Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Radisson Blu Polar
📍 Longyearbyen
Your stay — Radisson Blu Polar
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The Property — Radisson Blu Polar
The Radisson Blu Polar sits right on the main street, a short walk from the harbour, and its lobby feels like a cosy Arctic base camp – dark wood, soft lighting, a crackling fireplace, and a polar bear mount watching over the bar. It’s a solid 3-star, not trying to be luxury, but its USP is location and reliability: you’re steps from shops, restaurants, and tour operators. The rooms are functional and warm, with a colour scheme of grey and teal that nods to the surrounding mountains and sea. Fits the traveller who wants a clean, no-surprises base for exploring Longyearbyen, not a romantic retreat or a spa escape.
Chronicles of Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen was founded as a coal-mining town in 1906 by the Arctic Coal Company of Boston, and its architecture still reflects this industrial origin – functional wooden houses and rusted mining infrastructure dot the valley. After near-total destruction in WWII, the settlement was rebuilt with a more permanent, planned layout, and coal mining remained the backbone until the 1990s. Today, the town has pivoted to tourism and research, with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) bringing a young, international crowd. Culturally, it’s a blend of frontier practicality and scientific curiosity, with a ban on dying (due to permafrost) and a requirement to carry a rifle outside the settlement gates. The main street, longyearbyen, feels like a remote outpost with a side of modern convenience: supermarkets, galleries, and a brewery.
Best Time to Visit
Full Longyearbyen guide →Best months
May to August: Long daylight hours (midnight sun from April to August) and temperatures around 2–8°C make it feasible for hiking, boat trips, and wildlife viewing without extreme cold. Crowds are moderate, but it’s the prime season for accessibility.
Peak / festival surge
July: This is the warmest month and the busiest, driven by the midnight sun and peak cruise ship arrivals (over 50,000 passengers in summer 2024). Hotel prices surge 40–60% above winter rates. The Longyearbyen Polar Jazz festival in late January is a winter peak, but July is the summer high.
Budget shoulder season
September: Still mild (0–5°C), with fewer tourists and lower hotel prices – discounts of 20–30% compared to July. The possibility of the northern lights starts in late September, adding appeal, but note that many boat tours end by mid-month.
Weather & packing
Longyearbyen’s climate is Arctic maritime, meaning it’s surprisingly damp and often foggy in summer, despite the low temperatures. Pack rule: bring a waterproof, windproof shell jacket and trousers, as rain and 20-knot winds are common – even in July.
Live City Briefing — Longyearbyen
- A new airport terminal is opening in 2025, but construction may cause minor delays or route changes in 2026; check with your airline for updates on schedules.
- The Svalbard Global Seed Vault opened a new public access area in 2024 – book a free tour at the Svalbard Museum in advance, as slots fill quickly.
- Several restaurants on longyearbyen have introduced cash-only policies in 2025 due to card machine reliability issues in the cold; carry some Norwegian kroner.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Radisson Blu Polar, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper floors facing away from the main road to minimise traffic and snowmobile noise. Rooms on the east side overlook the valley and have more daylight.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or dining area; noise travels from the lobby and restaurant. Also avoid rooms directly above the kitchen – smells and clatter can be an issue.
Best views
Ask for a north- or east-facing room overlooking the Longyear Valley – you get the Arctic landscape rather than the car park and main road.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest, being above street level and away from ground-floor activity.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel is on the main street – snowmobiles and delivery trucks pass by, especially in the morning. The bar can be lively until 11pm on weekends.
Insider tips
1. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle – book it when you make your reservation, as taxis are expensive and scarce. 2. If you want to self-cater, ask for a room with a kitchenette; the local supermarket is a 5-minute walk but pricey, so stock up before arrival.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Radisson Blu Polar
Free standard Wi-Fi (20 Mbps); premium tier (100 Mbps) available for 120 NOK per 24 hours. No login constraints.
One lift serves all four floors; no stairs-only sections, though the gym is down a short flight of stairs.
Complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader on guest devices; no physical newspapers are delivered due to remote location.
Check-in from 15:00; early bag drop allowed from 07:00. Late check-out until 16:00 costs 300 NOK (subject to availability).
Complimentary storage is available at reception if you arrive before check-in or after checkout.
Step-free via a ramp at the main entrance; lift access to all guest floors. The restaurant and bar are on the ground floor, fully accessible. No adapted rooms with roll-in showers.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is at Longyearbyen Sentrum, about 300 m away, 20 NOK per hour or 100 NOK overnight. No EV charging on site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full amount charged at booking; a refundable credit card hold of 500 NOK per stay for incidentals.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Norwegian Krone, NOK
Most travellers withdraw cash from ATMs in town using a debit/credit card; avoid the poor-rate exchange at the airport or tourist bureau.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless and mobile pay; carry a little cash for small purchases or markets.
