Best Places To Stay In Norway

As a native Norwegian, I have traveled extensively throughout my long, rugged, and beautiful country for years. From the mellow south, the rugged mountains in the west and the middle, and the arctic wild northern regions – including Svalbard (the island group situated far above the North Cape in the Barents Sea).

And when you are going on the same adventures (which I recommend you do), where you stay will have an impact on your overall experience.

You might like to “go local,” live simply, or go all in with the most lavish, luxurious, or unique hotels and accommodations we have to offer here up north, like staying in an ice hotel.

Whatever kind of traveler you are, this extensive overview of the best places to stay in Norway has you covered. It is organized by destination, starting from the south and ending all the way to the North Cape and even Arctic Svalbard.

Please use the table of contents to navigate if you already know where you want to go!

You find a map of Norway at the end of this article.

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The Best Places To Stay In Oslo

The capital of Norway is tiny (from a world perspective), but also quite unique in that it has city districts with a fun, urban vibe, as well as the forests “marka“, mountains, and fjords nearby for you to enjoy within a short drive or train journey.

Even with the tram from the city center!

Speaking of the city center, the water in Oslo’s inner harbor is so clean that you can swim here in the summer (there are a variety of jetties and city beaches to visit). There are also big and small green parks and lots of outdoor cafes and restaurants (best enjoyed in the summer).

Get the Ruter App to get around, and all city buses, trams, and even the island-hopping ferries are included.

3 Top-Rated Luxury Hotels in Oslo

Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel

Starting outside the city center, in the hills above Oslo, you find the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel, with spectacular views of the city, exquisite dining, and a lavish spa department.

You will be staying in a building that has kept the traditional yet grandeur ambiance, that also has a wine cellar that used to be a sanatorium, so obviously, it has got the name the Sanatorium Wine Cellar.

Sommero Hotel

Secondly, there is the Sommero Hotel in the high-end district of Oslo called Frogner, which is within walking distance of the city center. Here, you have elegant rooms and exquisite interiors, as well as top-rated service and amenities.

You will have room service, spa facilities, access to two pools (one on the rooftop), a gym, a sauna, and seven restaurants, and you will be in the middle of the city’s buzz in the most elegant part of Oslo.

The Sommero Hotel restaurants serve British, Japanese, and Spanish cuisine and have great options for vegetarians and vegans.

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Villa Incognito by Sommero

If you want to extend your stay in Oslo even further, you can opt for the Villa Incognito by Sommero, which is also in Frogner. This beautiful historic villa is a mix of Italian Renaissance and classic Greek architecture and also has details from German architecture.

The 5-star Villa Incognito offers private parking, a garden and restaurant, and three pools (one rooftop and one indoors). It also has a fitness center, a spa, and in-room service. Breakfast is served as a buffet, a la carte, or continental option.

Also check:

3 Top-Rated Oslo Budget Stays

Suppose you don’t want to spend your entire budget on where you stay in Oslo. In that case, there are also great top-rated budget options close to the city center (although nothing in Oslo can be considered cheap – Norway, in general, is a pricey destination).

Citybox Hotel

The first hotel I want to highlight is the Citybox Hotel in the city center. This budget hotel is in the middle of everything, within walking distance from the Oslo Central Station, and gets great reviews across the board.

You have bright and modern rooms, private bathrooms, free wifi, a nice public lounge, access to a microwave, and snacks and drinks from a vending machine. The Opera House is a five-minute walk away, as is the Royal Palace and all the shops, restaurants, and nightlife you find in Oslo.

Cochs Pensjonat

Secondly, the Cochs Pensjonat in Frogner is in a beautiful, classic early 1900s building and has rooms with free wifi, kitchenettes, and private or shared bathrooms. As a guest here, you will have discounts at the two nearest coffee shops, and there are vending machines in the hotel.

At Cochs, you are close to everything. The streets outside have a variety of shops and restaurants, yet this is a rather tranquil and quiet neighborhood in Oslo.

Clarion Hotel The Hub

Then you have Clarion Hotel the Hub, which is situated on Karl Johan, the main street of Oslo. You are within walking distance of the Oslo Central Station, the Royal Castle, and the main part of the city center from here.

At the Clarion Hotel the Hub, breakfast is included, and there is a pool, a gym, free Wi-Fi, a bar, and room service.

Also check:

Best Places To Stay In Bergen

Bergen is one of my favorite places in Norway, and I have visited multiple times – and even stayed here for long periods with my former work.

There is one possible downside to this picturesque town on the wild west coast of Norway, and that is that it holds the record for the number of annual rainy days in the entire kingdom (200 to be exact).

Despite this, people from Bergen will tell you, “I’m not from Norway; I am from Bergen”, which should give you an idea of to what extent a “bergenser” loves their city.

The reason for the rainy days is also one of the best things about Bergen: The 7 Sisters mountain range that surrounds the town, which is responsible for all the clouds dumping the rain before they move further over the mountains and into the fjords, mountains, and plains.

Bryggen in Bergen, or the Bergen Jetty, is probably the most famous feature in the city, but there are many other amazing things you need to know before you visit.

And you need to find the best place to stay! Here is an overview of the best-rated hotels and accommodations in Bergen.

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Top-Rated Luxury Places To Stay Bergen

Opus Hotel

Opus Hotel in Bergen simply has it all. This amazing 5-star hotel is located only steps from Bryggen in Bergen, the famous jetty, and everything Bergen has to offer within walking distance.

Bryggen is one of my favorite parts of Bergen, and this hotel boasts “celebrity treatment” and superb service, which former guests agree with in their reviews.

All rooms have a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and an in-room tablet for personal use. They also have a mini bar, a safe, and a spacious wardrobe. The bathrooms have rainfall showers and under-floor heating—a super treat in chilly Norway!

