Our Story
It all started in the coal-mining days
Helping travellers discover the magic of the Arctic has been our passion for more than 35 years. Our roots trace back to 1988, when Spitsbergen Travel was established by the coal mining company Store Norske to manage travel for the miners. What began with a single travel desk and a handful of hotel rooms has since grown into a full-scale Arctic hospitality and adventure company.
Over the decades, we’ve evolved alongside Svalbard itself, from miners' transport to modern-day tourism, always with the same goal: to help people experience the magic of life in the High Arctic.
Timeline
1980's
1984: It all began when SNSK’s (Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani AS) ticket office was transformed into Spitsbergen Reisebyrå, a small travel agency offering journeys to and from Svalbard.
1988: Spitsbergen Travel AS (SpiTra) was established with a clear ambition: to develop and offer travel experiences on Svalbard, for both visitors and locals.
1990's
1991: We took over the historic Funken building and began extensive renovations. Four months later, we welcomed our first guests to the new hotel, which opened with 21 rooms.
1993: Troms Fylkes Dampskibsselskap (TFDS) became a co-owner. Ownership was now split evenly between TFDS and SNSK.
1994: Funken Hotel was expanded with a new wing, reception and shared spaces, increasing capacity to 44 rooms. In Nybyen, former mining barracks were converted into guest accommodation – now known as Coal Miners’ Cabins.
1995: Hotel operations were organised into a separate company, Spitsbergen Travel Hotel AS, which managed Funken Hotel and Nybyen Guesthouse. That same year, Polarhotellet (known as Radisson Blu Polar Hotel) also opened its doors, an important addition to the accommodation offering in Longyearbyen.
1997: The oldest wing of Funken Hotel was fully renovated and reopened with themed rooms and high-standard suites. A new relaxation area with a sauna was also added. TFDS acquired all remaining shares from SNSK and became the sole owner of the company.
1998: In the summer of 1998, IGP and Svalbard Safari AS were sold to TFDS. With a fleet of 130 snowmobiles, 12 boats and 2 snowcats, we established our in-house tour production and strengthened our position as a leading provider of Arctic experiences.
2000's
2000: Funken Hotel underwent another expansion, this time with a new restaurant, modern conference facilities and a total of 88 rooms, making it suitable for both events and meetings.
2001: Svalbard Polar Gruppen was acquired by Spitsbergen Travel. For the first time, both Funken and Polarhotellet were under the same ownership.
2006: TFDS and OVDS (Ofoten og Vesteraalen Dampskibsselskap) merged to form Hurtigruten Group. Spitsbergen Travel became a wholly owned subsidiary of the new company.
2008: Juvahytta was completed, a charming wilderness cabin with sleeping space and a sauna, offering guests the chance to stay surrounded by wilderness.
2010's
2011: We took over what is today known as Camp Barentz and further developed the existing concept it into a unique venue for Arctic meals, experiences and northern lights viewing. The same year Green Dog Svalbard was established, with the same ownership structure as today: 50/50 between us and Martin Hartmann Munck and Karina Bernlow.
2016: Longyear78 opened, a specialist retail store offering clothing, equipment and firearms suited to life in the Arctic.
2017: Spitsbergen Travel changed its name to Hurtigruten Svalbard – with a new look, but the same strong local roots and passion for the Arctic.
2018: After a complete renovation, Funken reopened as Funken Lodge – our five-star boutique hotel combining modern comfort with historical character.
2019: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen reopened its reception, communal areas and restaurant following a major refurbishment.
2020's
2021: 34 new rooms were added to Radisson Blu. That same year, we sold most of our physical properties to Store Norske but retained ownership of Camp Barentz and Juvahytta, and continued to operate the hotels and activities.
2022: In May, Huset Restaurant reopened. We took over the lease and operation of the entire building of Huset, marking a new chapter for one of Svalbard’s most important cultural landmarks.
2023: When Bakehuset closed its doors, we started our own local bakery in Longyearbyen, both to meet our own needs for baked goods and to supply fresh products to other local businesses.
2024: We acquired Svalbard Catering, streamlining our operations and improving resource management. This allowed us to reduce food waste, share surplus across our businesses, and support local events and private gatherings with tasty meals.
All of Svalbard, in one place
Looking for a full-service Arctic provider? From luxury accommodation and fine dining to casual bites, guided adventures, gear rental, retail shopping, and bespoke event catering – we’ve got it all, right here.
Here’s what you’ll find with us:
Three accommodation options
in Longyearbyen, offering luxury, comfort, and character in the world’s northernmost town
Nine culinary experiences
from fine dining to casual bites and wine tastings – all with a taste of the Arctic.
Venues for meetings and events
with capacity for up to 400 guests.
Year-round activities and expeditions
including our popular mini-cruise through Svalbard’s spectacular fjords and glaciers, dog sledding and snowmobile tours through the Arctic wilderness and hikes to viewpoints and historic sites.
IGP
our snowmobile rental and outdoor equipment store – with a well-stocked shop that’s been serving Svalbard’s adventurers since the 1960s.
An expedition centre
where our guests are kitted out and briefed by our expert team before every guided tour, safety and readiness always comes first.
A local team of around 200 people
who live and breathe Svalbard, based right here in Longyearbyen.
Did you know? Our expedition centre and gear shop trace their roots back to 1961, when Gunnar Paulsen became the first to bring a snowmobile to Svalbard. As the island’s original Yamaha dealer, he sold snowmobiles locally, along with parts and servicing, back when there were hardly any roads at all.
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