No one travels just for the hotels, right? Perhaps, but your choice of lodging can make or break your travel experience. A good hotel will forever be ingrained in your memory, elevating your trip from good to great - or in the case of these fabulous boutique hotels, from great to once-in-a-lifetime.
Planning a trip to Norway? Make the most of your visit with a standout stay in one of these alternatives to traditional hotels. Spend an unforgettable night in a lighthouse, igloo, or fisherman's cabin, and you'll definitely have something to write home about.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a European capital more suitable for families and kids than Oslo. A number of hotels cater to parents of both small children and teens — with the right lodging, you'll feel right at home in this booming heart of Scandinavia.
Bergen is an incredibly family-friendly destination, with no shortage of child-oriented activities—both indoor and outdoor. After long days spent exploring the scenic Norwegian coastal city, you'll want to be sure you have a comfortable place to relax and recharge. Here are 5 of Bergen's best family-oriented hotels.
With activities like dog sledding, whale safaris, and hunting for the Northern Lights, the Lapland and Northern Norway region is a natural destination for travelers with kids. Most area lodging readily caters to groups and families—here are 4 of the best options, from Tromsø hotels to traditional tents in the wilderness.
When choosing a hotel in Norway's charming city of Bergen, consider one of the many boutique options within walking distance of top attractions. These six hotels provide unique decor elements, including a glass ceiling purchased in Amsterdam, wood beams from the Hanseatic period, and motifs inspired by two famous Norwegian composers. Read on and pick your favorite.
If you're looking for a splurge hotel in Norway's second-largest city—walking distance from the historic harbor—these four hotels have upscale interiors and possible amenities ranging from spas and tranquility pools to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Bergen.
Many of Oslo's top hotels have added new polished restaurants in recent years that aim to draw locals and travelers alike, with unique draws like rooftop settings or large windows facing the Christmas market. These nine hotels—some are restored historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with top attractions like Palace Park and the Munch Museum.
The best boutique hotels in Oslo are all within walking distance of Oslo's top attractions, like Palace Park, yet removed from the tourist crowds. Whether it's Nordic-meets-Balinese decor, elegant rooms with stand-alone tubs, or a tree-lined location near bookstores, you'll find it on this list.
One of the most famous hikes in Norway offers few hotel options (enjoy those uninterrupted views), and you'll want a good night's sleep before and after the adventure. Luckily, Stavanger, Norway's fourth largest city, is less than an hour away from Pulpit Rock, providing a charming base. Here are four hotels in the cobbled center with access to great restaurants and shopping.
Norway's capital gets more sophisticated by the year, and many of its best hotels have atmospheric lounges that draw locals and travelers alike for signature cocktails. These hotels—some are historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with restaurants as well as cultural attractions like the National Theater and Oslo Opera House.
When choosing a hotel in the artsy and outdoorsy town of Balestrand, you'll likely prioritize views of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. These three hotels not only take advantage of their proximity to the surrounding mountains and sea but have easy access to galleries, challenging hiking trails, and fjord adventures.
Given the rugged, remote, and sizable setting in Norway's fjord region, choosing the right hotel (and location) can get tricky, but we're here to help. We've hand-picked a dozen options in the Sognefjord—the country's longest and deepest fjord—and have broken them down into three categories depending on your budget: standard, mid-range, and luxury. Read on for the best hotels in the Sognefjord.
Choosing among all the great accommodations in Norway's growing capital can be tricky, and we're here to help. Here are six favorite hotels in three categories depending on your budget—standard, mid-range, and luxury—with either new or renovated rooms, standout complimentary breakfasts, and desirable locations steps from Oslo's top attractions.
Choosing a mid-range hotel while exploring Norway's longest and deepest fjord is ideal for travelers who want a step above the standard category but don't want to spend on luxury. These eight properties offer comfortable interiors and perks, like renovated rooms with local bath products, a fireplace lounge, or an outdoor pool facing the fjord.