If you don’t want to go out to eat, you can have lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea in the hotel restaurant. The kitchen offers lots of local seafood as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Bergen Børs Hotel

Bergen Børs Hotel (which means the stock market) is a spectacular place to stay on the Torgalmenningen Square in the center of Bergen. Located in the old stock exchange building from 1862, you will be staying in an incredibly beautiful interior.

The rooms are stunning, with elaborate decorations and beautiful details in everything from the wooden floors and beautifully crafted ceilings to tiles in the bathroom and the decor and interior details. All rooms have a mini bar, coffee machine, and a flat-screen TV.

You can have a cocktail or locally crafted beer in the hotel bar and enjoy Scandinavian cuisine based on local produce in the restaurant.

The restaurant at Bergen Børs resembles a medieval dance hall with impressive columns, high ceilings, and exquisite artwork. Although everything is modern, it has an elegant style and calming colors, creating an experience you will not forget any time soon!

Skostredet Hotel

Skostredet Hotel in Bergen is also a 5-star hotel with excellent reviews that offers a little extra only 300 yards from the city center.

This hotel, which you enter from one of the charming, narrow, cobblestoned streets of Old Bergen, offers room service, private parking, a garden, a restaurant, and a bar. Every room has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with toiletries, a shower, and a hairdryer.

The breakfast includes a buffet, continental, and vegetarian options. Among the things to visit close to Skostredet Hotel are Haakons Hall, Bergen University, and the University Museum of Bergen.

Top-Rated Budget Places To Stay in Bergen

Citybox Bergen

Citybox Bergen is a great budget option for staying in the city center. It is a stylish hotel with modern rooms and in-house amenities.

All Citybox rooms have a desk, armchair, and private bathroom. Snacks and drinks are available from in-house vending machines, and the hotel is just a five-minute walk from popular sights like Bergen Art Museum and Byparken Park.

Festplassen Square is a short walk away, and you have all the services of the city center within walking distance.

Hotel Oleana

Top-rated budget Hotel Oleana is also centrally situated in Bergen and welcomes you with a cozy fireplace in the lobby. There is an on-site restaurant here, the Acido, serving Peruvian cuisine, and an in-house bar.

Guests typically highlight the wonderful breakfast here, as well as the friendly service from the multilingual staff.

All rooms have free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers, and sound-insulated walls. From the Oleana, you will also have access to a nearby health club, coffee, and tea in the lobby, which also has a 24-hour front desk.

Magic Hotel Solheimsviken

Magic Hotel Solheimsviken is a bit further from the city center, a ten-minute drive or 20 minutes on the tram. It is a family-friendly hotel near the Hanseatic Museum and the Floibanen Funicular, which takes you to the top of the mountain.

The hotel has a rooftop terrace, a coffee shop, and a playground for kids. You can also enjoy a game room, and there is free in-room wifi. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs, bathrooms with heated floors, and insulated walls.

The lobby has coffee and tea, the staff provides tour and ticket assistance, and there is a 24-hour front desk. Guests of the Magic Hotel Solheimsviken also have access to a nearby health club.

Best Places To Stay In Jotunheimen National Park

If you wonder why you should visit Jotunheimen National Park, a majestic mountain area of Norway, go ahead and read about the incredible tours you can do there, and you will probably understand.

As this is not a city, merely a wide area, I have collected the places to stay around the Jotunheimen mountains under one umbrella in this section.

What is unique about the mountain hotels and cottages in Norway, in addition to the spectacular scenery they are located in the middle of, is that they often attract the best chefs to their kitchens.

They also use short-traveled local produce to create incredible food experiences in the middle of the mountains, so you will find some of the best dining in Norway far into the wilderness!

5 Amazing Places To Stay In Jotunheimen

Turtagrø Hotel.

The first place is Turtagrø Hotel, located in a traditional decorative red wooden building in the mountains, close to the Fannaråki and Store Skagadølstind, both super popular destinations for adventurers and avid hikers who like summit hiking.

The hotel provides a breakfast buffet, a terrace, and a fire pit. Wi-Fi is available in your room, and there is a coffee shop, a gift shop, and a library on site.

It is a short drive east of the Lustrafjorden Fjord. In the summer, you can get here by bus from Lom, Otta, Sogndal, and Øvre Årdal. In the winter, you need to drive or get a taxi for the last 12 kilometers. Check the location here.

Gjendesheim Tourist Cabin

Secondly, Gjendesheim Turisthytte, Tourist Cabins, is one of the most popular places to stay in these mountains, in the middle of incredible scenery. This simple, traditional mountain cottage excels at the one thing mountain lodges are great at; the food!

I have stayed here multiple times as my starting point for hiking in the Rondane Mountains. You can choose shared lodging or private rooms and opt for a traditional Norwegian breakfast and a packed lunch for your hike of the day.

If you stay for a few nights (you can do day hikes from here and come back), the dinner is served at a dining hall, which is a super social and enjoyable way to eat with fellow mountaineers.

Drive here or take the train from Oslo to Otta Station and the local bus from there in the summer. In the winter, you need a taxi from Otta, a trip of around one hour, or you can rent a car. Check the location here.

Jotunheimen Husky Lodge.

Thirdly, Jotunheimen Husky Lodge is situated on the northeast side of Jotunheimen, in Randsverk. It is a top-rated traditional but modern place to stay with free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Some units also have a well-equipped kitchen in addition to a TV, private bathroom, and even soundproofing.

You can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, cycling, and skiing here in the winter. There is a bicycle rental service here and ski-to-door access.

About 25 miles from the Husky Lodge, you can visit the famous Lom Stave Church. And you can, of course, enjoy the furry huskies that live here during your visit! Check its location here.

