12 incredible hotels in Norway for a unique stay

Have you ever imagined snuggling up in a sleeping bag in your very own igloo? How about catching some shut-eye above a crystal blue fjord in a traditional log cabin?

If you’re dreaming of visiting The Land of the Midnight Sun and you’re looking to make your trip just that extra bit special, then these amazing hotels in Norway are just the ticket.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the availability of the hotels could be affected. Remember to check current travel restrictions before booking travel.

1. Herangtunet

Herangtunet means ‘farm garden’ in Norwegian, and this boutique hotel was once indeed a working farm. The old wooden buildings were taken over by a Dutch couple who turned this fascinating place into one of Norway’s best intimate luxury hotels.

With an idyllic location in the beautiful Valdres region, just a three-hour drive outside Oslo, Herangtunet offers a range of suites, rooms and apartments, all stylishly and uniquely decorated.

The restaurant serves traditional Norwegian cuisine with a twist, all made with locally-sourced ingredients.

The hotel is a great starting point for walks in the Jotunheimen National Park. You’ll also have a whole host of exciting activities at your fingertips in the area from rafting on the Sjoa River and ski touring through the peaks of Valdres to horseback riding in the mountains and rock climbing over 900 metres above sea level.

Valdres, with its varied landscape, is also a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, and if you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll find Valdres Golf Club just a half hour drive from Herangtunet.

2. Sola Strand Hotel

Perfect for a beach holiday just outside Stavanger, Sola Strand Hotel offers a unique place to relax on your Norwegian adventure.

With 2.5km of beautiful sands right on the doorstep of this historic hotel, plus a popular beach bar, swimming pool and large sun terraces, this is a great place to spend some summer days whether you’re travelling with friends, family or your other half.

Offering 135 light and airy rooms, top-notch cuisine and a full-service spa, this unique Norwegian hotel is steeped in a rich history which dates back to 1914 when a Stavanger-born restaurateur opened an eatery here just before the outbreak of WWI.

Between the late 1920s and 30s, the restaurant was taken over, renovated and renamed Sola Strand Hotel, with the new owners using rooms and parts of broken up ships as inspiration and actual materials for the hotel. In fact, the floor of the current King Sverre Hall is made from wood from deck of the frigate, Kong Sverre, Norway’s largest naval sailing ship, and the Montroyal Hall is the original cigar lounge from the cruise ship, Montroyal. 

The hotel was also used as quarters for various armed forces during World War I and II, and the hotel today uses one of the bunkers found along the beach for group wine and whiskey tastings.

Besides a tipple or two, you can enjoy many other packages, activities and experiences at this magnificent hotel in Norway, including jazz brunches, wellness weekends, visits to Pulpit Rock and scenic bike rides along The North Sea Road.

Tip: Staying in the area for a few days? Find out the best things to see and do in Stavanger.

3. Erzscheidergården

In the heart of the small town of Røros in Trøndelag lies the Erzscheidergården hotel. Røros copper mining town, with its historic wooden buildings, is perhaps one of the most charming and distinctive small towns in all Norway, and one of the country’s few UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Erzscheidergården itself dates back to the 17th century. This cosy B&B has just 24 rooms, each with timber walls and flooring, and a careful selection of vintage and antique furniture. All rooms are inspired by the unique nature, culture and people of Røros.

It’s rumored that the homemade breakfast at Erzscheidergården is particularly good, so if you’re a ‘breakfast person’, this is the place for you. In the fireplace room you’ll always find freshly brewed coffee and tea, as well as homemade cakes and biscuits.

If you want to explore Røros, the Røro Museum, the Olav mine and a guided walking tour are popular experiences. The town is also known for its handicraft and specialty shops, and its urban café culture.

4. Sakrisøy Rorbuer

If you’re planning a visit to the Lofoten Islands, one of the most spectacular places in Norway, then a trip to the settlement of Sakrisøy should be on your itinerary.

This picturesque fishing village is situated at the foot of one of Lofoten’s most iconic mountains, Olstind, and is characterised by its ever-changing weather and typical fishermen’s cabins or rorbuer.

Here you can get back to nature with some kayaking, standup paddleboarding, hiking or sailing, then retire to one of Norway’s most unique accommodations: Sakrisøy Rorbuer.

These rental cabins, which stand on poles over the water, date back to the 1800s, when they attracted fishermen to stay on the island. They’ve since been fully refurbished and allow visitors seeking an authentic Lofoten experience to kick back and relax with the sea directly beneath their feet.

There are 18 cosy cabins to choose from, each complete with wooden interiors and many offering amazing views over the Reinefjord.

There’s also a restaurant on site which offers delicious fresh seafood and a range of local dishes. Constructed around 1840, it used to be the main warehouse on the island where fishermen would trade their goods.

Tip: If you’re spending a few days in Lofoten, be sure to check out this Guided Photography Tour of the Lofoten Islands, and earn CashPoints towards your next flight with Norwegian.