Hotels near Oslo's up-and-coming waterfront offer easy access to a deluge of new museums, restaurants, shops, and architectural gems. We've compiled a list of properties that are a short stroll to either Aker Brygge or Bjørvika along the Oslofjord, making it easier to explore Norway's capital.
If traveling to Norway's fjord region, the small village of Aurland provides a charming base for exploring the incredibly scenic Aurlandsford (a branch of the Sognefjord). These three hotels—two of which are family-owned—offer easy access to hiking trails, fjord excursions, a beachfront for swimmers, and Stegastein Viewpoint.
When choosing a place to stay in Flåm—a village in Norway's fjord region—views are likely a priority. These four charming hotels are surrounded by steep mountains in the Aurlandsfjord (a branch of the famous Sognefjord) and offer direct access to hiking trails and fjord excursions, plus a vintage-style railway with one of the steepest train routes in the world.
Norway's second-largest city has a growing hotel scene for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf, hiking trails, and nearby fjords. We've hand-picked a few options in each category—standard, mid-range, and luxury—that are located in the city center with some unique perks, like a tranquility pool and a restaurant in a 400-year-old cave, to name a few. Read on to learn more.
If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Oslo near the best attractions, these options—many with historic roots—have up-to-date, posh rooms, sophisticated restaurants, and possible amenities ranging from spas and indoor pools to piano bars and underground jazz clubs. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Central Oslo.
When choosing a hotel in Norway's charming city of Stavanger, most travelers are drawn to the scenic harbor, steps from top-notch restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, not to mention boating fjord excursions. Here are three favorite waterfront hotels—standard, mid-range, and luxury—depending on your budget.
All family-owned, these three luxury hotel options offer beautiful views, elegant decor, and standout food and wine programs. Read on to find out more about our hand-picked luxury properties in Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.
Norway's fjord region, like all of Scandinavia, is notoriously expensive, but the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord—has its share of affordable stays surrounded by spectacular scenery. We've hand-picked five simple but charming hotels that don't break the bank, leaving you extra spending money for the area's wide range of outdoor adventures and cultural activities.
Norway's capital is swiftly gaining new modern architecture, but there are still a surprising number of hotels that make use of their buildings' historical roots. That's not to say they are dated: all the properties on this list have been restored in recent years with fresh room decor and features like upscale lounges and restaurants that blend nicely with original 19th and 20th-century details. Read on for the best historic hotels in Oslo.
It should be no surprise that Bergen has a bundle of historic hotels given its UNESCO-listed wharf. We've selected six hotels that have stood the test of time, with renovated interiors that blend nicely with the buildings' original details. Even if you're not staying overnight, check out the lounges, bars, and restaurants for a glimpse of the past.
With more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, this enormous park is one of Oslo's top attractions, but it's a healthy trek from the city center, where most tourists stay. Luckily, we've compiled a list of hotels with easier access to this veritable open-air museum (free of charge; open 24/7). Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Oslo, close to the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
These mid-range options are great for travelers who want contemporary furnishings and access to major highlights from Palace Park to the Oslo Opera House, not to mention outstanding breakfasts and cozy lounge areas. Here are the top picks for the best mid-range hotels in Oslo.
These eight properties—many family-owned and operated for generations—provide plenty of local charm and hospitality after a day's adventures in the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.
These three hotels near Grünerløkka will get you close to the trendy arts district along the Akerselva river and keep you within walking distance of Oslo's city center when you're ready to explore more mainstream attractions. You'll find graffiti-lined streets, independent restaurants, and live music venues—lending to a Brooklyn, New York vibe.
Oslo is an expensive city, but Norway's capital has its share of affordable hotels that have renovated rooms, contemporary lounge spaces, and healthy complimentary breakfasts, adding to the appeal. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including fjord excursions and top attractions like Palace Park and the Nobel Peace Center.
Deciding where to stay in Norway's capital can be a difficult decision, but the newly-developed Aker Brygge waterfront precinct is a great place to consider. Though the area really comes alive during the summer months, thanks to outdoor dining and fjord excursions, there are events and attractions for every season, including the new National Museum with the most extensive art collection in the country. Check out these five hotels within a 10-minute walk from the action.