Eventyrhyttene Lodges

Then you have, Eventyrhyttene Lodges, which translates to The Fairytale Lodges, is a spectacular and unique place to stay south of Jotunheimen if you want a truly exceptional experience.

Situated at the Stuttgongfossen Waterfalls in Oppland, this luxury campground offers incredible tiny modern cabins where you are inside nature. One step outside the door, there are amazing areas for hiking, biking, skiing, and adventures, and there is an on-site ski rental service.

The campground has a sun terrace and fitness room, and yoga classes are offered here in the middle of nature’s magic. You will also find a coffee shop and packed lunches are available.

The nearest airport is Sogndal Airport, 206 km from Eventyrhyttene. Check the location here.

Venabu Mountain Hotel.

Lastly, Venabu Mountain Hotel is located east of Jotunheimen and south of Rondane National Park, so it is a great starting point for trips to both mountain areas.

At Venabu, you will have a breakfast buffet included, and you can enjoy the terrace and garden on-site. There is also ski-in/ski-out access, amazing cross-country tracks nearby, and an onsite spa where you can relax and unwind at the end of the day.

The Venabu also has a restaurant, a gym, bike rentals, and a BBQ grill. It offers activities like fishing, sledding, and show-shoeing—as well as a game room. Check the hotel location here.

Best Places To Stay Around Dovre & Rondane National Park

Another mountainous area of Norway, where you do not find any lavish luxury resorts, BUT what you do find is natural surroundings that are more beautiful than any extravagant dining hall you have ever visited!

The Dovre National Park is situated south of Trondheim and is famous for having the majestic muskox roaming the mountain plains.

4 Top-Rated Places To Stay In Dovre & Rondane

Dovregubbens Hall.

Dovregubbens Hall is a mix between a hotel and a mountain cottage, built in brown solid wood to withstand the elements up in the Norwegian mountains.

The name Dovregubben refers to a huge troll who, according to myths and legends, lives in these rugged parts and is supposedly the king of the mountain. Subsequently, Dovregubbens Hall (hall or quarters) refers to the home of Dovregubben!

In Dovregubbens Hall, you will have a restaurant, free wifi, and simple but charming and comfortable rooms with spectacular views of the nature surrounding the hotel, which is the regal touch of the wild rocks.

Dombås Hotel

Dombås Hotel is situated a little less unprotected from the weather in an area with some trees and vegetation, but still very close to the mountains. This hotel has a restaurant and a bar, as well as nice, modern buildings and amenities.

You will also have a free traditional Norwegian breakfast buffet, a gym, and an on-site spa. All rooms have Wi-Fi, sound-insulated walls, and daily housekeeping. A few minutes drive away, you have amazing skiing opportunities, a nature reserve, and the National Park, which is 25 minutes away.

Trolltun Hotel

The Norwegian rail service stops at Dombås, and the journey from Oslo is around four hours and 15 minutes. Check the location here.

Trolltun Hotel is also in Dombås, and as you can see, the troll theme is very popular in Norway! This is also a very comfortable mountain hotel with top ratings and ski-in/ski-out facilities for both downhill alpine skiing and cross-country.

The hotel offers modern rooms, comfortable amenities, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast included. It also has a restaurant, coffee shop, and garden on site, as well as free in-room Wi-Fi.

Trolltun also has a small shopping mall on-site, a bike rental service, and outdoor seating (if you can deal with the temperatures), and the rooms have laptop-friendly workspaces. Check the hotel location here.

Smuksjøen Fjellstue Apartments

At Smuksjøseter Apartments, you will be staying in a cozy mountain cottage (so don’t be fooled by the name) next to the stunning mountain Lake Høvringen above the tree line with spectacular views of the mountain plains.

The interior is traditional Norwegian, with wooden walls, ceilings, and floors, and decor in colorful woven wool all around. The apartments have full kitchen appliances, a seating area, a dining table, and a flat-screen TV. There is also a nearby “fjellstue“, mountain cottage”, where you can go for lunch or dinner.

The immediate area offers incredible hiking opportunities in the summer and spectacular white, endless cross-skiing ski trails in the winter. Ski equipment can be rented on-site. The nearest town is Otta; check the location of Smuksjøseter here.

Best Places To Stay In Trondheim

Trondheim is the second oldest town in Norway (of the ones that still exist), as well as the former.

When I say former, it is really former, as in around 1000 years ago. This includes the famous cathedral in Trondheim, Nidarosdomen, which was built in around 1070 BC. So you may have gathered that there is a lot of history here.

Today, Trondheim is the third largest city in Norway, which does not really say that much, as Norwegian cities generally are very small. This former capital has around 180.000 inhabitants, so many would consider it more of a small town.

In addition to the charming city (or town), there is also wonderful nature around Trondheim, which is practically only minutes from the city center.

There are plenty of fun things to do in summer and winter, and perhaps the most spectacular adventures can be found here in the coldest months of the year as it is on the way to the gate to the polar region of Norway.

3 Top-Rated Luxury Accommodation in Trondheim

Britannia Hotel

Britannia Hotel is probably the best, most lavish place to stay in the historic city of Trondheim.

This 150-year-old venerable building dates back to the 1870s, and today, it provides an exquisite and modern stay with an incredible interior and luxury spa facilities, including saunas, a swimming pool, a mineral pool, and a gym.

Four beautiful in-house restaurants are available at your service. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, coffee and tea, a writing desk, and 24-hour room service.

The hotel is located in the center of Trondheim, so there are a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the Britannia. The famous 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral is no more than 1640 feet away!

Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel

Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is another high-end hotel in Trondheim with excellent reviews, beautifully located in a modern building along the Nidelva city river. Former guests highlight that there is excellence in every detail here and a stunning location in wonderful surroundings.

