Basecamp Spitsbergen

Top choice in Longyearbyen


Imagine a recreated sealing hut, built in part from recycled driftwood and local slate. Add artefacts and decorations culled from the local refuse dump and mining cast-offs. Graft on 21st-century plumbing and design flair and you've got this fabulous place, also known as Trapper's Lodge. The 16 cabin-like rooms are the definition of cosiness and comfort, and the breakfasts are splendid.

It's a special place and easily the most atmospheric choice in Longyearbyen.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Longyearbyen attractions

1. Wild Photo Gallery

0.25 MILES

This gallery of stunning Svalbard photos by Ole Jørgen Liodden and Roy Mangersnes is small but filled with utterly unforgettable images. A book that…

2. Wooden Steps

0.29 MILES

Some 50m south of Svalbard Kirke stand five weathered wooden steps, all alone, and a sign, 'Sykhustrappa' (Hospital Stairs). This is all that remains of…

3. Svalbard Kirke

0.31 MILES

The wooden Svalbard Kirke was first built in the 1920s but later rebuilt after being destroyed in the German invasion of WWII. It's a largely modern…

4. Svalbard Museum

0.4 MILES

Museum is the wrong word for this impressive exhibition space. Themes on display include life on the edge formerly led by whalers, trappers, seal and…

5. North Pole Expedition Museum

0.46 MILES

This fascinating private museum houses a stunning collection of artefacts, original newspapers and other documents relating to the history of polar…

6. Graveyard

0.53 MILES

Southwest of the town centre lies a haunting little graveyard with simple white, wooden crosses. It dates from the early 20th century and includes the…

7. Svalbard Bryggeri

0.79 MILES

Having opened for business in 2015, Svalbard's very own brewery makes the very quaffable Spitsbergen IPA, Spitsbergen Pilsener and Spitsbergen Pale Ale –…

8. Mine No 2

1.07 MILES

High on the steep valley wall south of the town centre, the crumbling, evocative ruins of Mine No 2 loom over the town.