There are affordable hotel options in Bergen, despite being an expensive city. The accommodations on this list have welcoming lounge spaces, complimentary breakfasts, and surprising perks like a romantic restaurant in a 400-year-old cellar. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including Bryggen's medieval wharf, hiking trails, and fjord excursions.
The fast-growing city of Oslo offers plenty of glossy new architecture, but there are still charming hotels that have stood the test of time. We've compiled a list of three mid-range options in Norway's capital dating back to the 19th century with renovated interiors that blend nicely with the buildings' original details. Read on to learn more.
When choosing a hotel in Bergen, some travelers prefer to be as close to the UNESCO-listed wharf, Bryggen, as possible. Here, you'll have immediate access to the photogenic maze of multicolored wooden houses with museums, boutiques, and outdoor cafés spilling toward the waterfront. We've hand-picked three hotels that fit the bill—read on to learn more.
When choosing a hotel in Oslo, consider that the most opulent options have a storied past from the 19th century for travelers who appreciate old-world charm. All the properties on this list have been restored in recent years with a spate of new features—like a full-service spa or underground jazz club—adding modernity to the historic surroundings. Read on to learn more.
Along an arm of the North Sea, Bergen's waterfront is recognizable for its colorful maze of wooden houses backed by forested mountains—you'll likely want to spend quality time here when visiting. These five hotels are directly on the harbor or steps from it, with easy access to outdoor cafés, a fish market, hiking trails (with sea views), and fjord excursions.
Norway's second-largest city has many unique hotels, big and small, for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf and nearby fjords. A step above standard, these seven mid-range options are well located in central Bergen and offer modern rooms, free breakfasts, and comfy lounge areas or restaurants. Read on to learn more.
With multiple Thon properties in Norway, this 154-room Thon Hotel Terminus is located steps from the Oslo City Mall and a major concert arena, called Spektrum, offering a wide range of performances. It’s also a short walk to Oslo Central Station with an express train to and from the airport....
Dating back to 1912, this family-run hotel has a waterfront setting along the fjord, steps from Sogndal. This is one of the bigger fjord towns in the area and offers conveniences like grocery stores, EV charging stations, and restaurants. Rooms have traditional Norwegian decor, and many offer...
Next to a river, this modern hotel stands out for its six-story height in the small town of Sogndal, providing a reliable base for fjord adventures. Choose between a mix of new and renovated rooms that have hardwood-style floors and contemporary decor, and dining options include Italian, gourmet...
Housed in a neoclassical property from the 1920s, this Clarion property offers a prime location in the Bryggen area for easy access to the colorful harbor that dates back to the 14th century. Guests have all-day access to a spacious lobby and lounge and can take part in the daily complimentary...
On a pristine lake, this standard, family-run hotel in Hafslo is a reliable base for those who plan to be out and about enjoying the nearby mountains, fjords, ski resorts, and Europe’s largest mainland glacier. While many hotels in the area are seasonal, this is a year-round option (hello,...
Housed in a historic building, this renovated 107-room property is one of the newer additions in the heart of Stavanger. It’s located across from the ferry terminal, with quick access to a range of boat excursions in the Lysefjord area. The lobby has a fireplace and loaner bikes, as well as a...
Steps from the Dragsvik ferry terminal, this seasonal hotel is situated on a narrow peninsula with fjord views in both directions. The historic interiors have modern updates, and a range of room types (including newer private cabins) have views of the sea and mountains. Nearby Balestrand offers...
This young, family-run hotel is across the street from the Sognefjord in the charming town of Balestrand, surrounded by mountains and sea. There are 30 rooms, and half of them face memorable views overlooking Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The renovated reception area on the first floor...
In 2014, this former fishing lodge was transformed into a small property with 10 individual rustic-chic rooms. The owners live on-site and each summer season ushers in a new staff including a chef, gardener, and artist-in-residence. Guests spend their days in nature—there are plenty of hikes and...