The hotel is an eight-minute walk from Torvet Square, the historic Bakklandet district. The Solsiden area, with cafes, nightlife, and shopping, is also walkable.

Each room has a modern ambiance with Nordic decor, flat-screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. You can have breakfast every morning in the venerable Baccus Restaurant, and the tranquil river is right outside the door.

Clarion Hotel Trondheim

Lastly, Clarion Hotel Trondheim is a modern design hotel right next to the Pirbadet Waterpark, Norway’s largest indoor water park. It is also close to the cruise Port where the coastal ships Hurtigruten docks daily. The Clarion has a rooftop restaurant and bar on the 9th floor with amazing views of the Trondheim Fjord.

Each room has a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee amenities. The Living Room restaurant has a lounge ambiance and an a la carte menu. The venue also occasionally hosts events like art exhibitions, food tastings, and fashion shows.

The National Museum of Pop and Rock is next door to the hotel, and the city center is a bit over a mile away – just walkable if you need some air!

3 Top-Rated Budget Accommodation in Trondheim

Apartment Fjord View By The Canal

Apartment Fjord View By The Canal is an entire apartment within walking distance from a lot of sights. It is not a luxury property, but charming, and it has a bedroom, kitchen with all appliances, and everything you need for a cozy home away from home.

The National Museum of Decorative Arts and the university is within walking distance, and it is just 7-8 minutes to walk to the city center. Nearby you also find Stiftsgården and Trondheim Maritime Museum.

The apartment has wifi, towels and bed linen, and there is a bike rental service available. And from your window, you can enjoy both sea and mountain views!

City Living Schøller Hotel

City Living has rooms and apartments centrally located in Trondheim, right across the Stiftsgården, which is the current royal residence in the city. Stiftsgården was built in the late 18th Century, and although it is home to the Norwegian royal family, parts of the premises are open to the public in the summer.

At this hotel, you have cable TV, wifi, and spacious rooms with wooden floors and a modern ambiance. You will have a refrigerator in your room, and a small kitchenette in the apartments.

From the hotel, the Torvet Square is just a short walk away, with shopping, bars, restaurants and entertainment. You can walk to the Nidaros Cathedral within 8 minutes!

Mellommila 69

Mellommila 69 is a privately rented apartment a little more than a mile from Downtown Trondheim with excellent reviews, a modern apartment with a balcony, wifi, and a stylish interior.

The apartment has 2 bedrooms, so it is perfect for a small group or family traveling together. You will have a flat-screen TV, washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher. Private parking can be arranged for a fee.

There is easy access to winter sports in the area in the winter, and you will be about a mile from the city center, Nidarosdomen, and the charming city buzz in Trondheim.

Best Places To Stay In Bodø

Now we have arrived over the Polar Circle, which you will be crossing (or flying over) just short of Bodø, east of the Svartisen Glacier (where you can also go for guided glacier hiking).

Bodø is known as The Windy City, as the locals claim there is never a break from the winds in the town. It is also home to Saltstraumen, which is said to be the strongest maelstrom in the world. I have visited many times, but I have somehow managed to avoid these strong winds that I have heard of!

Like many other northern towns, Bodø was severely damaged during the Second World War and does not have the old, venerable buildings that you find in Trondheim and further south.

In fact, as you get further north in Norway, you will probably notice that the buildings and houses are not built to please the eyes but rather to withstand the elements. Many towns and villages were bombed to pieces during the war and rebuilt with a sole focus on speed and durability—not beauty and elaborate architecture.

In addition to a variety of museums, bars, and restaurants, what Bodø has a lot of is nature experiences! In summer and winter, you can have epic adventures here, going dog sledding, hiking, skiing, deep sea rafting, chasing the Northern Lights, or basking in the midnight sun.

And the town is right across the wide “fjord” from the Lofoten Islands. Here are the best places to stay in Bodø!

3 Best High-End Places To Stay In Bodø

Quality Hotel Ramsalt

The best hotel in Bodø is Quality Hotel Ramsalt. Ramsalt means “extremely salty,” a word used in Bodø to describe humor (dark), language (the kind that is said to call on the devil in broad daylight), and many other things besides something salty.

Anyway, Hotel Ramsalt has beautiful views of the Northern Sea, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi, and all rooms have a flat-screen TV, desk, and private bathroom.

This 4-star hotel offers an excellent breakfast and is just over a mile from Langstranda Beach and the Norwegian Aviation Museum, and guests give this hotel top reviews.

Thon Hotel Nordlys

Thon Hotel Nordlys is located next to the marina in the center of Bodø, and many of the rooms have stunning views of the Nyhold Sound, with the Glasshuset (the glass house) Shopping Mall within walking distance.

All rooms have armchairs and a minibar, and the in-house restaurant offers steaks as well as seafood specialties, including traditional food like stickfish and smoked salmon. And after that, you can head over to the Windjammer bar, or head out on the windy town.

Friendly and helpful hotel staff will help arrange excursions like boat trips, eagle safaris, or deep sea rafting on the infamous Saltstraumen Maelstrom for the more fearless among us!

Scandic Havet

Lastly, the Scandic Havet Hotel is a waterfront hotel located in central Bodø, a ten-minute walk from the train station (the northernmost train station in Norway, that is).

The hotel has two restaurants, and one of them is a sky bar on the 17th floor with unsurpassed views of the city and the sea that most guests describe as “breathtaking.”

Each room here has wifi, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a fridge. You can rent a bicycle on-site, and head out exploring the town or the surrounding epic nature. And if that is not enough, you can get a workout in at the hotel fitness center.

3 Best Budget Places To Stay In Bodø

Skagen Gaard

Skagen Gaard is not in the center of Bodø; in fact, it is a guest house located opposite the city across the Saltfjorden Fjord next to the famous Saltstraumen, about 40 minutes away around the bay.

