Huset

Following a complete transformation by internationally acclaimed Norwegian architects Snøhetta, the restaurant was reimagined for a new generation of travellers while preserving the character and history that make Huset so special. Drawing inspiration from the dramatic contrasts that define life in Svalbard, polar night and midnight sun, wilderness and refinement, openness and intimacy, the new interior creates a warm and contemporary dining experience deeply connected to its surroundings. "At Huset, the building's history became a resource for shaping its future." Natural materials, carefully layered lighting and subtle references to the Arctic landscape create a space that feels both timeless and distinctly Svalbard. The redesign reflects a shared ambition: to create a restaurant that can stand alongside some of the world's most celebrated dining destinations while remaining unmistakably Huset. For more than 70 years, Huset has been woven into the fabric of life in Longyearbyen. Long before it became known for fine dining and one of Scandinavia's most remarkable wine cellars, Huset was where the community came together. It was a place for celebrations and everyday life, for concerts and cinema screenings, for meetings, milestones and moments that shaped generations of Svalbard residents. Originally built by Store Norske and completed in 1951, Huset quickly became known as the heart of the town. As Longyearbyen grew, so did Huset, evolving alongside the community it served. Today, under the stewardship of Hurtigruten Svalbard, Huset continues to honour its heritage while welcoming visitors from around the world to experience a unique part of Svalbard's history. When Huset first opened its doors, Longyearbyen was a small mining town in the High Arctic. Life was shaped by the rhythms of the mine, and Huset quickly became the place where people gathered. Over the decades, the building served many purposes. It housed a café and kiosk, welcomed church services, functioned as a school and post office, and even acted as a temporary hospital and airport terminal. It was a cinema, a concert venue and a social hub for the entire community. For generations of residents, Huset wasn't simply a building. It was where life happened. Today, that same spirit remains. While the building has changed over the years, its role as a gathering place continues. Led by Head Chef Alberto Lozano and Restaurant Manager & Head Sommelier Maxime Resse, the restaurant combines Arctic ingredients, Nordic techniques and international expertise to create a dining experience unlike any other. What makes Huset unique is not only the food, the wine or the design. What began as a community house in a remote mining town has become an internationally recognised restaurant and cultural landmark. Yet its purpose remains remarkably unchanged: bringing people together. As Huset enters its next chapter, we remain committed to preserving the building's history, celebrating Arctic culture and sharing the stories of Svalbard with guests from around the world. Huset was planned in 1948 and officially opened in 1951. It quickly became the heart of Longyearbyen, serving as a café, shop, cinema, church, school, post office and more for the growing Arctic community. As Longyearbyen evolved, so did Huset. The restaurant expanded its role as a social hub, changed ownership in 1977, and became known for both local specialities and the introduction of the now-iconic Saturday Steak tradition. The 1980s marked the beginning of Huset’s wine journey. The cellar grew rapidly, fine dining became a greater focus, and ongoing renovations helped keep Huset at the centre of community life throughout the 1990s. Under new ownership, Huset’s wine cellar gained international recognition and continued to expand. Since returning to Store Norske in 2022, the building has been carefully restored and renewed, including a new interior by Snøhetta in 2026. Today, Huset combines Arctic