Opened in 2019, this luxurious, yet trendy boutique hotel pays homage to the ship that transported thousands of Norwegian immigrants to their new home in America during the 19th century—and that’s just a nibble of the story that plays a larger part of the brand. Rooms have parquet floors and...
This discreet boutique hotel in Stavanger—less than an hour’s drive from Pulpit Rock—opened in 2019 and is named for the building’s original architect: Eilert Smith. There are 12 rooms with high-end Scandinavian decor and amenities like Nespresso machines and complimentary minibars. Guests can...
Renovated in 2018, this relaxed guesthouse in Flåm offers striking views of the Aurlandsfjord. The location is removed from the cruise ship terminal, yet still within walking distance of the village center and train station. There are 22 rooms with simple, contemporary decor, and most have fjord...
With direct views of the Aurlandsfjord, this seasonal, family-owned property in Aurland once hosted British salmon anglers in the 19th century. Today, there are 22 rooms that come in a few different categories (and buildings) including charming hotel rooms with antique furnishings to modern...
Surrounded by fjord views, this traditional clapboard hotel in Aurland completed a major interior renovation in 2021. Contemporary rooms have new bathrooms and local bath products, and many come with balconies or terraces (dogs are welcome). A restaurant and bar face the views, and staff can...
This white clapboard property from 1937 overlooks a stunning vantage point along a narrow branch of Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Rustic-chic interiors include a spacious restaurant and lounge, while the 14 rooms take up the top two floors (no elevator). Guests can swim and kayak onsite, or...
With 122 rooms, the biggest hotel in Flåm stands out for its sprawling size and white clapboard exterior against a steep mountain backdrop. Guests can choose between various wings and room types—including the elegant historic wing—and many have balconies and terraces with fjord views. When not in...
This modern 249-room hotel is bigger than it looks from the entrance, attracting all types of travelers due to its central location and affordability. It has an open layout in the lobby with a spacious bar and a lengthy communal table for drinks, including local beers and wines by the glass. The...
One of the longest-running hotels in Norway’s capital sits across the street from the National Theater. This is more than a luxury hotel though, it’s a point of pride for Oslo residents with a family-owned history dating back to the 19th century—and you’ll find just as many locals as...
This modern hotel is easy to spot with its elegant 19th-century facade on Oslo’s most famous street: Karl Johans gate. The 157 rooms were completely renovated in 2021 with modern furnishings and plush bedding. Standard rooms can feel a bit snug for two people, while larger deluxe rooms and suites...
Tucked inside a shopping mall, this modern hotel has a prime location for walking to the Oslo Opera House and Munch Museum, as well as public transportation. The 239 rooms are bright with Scandinavian decor, while a trendy lobby offers shuffleboard and laptop-friendly workspaces. The hotel lacks...
Facing the historic harbor (and cruise ship pier), this 116-room hotel occupies a central location in Stavanger. Basic but contemporary rooms have big windows, and a percentage of all categories—even standard—face the waterfront (request upon check-in). Freebies include breakfast and a light...
This 147-room property received a major interior renovation in 2016. The hotel is located within walking distance of Stavanger’s charming shopping and restaurant district, as well as the harbor with fjord excursions. Colorful, contemporary rooms have mini-fridges and rain showerheads, while...
The company behind Thon Hotels has multiple properties in Oslo, and this 167-room option is a short walk to the National Theater and shopping along Karl Johans gate. Colorful decor—a brand staple—beef up simple rooms that come with mini-fridges and smart TVs. Guest perks include a popular...
Dating back to 1913, this mid-range hotel in the heart of Oslo has modern interiors and an impressive sustainability program. There are 145 rooms in several room categories ranging from single beds to suites that can sleep a family of four—and all come with tech-friendly amenities. An onsite...
Featuring modern art and design, this 114-room waterfront hotel stands out for its curved architecture—and its location on Tjuvholmen (Thief Islet), which was once known for thieves and pirates, hence the name. Unlike most hotels in Oslo, guests have direct access to the Oslofjord for swimming,...
This restored 97-room hotel opened in 2015 and provides a boutique environment on a slightly quieter side street in the heart of Bergen. Rooms have bold bursts of colors and stocked mini-bars, along with mosaic bathrooms. Relax or dine in the lobby with an airy restaurant and bar serving à la...