However, this gem is perfect if you want to stay relatively close to the city in a unique, historic building in incredible surroundings.

The guesthouse is an old wooden building that has kept its historical features, everything from wooden floors, traditional interiors, curtains, furniture, and decorations from the upper classes back in the day. You will love the remarkable details, right next to vast nature and incredible views.

Enjoy a lovely breakfast before you take a road trip into town, or just stay and enjoy all the activities you can do right here. Go fishing, kayaking, biking, learning to rope, or even archery.

You can also have your dinner here, and numerous international guests highlight that their guesthouse dinner here was the best meal they had in Norway!

Comfort Hotel Bodø

Comfort Hotel Bodø is a really good budget option in the city center, with a score of 9 out of 10, where you have breakfast included, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar, and it is pet friendly. There is also an in-house coffee shop and snack bar.

The rooms are comfortable and delicate, with soothing colors, and with great views from the upper floors. Dining areas are modern and bright, with high ceilings and elegant details.

The hotel is close to the shopping district, restaurants, and bars in town. There is Wi-Fi in public areas and coffee and tea in the lobby. It is a great budget choice if you want to stay in the city without spending your travel budget on accommodation!

Smarthotel Bodø

Back in town, Smarthotel Bodø is a good budget option, situated next to the harbor and the train station, with a shopping mall on-site and even a hair salon. The Smarthotel offers a buffet breakfast, tour and ticket assistance, in-room wifi, and a snack bar.

The reviews are generally good, with some exceptions. Happy guests highlight friendly staff, cleanliness, excellent location, spacious rooms, wonderful views, and a good breakfast.

Unhappier guests mention parking can be tricky, breakfast not good enough, remarks on cleanliness, and small rooms. So, as you can see, it is a bit inconsistent. The overall feedback is great value for money and a score of 8.8 out of 10.

Best Places To Stay In The Lofoten Islands

Outside of Bodø, attached to the mainland a bit further north around Narvik, is the Lofoten Peninsula, which is really a chain of islands interconnected with bridges, pointing south.

Lofoten starts around Raftsundet in the Tengelfjorden Fjord and stretches island by island all the way to the small place called Å (which is the last letter in the Norwegian alphabet).

The distance from the start at Hanøy to Å in Lofoten is 178 kilometers (110 miles), and this is a very popular journey for thousands of people in the summer for road trips, biking adventures, and even hiking.

The most popular places to visit in the Lofoten Islands are Svolvær (with the famous Svolværgeita Mountain), Kabelvåg, Henningsvær, Stamsund, Ballstad, Nusfjord, Reine, Sørvågen, and Å.

Again, Lofoten is not where you go for exceptional luxury hotels (with a few exceptions), but there are a plethora of accommodation options that offer unique, authentic experiences – and that receive outstanding reviews from hundreds of travelers.

What you find a lot of in Lofoten is the so-called rorbuer, a traditional fishermen’s cottage-style accommodation that is really charming and often situated right on the sea bed.

Below, I have listed two to three top-rated places to stay in each destination in Lofoten. Have a look at the map and check out the ones that intrigue you!

Top-Rated Places To Stay In The Lofoten Islands

Svolvær Lofoten

In Svolvær, the best high-end hotel that gets outstanding reviews is Anker Brygge. Located in the heart of Svolvær, the town square is a couple of minutes away, and the Hurtigruten Cruise Port is a ten-minute walk from Anker Brygge (jetty).

The rooms are designed like traditional fishermen’s cottages and have free Wi-Fi and sea or quay views. All suites have a patio and a kitchenette.

The Kjøkkenet Restaurant offers traditional dishes from the region, and in the summer (when the weather permits), you can dine outside on the large terrace. And if the summer days are too chilly for you, you can find warmth in the on-site sauna.

For groups or families traveling together, one of the units in Rorbuanlegget Svolvær Havn (harbor) is probably a wonderful option. This option offers various units in different sizes and price groups, from small apartments to The Residence, which houses 12 people.

At The Residence, you have your own wine cellar, a movie theater, and a large outdoor patio with a jacuzzi. Full service with a driver, a chef, a butler, and a sommelier can also be arranged (so yes, there can be a bit of luxury in Lofoten, too).

Lastly, the most budget-friendly option you find in Svolvær is Fast Hotel Lofoten, also located in the town center. This is a self-service accommodation with a keyless entry system. The rooms are simple but clean and modern.

Here, you have free Wi-Fi, parking, and a TV lounge in the lobby. All rooms have a work desk and an electric kettle. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is only a seven-minute walk away.

Kabelvåg Lofoten

In Kabelvåg, a great option is Nyvågar Rorbuhotel, which consists of traditional fisherman cottages close to the harbor in central Storvågan. All cottages included a balcony or a terrace, free wifi, free parking, and a kitchenette and seating area.

The in-house restaurant, Lorchstua, serves a la carte dishes in the summer, with lots of super-tasty seafood and local produce on the menu.

The staff will help you arrange activities and bicycle rentals. There is a playground that families will enjoy, and there is also a warming sauna on-site. The Lofoten Aquarium is just a few minutes walk from Nyvågar; the Lofoten Museum and the Espolin Johnson Gallery are the same.

A good budget option in Kabelvåg is Skårungen Hotel & Camping, located next to the iconic 18-hole Lofoten Golf Course, the northernmost golf course in the world, which is ranked number 88 in the world by Golf Magazine!

Located a couple of miles outside Kabelvåg, Skårungen offers guests a restaurant, a garden, and a shared kitchen. There is free parking, a children’s playground, and a restaurant. You can enjoy hiking and skiing nearby, and there is a bicycle rental and a private beach (should you want to test the Arctic waters) on-site.

