Aurora Expedition on The Greg Mortimer

With modern comforts in historical surroundings, Funken lodge offers a unique Svalbard experience. The hotel is located in Haugen, with magnificent views over Longyearbyen, and up towards the Lars and Longyear Glaciers. Since 1947, the hotel has been a local gathering place, and the warm atmosphere will ensure that you immediately feel at home here in the Arctic. The hotel is open all year round, and offers 88 rooms and modern meeting facilities.

The hotel building was erected immediately after World War II. Funken, as the locals called it, served as accommodation for the single administrative workers. The mining company, Store Norske, had their reception wing here, and it became the focal point of the social life of the company’s office staff. It was only in the middle of the 1980s that the last of the office staff moved out, and were replaced by visitors who needed accommodation. In 1993, Hurtigruten Svalbard purchased the place from Store Norske, and the hotel was extended with a new wing and restaurant, under the name Spitsbergen Hotel. The hotel reopened as Funken Lodge in February 2018.

Funktionærmessen Restaurant is located on the first floor of Funken Lodge. The exceptional views of Longyearbyen and Hiorthfjellet can be enjoyed together with a generous breakfast buffet or a five course dinner with carefully selected wines, and everything in between. King crab, dry aged meats and local food like Svalbard reindeer are amongst the specialities. The wine list boasts over 300 wines, and the cellar overflows with excellent vintages - particularly from Bordeaux. The restaurant can also offer over 70 different Champagnes, so do not hesitate to ask the waitstaff for a personal recommendation.

The Greg Mortimer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship designed for exploring remote regions. It features a variety of room types, all equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private ensuite bathrooms. The ship boasts onboard dining amenities, featuring two restaurants that offer à la carte meals, complemented by a variety of bars and lounges. Additional onboard facilities include a fitness centre, sauna, Jacuzzis, and a mudroom. The ship also offers hydraulic viewing platforms for unobstructed wildlife observation and facilities to support adventure activities such as kayaking and diving.

Located in the heart of Kirkenes, the Scandic Kirkenes is an excellent accommodation option for the business and leisure traveller. The hotel offers a variety of spacious guest rooms and suites that are equipped with free Wi-Fi access, TV and a private bathroom.

Guests who wish to enjoy a fine-dining experience catering to a wide range of palate preferences are invited to bring their appetites and indulge their culinary fancies at the on-site restaurant. Guests can take advantage of the flexible meeting facilities, with 10 rooms and accommodating up to 450 guests or take time to visit the spa with pool and sauna.

With its great location and access to genuine Norwegian nature, guests can go king crab fishing, enjoy snowmobile safaris or dog sledging to experience the mighty nature found in Kirkenes.