Top destinations for hotels in Norway
Norway’s geography, from deep fjords to Arctic tundra, shapes its hotel scene. Travelers can choose between lively city stays, fjord-view lodges, and remote mountain retreats. Accommodation is scattered widely, often reflecting local landscapes and travel patterns.
Oslo (capital city & surroundings)
The capital is a mix of modern design hotels, business chains, and heritage buildings near the waterfront. It’s ideal for culture seekers and business travelers alike.
The capital is a mix of modern design hotels, business chains, and heritage buildings near the waterfront. It’s ideal for culture seekers and business travelers alike.
- Clarion Hotel The Hub – central, modern, with great city views.
- Hotel Christiania Teater – boutique style in a historic theatre.
- Scandic Holmenkollen Park – traditional mountain lodge feel overlooking the city.
- Thon Hotel Opera – convenient for Oslo Central Station.
Bergen & the Western Fjords
Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, combines maritime charm with scenic surroundings. Smaller towns nearby offer hotels right on the fjord edge.
Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, combines maritime charm with scenic surroundings. Smaller towns nearby offer hotels right on the fjord edge.
- Hotel Norge by Scandic – contemporary luxury downtown.
- Opus XVI – design-focused boutique in a historic bank building.
- Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand – classic fjord-front resort with heritage architecture.
- Fretheim Hotel, Flåm – popular base for fjord cruises and scenic rail trips.
The Arctic North (Tromsø, Lofoten, Alta)
These northern destinations cater to adventurers and those chasing the northern lights. Expect smaller design hotels, lodges, and family-run guesthouses.
These northern destinations cater to adventurers and those chasing the northern lights. Expect smaller design hotels, lodges, and family-run guesthouses.
- Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø – views of the harbor and Arctic skyline.
- Svinøya Rorbuer, Lofoten – converted fisherman cabins by the water.
- Sommarøy Arctic Hotel – peaceful island retreat near Tromsø.
- Thon Hotel Alta – practical stop for northern journeys.
Coastal towns & southern resorts
Norway’s southern coast feels milder and sunnier, known for beaches and quaint harbors. Kristiansand and Stavanger are top picks.
Norway’s southern coast feels milder and sunnier, known for beaches and quaint harbors. Kristiansand and Stavanger are top picks.
- Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger – business and leisure blend.
- Hotel Norge, Kristiansand – relaxed and family-friendly.
- Sola Strand Hotel – beachside resort near Stavanger.
- Lindesnes Havhotell – ocean-view modern property on the southern tip.
Types of hotels and accommodations in Norway
Norway’s lodging options are as varied as its landscapes. From upscale fjord resorts to eco-lodges and budget hostels, each style fits a different kind of traveler and season.
Luxury & 5-Star
Top-tier hotels are concentrated in Oslo, Bergen, and major fjord destinations. They focus on design, gourmet dining, and natural scenery.
Top-tier hotels are concentrated in Oslo, Bergen, and major fjord destinations. They focus on design, gourmet dining, and natural scenery.
- The Thief, Oslo – contemporary art-driven luxury.
- Hotel Continental, Oslo – classic five-star elegance.
- Hotel Union, Geiranger – spa resort with fjord views.
- Opus XVI, Bergen – refined boutique luxury.
Boutique & Design
Small independent hotels and design stays have flourished, often in renovated buildings or scenic locations.
Small independent hotels and design stays have flourished, often in renovated buildings or scenic locations.
- Hotel Christiania Teater, Oslo – theatrical and intimate.
- Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Bergen – historic warehouse conversion.
- Lofoten Arctic Hotel – modern design with sea panoramas.
- Røros Hotell – traditional design in a UNESCO town.
Family-Friendly
Ideal for road trips and ski holidays, these hotels emphasize space, flexible dining, and kid-friendly amenities.
Ideal for road trips and ski holidays, these hotels emphasize space, flexible dining, and kid-friendly amenities.
- Radisson Blu Mountain Resort, Trysil – ski-in/ski-out convenience.
- Voss Resort Hotel – family-oriented near lake and mountain trails.
- Geilo Hotel – cozy, family-run winter resort.
- Clarion Hotel Stavanger – urban comfort with family suites.
Business & City Hotels
Found mainly in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim, these properties cater to business travelers with conference facilities and efficient services.
Found mainly in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim, these properties cater to business travelers with conference facilities and efficient services.
- Clarion Hotel The Hub, Oslo – major meeting point downtown.
- Scandic Nidelven, Trondheim – famous breakfast and riverside setting.
- Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen – excellent location for short stays.
- Comfort Hotel Stavanger – modern and value-oriented.
Budget & Hostels
Budget travelers can find hostels, simple hotels, and self-service apartments even in expensive cities.
Budget travelers can find hostels, simple hotels, and self-service apartments even in expensive cities.
- Citybox Oslo – smart, automated, low-cost stay.
- Bergen Budget Hotel – central and basic.
