Formerly the Spitsbergen Hotel, this newly opened luxury lodge combines 21st-century good looks with one of the most historic hotel experiences in Svalbard. Found on a hillside just ten minutes’ snowmobile ride from the centre of Longyearbyen, the hotel has an enviable location, with fabulous views over the town and the Lars glacier. Indeed, you'll be perfectly placed to strike out into Spitsbergen's famed wilderness, and helpful staff will recommend the best spots to explore. But there’s much to enjoy indoors too, with a stylish lounge, a celebrated champagne cellar and Longyearbyen's best restaurant all on site.
Eat
In cold climates, hearty, wholesome food is just the ticket to fuel you through adventurous Arctic days. Breakfast at the Spitsbergen Hotel is a calorific testament to that theory, a substantial spread to start the day. Afternoons by the impressive fireplace are improved further still as freshly baked waffles are served; and there's a pub if all you need after that is a light meal. The far more formal Funktionærmessen restaurant – arguably Longyearbyen's best – offers a tasting menu and French-inspired cuisine as well as Arctic dishes, and fabulous views of the Hiortfjellet mountains.
Sleep
The lodge has a total of 88 fully renovated rooms, all en suite and all superbly stylish. Look to those on the upper floors for sweeping views out to Longyearbyen and its icy surrounds. All rooms come with TV, complimentary internet, coffee machines, bathrobe and slippers and full buffet breakfast; suites also have their own private sitting area, ideal for families.
Do
Explore Spitsbergen's stunning landscapes with everything from dog-sledding adventures to ice caving tours, all easily accessed from the lodge. Take a safari to make it more memorable still, heading out in search of polar bears, walruses, bearded seals and white whales. Closer to home, borrow a kicksled and take a ride around town, before heading back indoors for a champagne tasting in the hotel's very own cellar. Formerly the alcohol store where the miners came to collect their quota, today it's home to an extensive wine collection and what is said to be the best selection of champagnes in Norway.
Funken Lodge from Hurtigruten Svalbard on Vimeo.
