Where to Stay in Norway (The Best Hotels & Locations 2024)
Wondering where to stay in Norway? This DETAILED guide covers the top areas to stay and the best hotels in each location!
Norway By Region
Planning a trip to Norway? Let us show you some of our favorite spots to visit, where to stay, things to do, the best time to visit and more!
- Lofoten Islands: The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago, meaning a collection of islands. The fishing towns and villages of Lofoten are quintessentially charming, and you can even stay in one of the small fisherman’s cabins which have been turned into apartments (called Rorbus), which are only found on these Islands. The historic village of Nusfjord is a must-visit for history lovers who are intrigued by the idea of touring a sawmill and a cod-liver oil-making factory.
- Geirangerfjord: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. A hotspot here is the Geiranger Skywalk, where you can enjoy the view of Geirangerfjord from 1,500 meters above sea level. If you’re looking for a more active way to explore the views of the fjord, I recommend kayaking and exploring this gorgeous place from the water!
- Romsdalen: Go see the quirkily named Troll Wall here in Romsdalen, which has been hailed as Europe’s tallest rock face, where the story goes that the trolls who didn’t make it home before sunrise turned to stone. Also called the Trollveggen in Norwegian, the wall also has a challenging hike for those interested in the advanced hiking experience. Romsdalen also has its fair share of gorgeous waterfalls, notably the Mardalsfossen waterfall. Visit the Eggen restaurant which is known for the 360 degree views over the mountain ranges that it offers, and take a cable car to continue your journey of enjoying the views.
- Flam: Europe is famous for its trains, and the Flam Railway is ranked among the best railways, especially in terms of its picturesque journey. The train passes through several tunnels, grassy mountains and fields, twisting rivers and ravines, and even makes short stops at waterfalls on the way to Flam. The must-visit Fjord Sauna is a short distance from the Flam Railway station, and you can also take a dip in the cold fjord here. I highly recommend taking a tour to the Stegastein Lookout (one of the most photographed and beautiful viewpoints in the region).
- Senja: Senja is the most popular destination for observing the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. You can book guided tours for this purpose, and some even watch them from hot tubs on the island. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can take a small group kayaking tour. Ersfjordstranda is also a good option for those looking for a beautiful beach with scenery.
- Kirkenes: Kirkenes’ strength lies in its history. As a borderland town close to the Finnish and Russian borders, you can take a leaf from this history book in the form of a museum and visit the Borderland Museum which will take you through the entire region’s history. An opportunity to visit the Kirkenes Snowhotel should not be missed either!
- Svalbard: Svalbard promises a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a peek into untouched Arctic wilderness and the possibility of seeing polar bears in the wild! You can enjoy dogsledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing for outdoorsy activities. You can also experience Polar Nights here, with entire days of darkness, or the Midnight Sun, with entire days of sun. Those who think that all of Svalbard is cut off from the rest of the world will be surprised to know that one of Scandinavia’s largest wine cellars is found here at Huset Restaurant.
Destination Guides
Norway Travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Norway?
The best time to visit Norway depends on your interests and what you want to do. If you want to see the Northern Lights, visit in the winter. If you want to hike and explore the fjords, visit in the summer. And if you want to avoid crowds and save money, visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
What is the weather like in Norway?
Norway has a varied climate due to its long coastline, mountains, and fjords. Generally, the coastal areas have mild winters and cool summers, while the inland and northern regions have colder temperatures, with more snow and shorter summers.
What is the warmest month in Norway?
The warmest month in Norway is July. In the southern coastal regions, such as Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, you’ll find an average temperature of around 18-20°C (64-68°F). In the northern regions, such as Tromsø, the average temperature in July is around 12-14°C (54-57°F).
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