Tipping is not expected—service charges are included—but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A filter coffee at a local cafe or bakery costs around 35–45 NOK.
A simple wrap or soup from a supermarket or bakery costs about 120–150 NOK.
A main course at a mid-range pub or restaurant runs 250–350 NOK.
Street food is minimal; the main supermarket (Coop or similar) has a hot food counter and is the go-to for cheap eats.
Coop Svalbard is the main supermarket chain in the area.
High-street clothes shopping is very limited; most locals bring gear from the mainland or order online.
The cheapest way around is walking—the town is small—and from the airport the budget option is the local bus (Åpen buss) costing around 100 NOK.
Cook your own meals using supermarket groceries; bring warm outdoor gear from home to avoid expensive rentals; book accommodation with a kitchen to save on eating out.
Emergency Contacts
LongyearbyenLongyearbyen uses Norway's unified emergency number 112 for police, fire, and ambulance. For non-urgent police matters, dial 02800. The local hospital (Longyearbyen Sykehus) can be reached at +47 79 02 11 00. For mountain rescue or polar bear emergencies, contact the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren) at +47 79 02 43 00.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Longyearbyen, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Radisson Blu Polar
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Svalbard Airport (LYR) → Funken Lodge
💡 Book by phone (+47 79 02 13 75) as taxis are scarce; the driver will likely share local stories on the short ride up the hill.
Svalbard Airport (LYR) → Funken Lodge
💡 Ask the hotel to arrange a minibus for groups of 4+; it works out cheaper than a standard taxi with luggage.
Svalbard Airport (LYR) → Funken Lodge (stop: Nybyen roundabout, then 5-min walk uphill)
💡 Drop-off is at the roundabout, not the hotel door—walk up the steep road; in winter, wear boots, not heels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Radisson Blu Polar?
Request upper floors facing away from the main road to minimise traffic and snowmobile noise. Rooms on the east side overlook the valley and have more daylight.
Which rooms should I avoid at Radisson Blu Polar?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or dining area; noise travels from the lobby and restaurant. Also avoid rooms directly above the kitchen – smells and clatter can be an issue.
Is Radisson Blu Polar noisy?
The hotel is on the main street – snowmobiles and delivery trucks pass by, especially in the morning. The bar can be lively until 11pm on weekends.
Which rooms have the best views at Radisson Blu Polar?
Ask for a north- or east-facing room overlooking the Longyear Valley – you get the Arctic landscape rather than the car park and main road.
What are insider tips for staying at Radisson Blu Polar?
1. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle – book it when you make your reservation, as taxis are expensive and scarce. 2. If you want to self-cater, ask for a room with a kitchenette; the local supermarket is a 5-minute walk but pricey, so stock up before arrival.
What time is check-in at Radisson Blu Polar?
Check-in at Radisson Blu Polar is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Radisson Blu Polar have Wi-Fi?
Free standard Wi-Fi (20 Mbps); premium tier (100 Mbps) available for 120 NOK per 24 hours. No login constraints.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Radisson Blu Polar?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Radisson Blu Polar?
A simple wrap or soup from a supermarket or bakery costs about 120–150 NOK.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Radisson Blu Polar?
The cheapest way around is walking—the town is small—and from the airport the budget option is the local bus (Åpen buss) costing around 100 NOK.
When is the best time to visit Longyearbyen?
May to August: Long daylight hours (midnight sun from April to August) and temperatures around 2–8°C make it feasible for hiking, boat trips, and wildlife viewing without extreme cold. Crowds are moderate, but it’s the prime season for accessibility.
Top Attractions in Longyearbyen
💡 Go early in the morning to avoid school groups. Allow 90 minutes to see everything properly.
💡 Check the noticeboard outside for free weekly concerts and talks. It's open most afternoons but hours vary—just push the door.
💡 Pop in during the week for the midday organ recital on Thursdays. The volunteer hosts are happy to chat.
💡 Walk here at sunset for the quietest atmosphere. Respect the signs — permafrost means no photography of individual graves.
💡 Pick up a free town map from the tourist office (Nybyen). Stop at the coal mining memorial on the hill—best view of the valley. Takes about 45 minutes.
💡 Download the offline map from Visit Svalbard before you go — mobile signal disappears quickly. Stop at the red hut 2.5 km in for shelter and a thermos of tea.
💡 Walk the 1km from town or take a taxi for 100 NOK. Visit in late afternoon for dramatic Arctic light. No tours, but the visitor centre at UNIS (University Centre in Svalbard) has a small free exhibition.
💡 Walk up from town via the trail behind Nybyen — it adds 10 minutes but gives better views. Binoculars help to see the vault door clearly.