One guest writes in his review for Skårungen: “Everything was great. Modern, clean, comfortable, everything works perfectly, spectacular view, great location for exploring Lofoten, friendly staff“. So you should be happy here.

Henningsvær Lofoten

A great and super charming place to stay in Henningsvær is Villa Bryggekanten, an intimate waterfront hotel on Heimøya Island. Henningsvær itself is a vibrant small fishing village community, one of my favorite places in Lofoten, with charming old houses and ambiance.

At Villa Bryggekanten, you will have free wifi, a private bathroom, and mountain or sea views. Within walking distance, you find restaurants, bars, and many small specialist shops. Also, the Lofoten Aquarium, the Lofoten Museum, and the Espolin Art Gallery are about 20 minutes drive away.

A good budget option to stay in Henningsvær is the Henningsvær Guesthouse, a charming, bright yellow wooden building with free wifi, views of the town, and in-house a la carte breakfast.

All rooms come with a desk, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, a fridge, bed linen, and towels. This is a popular starting point for bikers and hikers, and car rental is available on-site. The nearest airport is Leknes, 37 miles away.

Stamsund Lofoten

For groups or families traveling together, the Large Villa in Stamsund with outdoor jacuzzi is a perfect slightly luxurious option.

Here, you will have fantastic views, in addition to a garden, terrace, private parking wifi, 4 bedrooms (9 beds), a children’s playground, and a hot tub.

There are also BBQ facilities here, which will probably only be tempting in the summer season!

A good budget option is Rorbu in Lofoten, which is a house in traditional and charming old-fashioned traditional building style in the small village center. Here, you have a kitchen, a modern bathroom, wifi, three bedrooms, a TV, and free parking.

Stamsund is a wonderful starting point for hikes in the area and adventures at sea like kayaking, boat trips, or fishing trips.

Ballstad Lofoten

The area around Ballstad is popular for skiing and hiking, in addition to sea adventures. When you stay here, you are about 40 miles north of the northernmost island; Å.

Hattvika Lodge is a modern place to stay that is built in the traditional style with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay in Lofoten. These fisherman cottage-style homes have comfortable Scandinavian style interior, a kitchen, and free wifi. Some units also have a balcony or patio.

A great budget option is Sjøstrand Rorbuer, with simple but cozy rooms, about a five-minute drive outside of the center of Ballstad. Choose between apartments and fisherman cottages with a kitchenette, wifi, a terrace, or a patio.

Every accommodation options have a seating area, wooden interior, either mountain or sea views, and a private bathroom with shower.There is also family rooms available here.

Nusfjord Lofoten

This cute little village does not have a lot of accommodation options, but the ones they do have, are top-rated!

Nusfjord Arctic Resort is an actual resort up here in the kingdom of montains, that does consof the traditional fishing cottages that offer a high-end experience. You can have fresh seafood at Restaurant Karoline, soak in a wood-fired hot tub, or join activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and a lot more.

In one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Norway, all units have wifi, wooden floors, and seating areas. All the rorbuer also have fridges, and some have views of the ocean, while others face the village. The village is tiny, but it has a grand atmosphere!

There are not really any budget places to stay in Nusfjord, but the closest you get is Lofoten Cottages. These cottages are incredible, with modern amenities in picturesque and authentically presented small houses where you can get a whiff of the old ambiance.

All cottages have a seating area and a kitchen, some have a terrace or patio, with sea views. These cottages used to belong to different fishing families, so each one has its own unique interior.

There is also an on-site restaurant specializing in European cuisine, and in the surrounding area, you will be in awe of the spectacular nature and have amazing experiences right outside your cottage.

Reine Lofoten

Catogården Boutique Home & Activity Center is a diamond of a place situated in Reine, Lofoten. It is something as rare as simple and luxurious at the same time!

The rooms and interior are bright, with large windows to take in the stunning views. Reviews from here are over the moon about the stunning property, facilities, interior, service, and authenticity.

On-site, you will find a small fitness center, Wi-Fi, a kayak center, weekly yoga sessions, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, and BBQ facilities. The surrounding area is perfect for bike trips, kayaking trips, hiking, and everything outdoors, in the mountains and at sea.

Another top-rated option is Eliassen Rorbuer, renovated fisherman cottages on Hamnøy Island. These picturesque cottages have a seating area, kitchen, wifi, and amazing views of Hamnøy Harbor, Reine Fjord, the West Fjord, or the mountains or village.

The on-site restaurant Gadus serves a tasty fusion of Italian and Norwegian cuisine. Staff can help you organize all your activities during your visit, including diving or sea safaris with RIB boats for anyone wanting the extra.

Sørvågen Lofoten

In Sørvågen, just three kilometers from the end of Lofoten, Å, you will stay comfortably in The Tide Rorbuer, or The Tide Hotel. You can opt for guest rooms in the hotel or self-catering cottages, and all premises have stunning sea or mountain views.

In the traditional cottages, you will have a kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor furniture. There is also free parking and a grocery store 100 meters away that is handy if you stay in one of the cottages.

There is a highly-rated in-house restaurant, and you can wind down in the fully licensed bar at the end of the day. You will also have access to a shared lounge on the premises and enjoy a wide variety of activities in the nearby area. Embark on a fishing trip, cycling, hiking, or diving in the Arctic waters.

Secondly, you can choose Buodden Rorbuer, another high-rated fisherman cottage stay. This is a holiday home with a private entrance and free private parking, and the place also has family rooms.

The house is traditional red painted wood on the outside and has a modern interior and amenities on the inside while keeping the authentic touch. All units have a kitchenette, a seating area a private bathroom and free WiFi. Some rooms also have a terrace and sea views.

Å In Lofoten

At last, the final stop in Lofoten, Å, if we don’t count the smaller islands on the outside where you need a boat to access. This is a magic place, famous for its cinnamon buns in the small village bakery, and staying here will be an experience in itself.