5. Nyvågar Rorbuhotell

Nyvågar Rorbuhotell is another gem of Lofoten, located just outside the archipelago’s unofficial capital of Svolvær. Archaeological excavations show that Nyvågar was an important trading and cultural centre in the Viking Age, and King Eystein I was the first to build traditional rorbuer huts in the area as early as the year 1100.

Nyvågar hotel consists of 30 spacious cabins, each with two double bedrooms, allowing plenty of room for a family or group of friends. Children are warmly welcomed to Nyvågar, with a playground on site and children’s menu in the restaurant.

Behind the hotel is an intriguing cave with mythical rock carvings and paintings dating from the last Ice Age around 9,000 years ago.

Nyvågar offers a wealth of activities for all age groups in the immediate vicinity. Why not start your day with a spot of yoga in the crisp sea air and then head for a relaxing sauna? Or how about a hike in the nearby mountains to experience some magnificent scenery?

Close by, you’ll find the Lofoten Aquarium, which is fun for children, and the Lofoten Museum where you can learn about the history of the Lofoten fishermen.

If you fancy a trip out on the fjord, you can take your pick of excursions from an evening kayaking adventure to an exciting RIB boat cruise.

If you’ve been active all day, a trip to the hotel’s Lofot Spa is the perfect way to wind down. Here you can sit in outdoor hot tubs with first-class views of the midnight sun or the Northern Lights, depending on the time of year you choose to visit Lofoten.

6. Bårdshaug Herregård

Bårdshaug Herregård, or Bårdshaug Manor, is located in the small town of Orkanger, a 30-minute drive outside Trondheim.

This lavish manor house has been a family-owned hotel for three generations, and has a fascinating history beginning when it was the home of architect and entrepreneur, Christian Thams. He was responsible for designing houses for many cultural luminaries including Brigitte Bardot and Eiffel Tower designer, Gustav Eiffel.

Since Thams bought the manor in the late 19th century, the hotel has expanded several times, and today comprises buildings dating all the way from 1890 to 2010.

The hotel has 89 rooms, a game hunting-themed bar and a restaurant serving dishes made with locally-sourced produce from the Trøndelag region’s forest, mountain and sea. In fact, Bårdshaug Manor has a very strong environmentally-friendly focus, and has been certified an Eco-Lighthouse enterprise.

There are a number of fun activities to take part in during a stay at Bårdshaug, including wine tasting, salmon fishing, archery, climbing and clay pigeon shooting.

Right next to the hotel, you’ll find the spectacular Norway Building, Norway’s contribution to the World’s Fair in Chicago 1893. Visit the building which was inspired by traditional Norwegian stave churches, and hear the exciting story about how it travelled the Atlantic ocean – twice!

Tip: Looking for more activities in this area? Check out our post on the top things to do in Trondheim.

7. Refsnes Gods

Refsnes Gods hotel is like a little gem on the peninsula of Jeløy in the town of Moss, a short drive from Oslo.

Refsnes stems from the Norwegian word rif or rev which means ‘reef’, and is said to be named so thanks to the reef in the Oslofjord just outside the hotel. Gods is Norwegian for ‘mansion’.

The beautiful location overlooking the Oslofjord, the unique landscape and the rich history of this charming Norwegian hotel has been welcoming guests since the late 18th century when it was a summer mansion owned by a wealthy family.

The area around the hotel is a beautifully landscaped park, where you can take a stroll and enjoy the tranquility or just simply sit down with a good book in the garden.

The estate is decorated with no less than 400 original works of art from more than 90 artists. All 61 rooms represent their own artist and are almost like a small gallery in themselves.

In the Munch restaurant you’ll find paintings from Edvard Munch, and the reception is decorated with pictures by Inger Sitter and Andy Warhol to name just two of the famous artists to display their work here.

In the immediate vicinity you’ll find great hiking terrain, a coastal path and a beach. And if you’re looking for more organised activities, you may be tempted by a wine tasting in the hotel’s 18th century cellar or an art tour.

8. Walaker Hotell

Walaker Hotell is over 370 years old and can safely be said to be Norway’s oldest hotel. The hotel is a family business and has been in the Nitter family since 1690, with the ninth generation of Nitters running the hotel today.

Located in the heart of the Sognefjord, in the village of Solvårn in the Luster municipality, this unique hotel has the most idyllic and romantic surroundings you can imagine. Here you can relax in the beautiful garden, blooming with fruit trees, and enjoy the picturesque scenery and the incredible views of the fjord as you soak in the scent of the lilacs and roses. In fact, the hotel and surroundings are so spectacular that they’re an attraction in themselves.

If you’re looking to explore the area while staying at this charming Norwegian hotel, you’ll find plenty of different hiking routes of varying length and difficulty nearby. For those in search of something a bit more adventurous, fjord safaris with kayaks or canoes are also an option.

