Arctic Tours: Funken Lodge – New Boutique Hotel

FUNKEN LODGE, THE NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL EXPERIENCE ON SVALBARD

With modern comfort in historic surroundings, Funken Lodge offers a unique Svalbard experience. You stay at the top of “the Hill”, and have great views of Longyearbyen, the Lars- and Longyear glaciers. The hotel was built in 1947 and was totally refurbished last year, the perfect place to start your Arctic adventure. Read on to learn more about this boutique hotel experience, or go to the Summer in Svalbard page to see the full Tour Programme and send a Tour Enquiry to book this special experience now!

Spitsbergen Hotel becomes Funken Lodge

Come and stay at the brand new Funken Lodge! The hotel reopened earlier this year, and during your stay it is impossible not to get acquainted with the hotel’s fascinating history. In the lobby you can enjoy the fire place and a large selection of books, and the atmosphere that will make you lower your shoulders after an eventful day outdoor. Funken Lodge combines Arctic luxury and adventure, and is a home away from home. Welcome!
If the walls could speak, it would probably tell you about countless parties, and deep conversations in even deeper chairs. The hotel has undergone a major renovation, and new stories are ready to be told. We can offer one of Northern Europe’s most impressive wine cellars, here are some hidded gems for the fine palate.

A historic hotel

The hotel was originally built as an accommodation and dining area for employees of Store Norske Spitsbergen Coal Company. It was also the company’s official representational building. Its interior and architecture made it Longyearbyen’s grandest construction. The hotel is preserved and decorated using its history. It’s well worth walking through the corridors and public areas to look at the historical photographs and pictures, old maps and newspaper stories.

Rooms

The hotel has 88 rooms, of which there are:

• 59 double rooms
• 10 twin rooms
• 14 single rooms
• 4 suites
• 1 handicap room

All rooms are equipped with a coffee machine, bathrobe and slippers.

Our history in numbers

• 1947 – The hotel is completed. The architect was Jacob Olav Martin Hanssen, who is famous for drawing the Colosseum Cinema in Oslo.
• 1953 – Extension added
• 1953 – An avalanche ruined the newly added space
• 1991 – Hurtigruten Svalbard buys Funken from Store Norske. It is fully refurbished, now it has 21 rooms
• 1994 – The new and larger hotel opens – contains 20 double rooms with bath
• 1997 – The old part of the hotel is being renovated
• 2000 – Extension with restaurant section. Now has 88 rooms and conference unit
• 2007 – The hotel is undergoing a modernization
• 2018 – The hotel is completely renovated. The place takes back its legitimate name, and Funken Lodge is baptized.

Funktionærmessen Restaurant

On the second floor at Funken Lodge you will find Funktionærmessen Restaurant. Inspired by an international cuisine and using only the best ingredients, the restaurant offers a dining experience like no other in Longyearbyen. The menu is based on a “sharing” concept, and consists of generous portions that can be split between friends.

King crab from Finnmark, dry-aged meat and reindeer from the neighborhood are among the culinary delights. The grill is a key element in the preparation of the meal, and after tasting the food you will think the chef has been practicing a little bit of magic in the kitchen. Combine it with the stunning panoramic views of the city, the Longyear glacier and the Hiorth mountain, and you have an award-winning dining experience.

Funktionærmessen Restaurant has a renowned history, and the place as always been associated with high quality. It was here that the mining company’s functionaries had their meals, enjoying the panoramic views. The restaurant has a new menu and interior, but the history, the view and the good quality is the same.

Lounge

Welcome to the hotel’s cozy lounge and beautiful polar library. Here you can make a deep dive into Arctic literature and return to Nansen and Amundsen’s time. Perhaps you’ll get inspiration for your own Arctic adventure?

Det gamle Nordpolet

The Old Wine Monopoly from 1954 have been refurbished, and we now invite you to participate in an exclusive wine and champagne tasting. In this room, where miners and officials picked up their metered quotas of alcohol, you can taste some very exclusive drops. Our champagne menu is extensive and includes a number of producers, as well as several very rare bottles.

This is the ultimate aperitif before enjoying a delicious meal at Funktionærmessen Restaurant. The tasting includes three selected champagnes, canapées and well-versed staff to explain both the vintages and the location to you.

Free WiFi

We offer all our guests free WiFi. In addition, we have a computer available in the reception you can use for free.

TOUR PROGRAMME

Go to the Summer in Svalbard page to see the full Tour Programme and send a Tour Enquiry to book this special experience now!