Å Rorbuer offers traditional fisherman cottages here on the tip of the Arctic peninsula, although remote, they all have modern facilities. You can enjoy wifi, a seating area, and a private patio.

The interior here is beautiful, with whole-timber walls and traditional interior details as well as a modern touch. The on-site restaurant Brygga (the Jetty) serves homemade specialties, and you also have a fully licenced bar in-house.

Lofoten Budget Hostel in Å is situated in a traditional old white wooden house, a great budget-friendly option with top reviews, free parking, charming rooms, and a garden. There is a shared lounge and a shared kitchen, and free wifi for guests.

The rooms are simple but delicate, with wooden floors and soft colors in the interior. A wonderful peace in the lower price range, at “the end of the world!”

Best Places To Stay In Tromsø

Tromsø was called “Paris of the North” back in the day, as international travelers were so impressed with the city’s “women, fashion, food, and culture” centuries ago!

I lived in Tromsø for three years while studying at the Polar University in the city, and I loved being there. It must be said, though, that living so far up north is an acquired taste, as the weather and the elements will give you a challenge.

However, that is not really a big issue for you when you visit as long as you prepare, do your research, and pack in alignment with the season and temperatures. Bring warm clothes!

Today, Tromsø is famous for being the home of the Ishavskatedralen Cathedral, and it is actually an island community, although situated on a very small island.

I am pretty sure you will love the blue winter light when the days never quite reach daylight, the fierce weather and surroundings that will make an impression on you, and the mellow golden summer nights with the midnight sun peeking above the horizon all night.

In Tromsø (or right outside Tromsø), you will have great chances of spectacular sightings of the Aurora, the Northern Lights, in the winter.

As the sun never sets in Tromsø between the 21st of May and the 21st of July, this is when you can basque in the Midnight Sun. So if you go out clubbing in Tromsø in the summer months, you will probably need your sunglasses when you reemerge sometime after midnight!

In our Paris of the North, there are lots of places to stay: on the main island, further out on the Kvaløya Island, or on the mainland across the iconic bridge close to the Cathedral.

Top-Rated Accommodation in Tromsø

Clarion Hotel Bryggen

The best-rated hotel on the small island where you find Tromsø city is Clarion Hotel The Edge. This hotel is situated by the water near the city center, close to the famous Skarven Bistro (great for fresh seafood) and the city Ice Bar.

Clarion Hotel The Edge has a restaurant, two bars, a terrace, and a grade, and on the top floor, you also have a sky bar with spectacular views of the Tromsø Strait and the Ishavskatedralen Cathedral on the other side of the water.

There is also an in-house gym, and former guests highlight the super comfy beds here, as well as the friendly staff.

Skaret by Vander

A top-rated budget option is Skaret by Vander, offering affordable studios and apartments on the main street of Tromsø. The spaces are cozy and modern, and you will have wifi, a laptop workplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a seating area.

And outside the apartment is the city vibe right on your doorstep.

Yggdrasil Farmhouse Retreat & Spa

If you are looking for a spectacular place to stay and don’t need to be in the cityscape, Yggdrasil Farmhotel Retreat & Spa, about 50 minutes outside Tromsø, might be perfect for you. Bear in mind, this is in the Arctic countryside!

The location is peaceful and quiet, the views infinite, the rooms are cozy and modern, and the farm area is charming, with animals being a part of the scenery.

This unique venue is situated next to the water and includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a spa with an outside jacuzzi, skiing opportunities, and snowshoe walks. Activities are extra, and lunch and dinner a la carte with restaurant prices.

Fun Fact: Yggdrasil is from Norse mythology; it is the tree of life, encompassing all nine worlds in the ancient Norse view of the cosmos. In it, the world of humans and the world of the gods nestle among the branches and roots.

Best Places To Stay In Alta

Alta is the first biggish town of the northernmost county of Norway, Finnmark. This small town is mostly famous for its salmon fishing paradise, the Alta River. Apart from this, like most towns in the north of Norway, the houses here are built to survive the Arctic, not to please the eye!

That said, the ambiance in Alta is warm and inviting despite the cold climate (or maybe because of the climate). As this is just three hours from the North Cape above the Arctic Circle, you will find incredible polar nature experiences in Alta.

For the summer, the days never end here, and you can have wonderful experiences under the midnight sun. And in the winter, the sun does not show its face for two months!

Alta is a good contestant for amazing northern light sightings, and in the summer, you can hike to the top of Komsatoppen directly from the city center, a 45-minute hike for spectacular fjord views – magic for greeting the sun at midnight.

Alta is also less than a two-hour drive from Kautokeino, which is close to the Finnish border.

Kautokeino is considered the cultural capital of the northern Sami (indigenous people) area in Norway, and around 90% of its inhabitants speak the Sami language.

Top-Rated Places To Stay In Alta

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge, which is also home to a famous and spectacular ice hotel in the winter season, is by far the most breathtaking place to stay in Alta. This unique place is situated by the Gammelbollo River, about 20 minutes from the center of Alta so you probably want a rental car for a stay here.

Here, you have breakfast included, two restaurants, the spa, the ice hotel in the winter season (you can stay in a “normal” hotel room, too), a bar, free parking, and wifi.

Outside the hotel, you can enjoy tours and activities like reindeer sledding and the Sami culture experience, northern light hunts, e-bike rental, hiking, riverboat trips, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and even ice sculpturing!

Canyon Hotel

In Alta Town, a super budget option that is also trendy and modern is the Canyon Hotel, situated along the main street just two minutes from the iconic town cathedral. I stayed here in May 2024 and had a great stay.

The rooms here are modern and also cozy, held in toned-down earth colors. Breakfast is included, and the quality and selection for breakfast were really good.

