepted for lost or stolen items.