- HI Hostel Tromsø – practical Arctic base.
- Cabin-style hostel in Åndalsnes – great for hikers.
Unique & Eco-Lodges
Norway excels in creative and sustainable stays, many blending architecture and nature.
Norway excels in creative and sustainable stays, many blending architecture and nature.
- Dalen Hotel, Telemark – fairytale wooden building from the 1800s.
- Juvet Landscape Hotel, Valldal – glass cubes in the forest.
- Utne Hotel, Hardangerfjord – Norway’s oldest still-running inn.
- Treehotel-style cabins near Åsnes – elevated forest design.
Best coastal and resort hotels
Norway’s coastlines and fjord regions offer resort experiences built around scenery, spas, and quiet relaxation rather than beaches. Many resorts combine wellness with outdoor adventure like hiking, kayaking, or glacier tours.
Hotel Alexandra, Loen
Historic fjord resort with pools, spa, and views of Nordfjord. A favorite for families and nature lovers.
Historic fjord resort with pools, spa, and views of Nordfjord. A favorite for families and nature lovers.
Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
Heritage wooden hotel facing the Sognefjord, famous for its old-world elegance and art collection.
Heritage wooden hotel facing the Sognefjord, famous for its old-world elegance and art collection.
Dalen Hotel, Telemark
Romantic fairytale architecture and tranquil lakeside setting near the Telemark Canal.
Romantic fairytale architecture and tranquil lakeside setting near the Telemark Canal.
Sola Strand Hotel, Stavanger region
Beachfront spa resort offering sea views, Nordic cuisine, and quick access to the city.
Beachfront spa resort offering sea views, Nordic cuisine, and quick access to the city.
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, near Tromsø
Remote island resort with Arctic Ocean views, perfect for midnight sun and northern lights seasons.
Remote island resort with Arctic Ocean views, perfect for midnight sun and northern lights seasons.
Hotel Union, Geiranger
Full-service mountain resort overlooking the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, ideal for scenic drives and boat tours.
Full-service mountain resort overlooking the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, ideal for scenic drives and boat tours.
Hotel price ranges and practical info
Hotel prices in Norway vary by season and location. On average, budget stays cost around NOK 1000–1800 per night, mid-range hotels from NOK 2000–3500, and luxury options start around NOK 4000 and can climb much higher in summer or winter peaks.
- Tipping culture: Tipping is optional; rounding up the bill is enough.
- Taxes: VAT is included in most hotel prices, with no major city fees.
- Booking channels: Hotels can be booked via major platforms or directly for better flexibility.
- Breakfast: Most hotels include a generous breakfast buffet in the rate.
- Check-in/out: Standard check-in is 15:00, check-out around 11:00–12:00.
- Payment methods: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed.
- Transport: City hotels are well-connected by train, tram, or bus; remote areas may need ferries or rental cars.
- Seasonality: Prices spike in July–August and in ski or northern lights seasons.
- Cancellation: Flexible rates are common but slightly pricier — check weather conditions if heading north.
- Local etiquette: Norwegians value quiet respect and punctuality; late arrivals should be communicated in advance.
Unique stays and heritage hotels in Norway
Historic hotels, manors, and nature lodges are among Norway’s most memorable places to stay. These properties combine architecture, landscape, and storytelling into distinctive travel experiences.
- Utne Hotel, Hardangerfjord – Oldest operating hotel in Norway, established in 1722, known for charm and fjord views.
- Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand – Iconic wooden structure with art-filled interiors and long family history.
- Dalen Hotel, Telemark – Ornate 19th-century building in “dragon style” architecture by a serene lake.
- Refsnes Gods, Moss – 18th-century manor with an impressive art collection and fine dining.
- Fru Haugans Hotel, Mosjøen – Northern Norway’s oldest hotel, overlooking the Vefsna River.
- Bårdshaug Herregård, Trøndelag – Historic manor offering modern comforts with vintage atmosphere.
- Juvet Landscape Hotel, Valldal – Innovative eco-design blending architecture and wilderness.
- Røisheim Hotel, Lom – Restored 18th-century farm buildings surrounded by mountains.
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Tips for booking hotels in Norway
Booking hotels in Norway is straightforward, but planning ahead and understanding local customs can save time and money. These practical tips help travelers get the best out of their stay.
- Book early for summer and winter seasons — demand spikes quickly.
- Use Norwegian hotel chain sites for better local rates and flexible policies.
- Public transport links are strong in cities but limited in fjord areas — check access before booking.
- Consider shoulder months (May, September) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Always verify breakfast and cancellation terms when booking online.
- Loyalty programs with Nordic hotel chains often include free nights or upgrades.
- Bring warm clothing even in summer if visiting mountain or coastal areas.
- Don’t over-tip — it’s not expected, just appreciated if service is exceptional.
- Confirm parking or EV-charging options in rural hotels if driving.
- Expect efficient but minimalistic service — Norwegian hospitality values comfort and privacy.