There is also an in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner, but restaurants, bars, and shops in the city are never more than five minutes away (Alta is not a big city!).

Best Places To Stay In Honningsvåg & The North Cape

Honningsvåg is technically a town, although it only has around 2500 citizens and is a minuscule place. Long story behind this, but what you need to know is that Honningsvåg is the Gateway to the North Cape!

Situated slightly protected from the North Sea, it is only about 35 kilometers short of the spectacular North Cape Plateau, the northernmost point of the European mainland that has a 400-year-long history as a traveler destination.

For the summer season of 2024, Honningsvåg is actually my home for about six months. Despite being a native Norwegian, I have not made it this far north before, so this place is exotic for me, too! And there is more to Honningsvåg than the North Cape.

Honningsvåg has one small main street and looks like a sleepy place, but it has a warm soul, vibrant people living here, and a lively cultural environment. You can visit the East of the Sun Art Gallery, Frozen Summer Jewelry Design, and Perleporten Cultural Center (meaning the Pearly Gates).

In 2023, skilled sherpas came to Honningsvåg and built the now already famous Sherpa Stairs up to the Storfjellet mountain above the town. Now, you can walk the stairs upwards for about 45 minutes to have spectacular views of the northernmost coastline in Europe.

Top-Rated Places To Stay Honningsvåg & The North Cape

I have tested the best hotel in the city myself after I got here, called The View Hotel, which is situated a bit outside the town up in the hills. The hotel is not lavish but modern and built in Scandinavian style, blending with the scenery.

The rooms are also quite simple and minimalistic, with comfortable beds, a private bathroom, and Wi-Fi. And, of course, spectacular views from any room!

Breakfast is included, and the staff are really friendly and will help you arrange any tours and activities you want to experience. This hotel is a bit “extra” because it has a small on-site gym and spa, with saunas and an outdoor jacuzzi—where you can heat up even on freezing winter days.

A nice budget place to stay in Honningsvåg is the Arctic Hotel, situated on the main street within walking distance of everything. The hotel just finished renovations in May 2024 and has had a significant upgrade.

The rooms are modern and bright, breakfast is included, and the on-site restaurant, Havly, is pretty much the best in the town, with a really cool interior and great food. The hotel is within walking distance from the cruise port and everything else in the tiny center of Honningsvåg.

The Best Places To Stay In Svalbard

Around 758 kilometers north of the North Cape, across the fierce Barents Sea, and the Arctic elements, is Svalbard, an Island Group that is (mostly) Norwegian territory.

Norway actually shares Svalbard with Russia. The Norwegian “island capital” is Longyearbyen, while the Russian one is called Barentsburg.

I traveled to Svalbard a few years ago at the end of the winter season, and my by-far favorite experience was dog sledding in this beautiful winter scenery. In complete silence, into the spectacular arctic landscape and descending into a regal ice cave in the middle of nowhere!

Despite some urban myths, you will not encounter polar bears in any town in Norway – except for in Svalbard. The locals here never leave their houses without a weapon, as the Arctic bears sometimes come strolling into the populated areas.

On this unique Arctic rock, the dark polar night lasts almost four months of the year (there is a big party when the sun returns), and the midnight sun is up just as long in the summer season.

There are two principal ways to get to this exotic island: find a flight (direct flights from Oslo and Tromsø) or embark on an Arctic Cruise that will take you across the vast Arctic Barents Sea and up to Longyearbyen and around.

Top-Rated Places To Stay In Svalbard

Basecamp Hotel Spitsbergen

Basecamp Hotel Longyearbyen is an incredible place to stay in Svalbard, with excellent ratings, situated in the middle of Longyearbyen. This hotel has unique architecture, with stone details and solid old-fashioned wood combined with modern design.

It is created in a traditional trapper’s lodge-style and has individually decorated rooms with driftwood furniture and fur rugs. Enjoy a drink in the hotel pub, visit the Cognac Attic, and enjoy the night sky through the glass ceiling.

The Basecamp hotel offers breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a tiny library in the lobby, an incredible atmosphere, and the airport bus stops right outside the hotel.

Hotel Pyramiden

Hotel Pyramiden is for anyone visiting Svalbard who likes to venture a bit off the beaten path, maybe you have an inner explorer? Getting here is not a walk in the park.

There are no roads here, so in the dark polar winter, you can get to Pyramiden by snowmobile, a transfer that takes around three and a half hours, starting from the end of February. In the summer, you can get here by boat with one of several companies in Longyearbyen.

This top-rated, unique hotel in an old mining town is a great starting point for a variety of adventures, including snowmobile tours. You will have breakfast included, a restaurant and a bar on-site, wifi, modern, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff to help you organize tours.

Former guests say they love “the location, the people, the atmosohere, everything” – and that it looks like a Soviet museum (which it is)!

Gjestehuset 102

The best budget place to stay in Longyearbyen is Gjestehuset 102, situated in Nybyen, about 2,5 kilometers from the center of town. This is a simple guesthouse lodging with shared bathrooms, and all guests have access to a shared kitchen.

Breakfast is included, there is a bar, and you can buy snacks and drinks on-site. The airport shuttle stops here, and you have free Wi-Fi and stunning views of the town below and the mountains from all directions!

Wrap-Up The Best Places To Stay In Norway

That was a lot! I hope you have got an impression of these 11 Norwegian destinations and areas and where you might want to stay when you are visiting.

If you want to know more about what tours are available, please visit my overview of the best tours in Norway for the same extensive overview, or use the search bar if you are looking for anything in particular.

I am sure you will love traveling in Norway! Not the cheapest destination, no doubt, but with a bit of planning, you can get the best of what our country has to offer without breaking the bank if you are on a budget.

Happy travel planning, and welcome to Norway!

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