You may want to take a trip across the fjord and visit Urnes Stave Church. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest stave church in Norway.

9. Snowhotel Kirkenes

If you’re looking for a truly spectacular experience for your next holiday in Norway, then a weekend at this ice hotel is the perfect place to start.

Arctic fun meets incredible surroundings (both inside and outside the hotel) at Snowhotel Kirkenes in northernmost Norway, which offers out-of-this-world suites for couples and families alike.

Here, you can take part in a whole host of activities depending on the season. And when you’ve had your fill of husky safaris, Northern Lights-hunting and ice fishing, you can head to the snow restaurant for some warming reindeer soup, have a drink or two at the ice bar, then grab some shut-eye in your igloo accommodation.

This is truly one of the most unique hotels in Norway, as you get to spend the night completely surrounded by ice and snow. Don’t worry, you get a thermal sleeping bag to keep away the chills.

If this sounds a bit too hardcore, then you can choose to stay in one of the cosy Gamme Cabins at Snowhotel Kirkenes. Inspired by the traditional fishing huts used by the Sami in the wilderness of Lapland, these log cabins offer fantastic fjord views and the chance to catch the aurora borealis or the midnight sun from the comfort of your own living room.

There’s also the option to experience both types of rooms in a two-night stay, plus plenty of activities you won’t find at most other hotels, such as husky puppy walks, snowball target practice and snow yoga!

Tip: If you’re looking for more once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experiences, a night at the Tromsø Ice Domes is for you. Find out more in our post on the best things to do in Tromsø.

10. Haaheim Gaard

You’ll be hard-pushed to find a more charming place to stay in Norway than Haaheim Gaard. This beautiful hotel is located on the island of Tysnes, about 47 km outside Bergen.

With a history dating all the way back to the Middle Ages, this spectacular hotel is located high up on the hillside, surrounded by nature. In fact, the very name Haaheim means ‘the place of those who serve the Gods’.

A luxury B&B of sorts, this unique Norwegian hotel has a magnificent garden where you can wander around charming paths, sit down on a bench and enjoy the views while soaking in the scent of no less than 1,500 rose bushes and other beautiful flowers. There’s also a pretty gazebo in the garden, as well as a chapel.

This lovely hotel has 21 rooms and the suites even have their own saunas. All rooms are decorated in a traditional style, many with copies of historical prints from Norwegian and Swedish manor houses and castles. The ambience is complete with antique furniture and somewhat nostalgic interiors.

The restaurant serves tasty home-cooked food, and there are chef’s dinners and special meals promoting local cuisine throughout the year, not to mention wine and beer tastings at the hotel’s own wine cellar.

11. Gloppen Hotell

Located in Sandane on the Nordfjord, midway between Bergen and Ålesund, you can find the Swiss-style Gloppen Hotell.

Dating back to 1829, the roots of this unique Norwegian hotel are derived from the English lords who came to fish for salmon and trout in the Gloppen River. The site has since become known as an ‘El Dorado’ for anglers, and people from all over the world have been coming here to try their luck in what is known to be one of Norway’s best salmon fishing spots.

The Gloppen Hotell has a total of 61 rooms and several of them are decorated with 19th century-patterned wallpaper, antique furniture and lace curtains.

Besides fishing, the local area offers many activities and sights. The magnificent scenery invites you to take long walks along the Nordfjord, and the open-air Nordfjord Folk Museum is within walking distance of the hotel. Here you can visit a collection of historical buildings including a schoolhouse and a farmhouse, or visit the cultural trail to learn how people in the Nordfjord area lived in times gone by.

And you certainly won’t go hungry here, as the restaurant, Stovene, serves home-cooked dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced produce from the village. In the basement of the hotel there’s even a microbrewery where you can partake in a spot of beer tasting.

12. NorefjellHytta restaurant and cabins

This is a truly unique place to stay in Norway as it’s the country’s smallest hotel, with just three cosy ski-in/ski-out cabin suites on offer, all with their own sauna and fireplace.

The intimate suites of NorefjellHytta are located right in the middle of the Norefjell ski slopes in Norway’s Krødsherad municipality. In the winter, you can just strap on your skis or snowboard and set off. In the summer months you can stay in close proximity to beautiful hiking areas and fishing waters.

If you’re fascinated by trains, you can visit nearby Krøderbanen, Norway’s longest heritage railway, and one of the oldest in the country. A trip to Villa Fridheim on the island of Bjørøya is also worth checking out, especially if you’re on holiday with little ones. This is Norway’s only fairy tale museum.

The NorefjellHytta restaurant is top class, with the inspiration for the menu drawn from typical Norwegian dishes as well as international cuisine. The menu varies from day to day and is determined by the availability of local ingredients.

If you choose to stay at NorefjellHytta you can wake up to a first-rate breakfast, and if the weather behaves itself, you’ll have an absolutely fantastic view of the Krøderen lake.