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!

From the urban streets of Oslo to the rustic beauty of the Fjordlands, picking the best place to stay in Norway will drastically influence your trip. While the whole country is beautiful, it differs greatly by region, and knowing exactly what activities you want to do will be key in picking the best area for you.

To help you in your search, we’ve compiled the best Norwegian areas in which to stay — and the best hotels in each region!

 

Where to Stay in Norway (The Best Hotels & Locations)

 

Trondheim

Located in the Trondelag region of central Norway, Trondheim is known for its colorful buildings, amazing music festivals (Rockheim and Ringve music museums are both worth a look too), and burgeoning foodie scene. The city also features a pedestrian center, a Gothic Cathedral, and tons of nearby nature to explore.

Additionally, the town is right by the country’s third-longest fjord of the same name, Trondheim. This fjord may not be the tallest, but it’s excellent for bird watching. I recommend taking a tour of this region so you can soak up the local history while you wander around.

 

Where to Stay in Trondheim

For a mid-range stay in Trondheim, check out P-Hotels Brattora. This property is adjacent to the water, close to Nordre Gate, and features a breakfast delivery each morning.

A four-star property in Trondheim, Scandic Lerkendal is centrally located, home to a renowned restaurant, and has safety deposit boxes for each guest.

For a luxury option, check out Scandic Nidelven. This hotel is right on the Nidelva River, is just 5 minutes from Trondheim Central Station, features a gym and an art gallery, and has a great breakfast buffet.

 

Svalbard

You probably know Svalbard for its geography — it is the most northerly part of Europe after all! But this region, while remote, packs a punch in activities. Not only is it one of the best places in Norway to go for wildlife and glacier viewing, but it’s also perfect for an off-the-beaten-trail northern lights adventure.

For accommodation in Svalbard, either you can opt to go on a cruise through the region, or base yourself in the town of Longyearbyen.

 

Where to Stay in Svalbard

For basic accommodation in Longyearbyen, check out Gjestehuset 102. This simple lodge features basic rooms with bicycle rentals and free breakfast.

For a luxury stay, check out Funken Lodge. Located on the island of Spitsbergen, the hotel is home to a highly-rated restaurant, a lounge with a fireplace, and beautifully decorated rooms.

Read more: The Best Time to Visit Norway (Depending On What You Want To See)

 

Stavanger

Located in southern Norway, the Stavanger region is a must if you want to tackle some of the best hiking in the country. These hikes include Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Aurlandsdalen, Skala, and Romsdalseggen.

In particular, this area is perfect if you want to take a cruise to visit Lysefjord and then hike to Pulpit Rock. This beautiful rock formation towers 600m above the fjord and takes just 4 hours to hike.

Additionally, make sure to check out the town! Historic Gamle Stavanger (old town) is a great neighborhood to walk around in and is characterized by its 18th and 19th-century buildings.

 

Where to Stay in Stavanger

Smarthotel Forus is an artsy mid-range option that offers a bar, car rental, and easy access to the Kvadrat Shopping Center.

Thon Hotel Maritim is a great four-star property right in the center of Stavanger. The hotel has a view of Lake Breiavatnet, offers a buffet breakfast, and has an outdoor relaxation area.

 

Oslo

A metropolitan city in southern Norway, Oslo is the perfect start to any Norwegian trip. Not only does the city have a food scene to die for, but it’s also bursting with art, architecture, and Norwegian culture in spades.

However, it’s not just the urban qualities that are Oslo’s main draw. The city is also home to large sprawling gardens, scenic cruises, and so many ways to take in the extensive history of the area. While here, be sure to check out The Vigeland Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Royal Palace, and Akershus Fortress.

 

Where to Stay in Oslo

Anker Hotel is a mid-range hotel with artfully decorated rooms, a lobby bar, and is close to nature.

First Hotel Grims Grenka is a luxury property located right in Oslo’s city center. The hotel is close to Central Station and the house restaurant focuses on healthy fare.

For another luxury option, check out Lysebu Hotel. Situated at Tryvannshoyden Hill, this hotel provides a great restaurant, panoramic views, and local art. Not to mention, this property can set up your own personal wine tasting with picks from its wine cellar.

Read more: What to Pack for a Trip to Norway

 

Bergen

If you’re looking to extensively explore the fjord region, then I recommend using Bergen as your base for at least part of your trip. Bergen is one of the most colorful cities in Europe and is home to a great art scene and jaw-dropping nature.

Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is the second-largest city in the country and looks like it could be the setting for a fairy tale. While here, take the funicular up Floyen Mountain, explore the trader’s museum, and grab a bite on top of Ulriken.

 

Where to Stay in Bergen

Augustin Hotel is a centrally-located hotel with reasonable rates and a 400-year old cellar. The property is just a short walk from the popular Fish Market.

Zander K Hotel is a highly-rated 4-star hotel with modern décor, free use of bicycles, and an on-site fitness room.

Opus XVI is a luxury property located in Bergenhus. This hotel is extra special in that it’s an Edvard Grieg historic hotel from 1876. The hotel provides a traditional breakfast and unique guestrooms.

 

Alesund

Not only is Alesund well known as being one of the most beautiful cities in Norway (it’s actually built on a cluster of islands), it’s also the perfect place to explore some of the most famous fjords in the country.

While here, exploring Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord have to be on your itinerary, and I also recommend renting a car and driving Gamle Strynefjellsvegen.

Not to mention, Alesund has a photogenic Art Nouveau district, great viewpoints, and some of the best fish soup you’ll find in all of Norway.

 

Where to Stay in Alesund

Vinje Camping is a cute cottage glamping option in Geiranger with an on-site barbecue and playground. (If you’re wondering where to stay in Norway’s Fjords – this is it!)

Scandic Parken is an affordable 4-star option in central Alesund that features a sauna, fitness center, and one of the best restaurants in the area – Brasserie Normandie.

Situated by the Alesund Straight, Hotel Brosundet is another 4-star property that offers an onsite bar, free wifi, and sea views.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Norway’s Fjord Region

 

Tromso

Known as the “capital of the Arctics,” Tromso is located in Northern Norway and is a great place to view the Northern Lights if you’re not up for trekking all the way up to Svalbard. The city itself has an urban vibe to it, with a historic center made up of traditional wooden huts, a beautiful cathedral, and a vibrant cultural scene.

While here, you’ll also want to explore some of the nearby fjords – Malangel, Balsfjord, Ullsfjorden, and Lyngen are all worth checking out.

 

Where to Stay in Tromso

Scandic Grand Tromso is a three-star hotel located on Tromso’s Storgata street. The hotel offers colorful rooms, a small convenience store, and a big breakfast buffet.

Enter Amalie Hotel, a four-star property located in central Tromso, features free waffles every afternoon, a cozy lounge, and free wifi.

 

Lofoten Islands

About a 6-hour drive from Tromso, the Lofoten Islands should be high on your list for Norway – this is one of my favorite areas of the whole country. The area is a cluster of islands characterized by towering fjords, clear waters, colorful fishing towns, and great beaches.

While exploring Lofoten, you won’t regret checking out the fishing village of Reine, relaxing in the Nusfjord spa, surfing on Unstad Beach, and hiking the trails of Vaeroy.

 

Where to Stay in the Lofoten Islands

Nusfjord Rorbuer, located in Nusfjord, is a traditional cottage option that guarantees a great view of the sea. The cottages have all the amenities, including a wood-fired hot tub and refrigerators.

Reine Rorbuer is another traditional cottage accommodation, but this time located in Reine — one of the best places to stay in Norway. The fisherman hut cottages offer wifi, a varied selection of meals, and a traditional atmosphere. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Norway because of the location and the adorable cabins featuring stunning views!

For a hotel option, I recommend staying at Scandic Svolvaer on the Svolvaer island of Lamhomen. This high-end property features a beautiful view of the landscape, free wifi, and wildlife within sight!

Read more: Lofoten Islands Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know

 

FjordKysten

Located between Alesund and Bergen on the west coast islands, staying in the region of FjordKysten is your one-stop-shop for all things adventure. The area is home to towering fjords, mountains, and beautiful beaches, with opportunities for adventuring above and below the sea. In particular, diving is an extremely popular sport here, with a variety of marine life, shipwrecks, and terrain to explore.

While in the area, I recommend basing yourself in the FjordKysten town of Floro. This historic town was founded in 1860 and is home to a Coastal Museum, some great microbreweries, and a lighthouse.

 

Where to Stay in FjordKysten

Kinn Hotell Floro is a mid-range B&B located close to Floro’s center. Here you’ll enjoy free wifi, a sauna, and a lobby bar.