Where to Stay in Longyearbyen, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective
Choose the best place to stay in Longyearbyen based on my experience!
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 3,000 / 68.5 degrees north
Ivalo, Finland
Sodankylä is a small village located between Saariselka and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The town is known for its military base, mining, and film festival in the summer.
Fun Facts About Ivalo
Latitude: 68.5 degrees north
Population: 3,000
Northern Sami: Anar
Ivalo coat-of-arms
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Ivalo
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Ivalo
Self-Guided Walks
Ivalo on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Ivalo
Saariselka to Karasjok
This drive includes a drive through Ivalo on the way to Norway.
Uniquely Ivalo
Here are some things that you must do and try in Ivalo
History of Ivalo
The oldest permanent settlement here dates back to around 1750. The population grew throughout the 19th century thanks to the gold rush.
Ivalo was severely damaged by retreating Nazi soldiers and had to be rebuilt.
Ivalo Today
Ivalo is a regional centre with an airport and some industry.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Ivalo airport has direct flights to Helsinki.
Drive: Ivalo is located on the E75 running through Finland and into Norway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
A car is needed to get around.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Cafe Ivalo in the K-Supermarket has excellent options.
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Hostels & Camping
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Aurora Village Ivalo is a must!
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 11:05am
Sunset: 1:33pm
Average Temperature: -12C (9F)
February
Sunrise: 8:35am
Sunset: 4:14pm
Average Temperature: -12C (10.2F)
March
Sunrise: 6:29am
Sunset: 6:09pm
Average Temperature: -7C (19F)
April
Sunrise: 5:13am
Sunset: 9:09pm
Average Temperature: -2C (31F)
May
Sunrise: 2:38am
Sunset: 11:39am
Average Temperature: 4C (42F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 11C (54F)
July
Midnight sun until 21 July
Average Temperature: 14C (59F)
August
Sunrise: 4:24am
Sunset: 10pm
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
September
Sunrise: 6:26am
Sunset: 7:41pm
Average Temperature: 6C (45F)
October
Sunrise: 8:17am
Sunset: 5:31pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
November
Sunrise: 9:35am
Sunset: 2:12pm
Average Temperature: -6C (22F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -10C (14F)
All Posts About Ivalo
How to get from Svalbard Airport (LYR) into Longyearbyen
Here’s my short and to-the-point guide on how to get from Svalbard Airport Longyearbyen to the city.
Unique Facts about Life on Svalbard
Here are some unique facts about everyday life on Svalbard.
The History of Longyearbyen
Learn about the fascinating history of Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world.