This local Norwegian hotel company is known for its compact rooms at affordable rates. While the concept may not appeal to everyone, low-maintenance travelers will get snug, modern accommodations that have quality beds and private bathrooms. For more elbow room, you can always hang in the...
This Balinese-meets-Scandinavian boutique hotel in Oslo has a quiet location within walking distance of Aker Brygge and Palace Park. Rustic-chic rooms have four-poster beds and deerskin throws that can cater to solo travelers, families, and romantics. Guests can start the day with organic...
A short walk from Oslo Central Station is this no-frills hotel appealing to modern travelers. The futuristic experience starts with self-check-in kiosks at the front door. From here, use your keycard to access a spacious lobby with various seating areas, as well as the 216 contemporary rooms with...
Hidden behind a busy street, this charming hotel has just seven unique rooms and provides a quiet alternative to bigger properties in Oslo. The historic clapboard property is just a short walk to the Royal Palace (where members of the Norwegian monarchy reside), surrounded by walking and jogging...
This is one of the few hotels in and around Oslo’s trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood, a 20-minute walk outside of the city center. Part of the Swedish Scandic brand, 180 rooms come with contemporary furnishings and wood floors. However, they’re not the reason why people stay here—instead, it’s to...
This solid, budget-friendly hotel has 296 rooms in a tower adjacent to a quiet student housing complex. It’s a convenient location for travelers who want to be close to Grünerløkka, a hip area of Oslo with independent shops, dining, and live music. Simple rooms have working desks and flat-screen...
The Walaker Hotel is a family-run, seasonal property in the scenic village of Solvorn, steps from nature trails, swimming beaches, and a small ferry that makes crossings to a UNESCO-listed church. Guests are encouraged to make reservations for the nightly multi-course dinners with optional wine...
The polished 65-room Opus XVI boutique hotel is housed in a former bank from 1876, one of Bergen’s most famous historic buildings. After an extensive renovation was completed in 2018, there are sophisticated rooms that have warm tones and luxe amenities, with nods to the owners’ relative,...
This classic hotel is across the street from the Bergen train station and within walking distance of key attractions like the Bryggen wharf. Refurbished rooms, including family options, have elegant decor, smart TVs, and mini-bars. Free breakfast is served in a brasserie while a wood-paneled...
Sister property of the Hotel Oleana around the corner, this smaller 34-room hotel is situated directly on Bergen’s main pedestrian plaza. Rooms are decorated with bold contemporary furnishings, while some have seated balconies facing the action. Breakfast is served on the lower level with organic...
This 47-room hotel is located in a leafy residential area between Oslo’s biggest parks: Palace Park (home of the Norwegian monarchy) and Frogner Park (home of the Vigeland Sculpture Park). Various room types have contemporary furnishings as well as Nespresso machines and minibars. An intimate bar...
This mid-range hotel with 50 rooms has a prime corner locale in Bergen, a block from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf. Contemporary rooms take up several floors (use the elevator or winding staircase), while a tasteful pub on the ground floor features Belgian beers and small plates. Guests also...
This 209-room hotel boasts a direct view—perhaps the best in town—of Bergen’s historic wharf, which can be seen from the restaurant with a menu designed by celeb chef Marcus Samuelsson. Guests can also snag views from the free breakfast buffet and the lobby offering free water, coffee, and tea....
Located in Bergen’s former stock exchange building—and across the street from the harbor—this 127-room hotel is one of the few luxury options in town. The upscale dining options include an all-day seafood cathedral surrounded by restored frescoes, while a Michelin-starred Nordic restaurant serves...
This family-owned hotel in central Bergen offers an impressive collection of local artwork and sculptures by Norwegian artists. Rooms have traditional decor and upscale bath products, and some come with Juliette balconies and/or views of the harbor. There’s also free breakfast, a fitness center,...
This hotel is a newer addition in Oslo’s up-and-coming district called Bjørvika, home of architectural giants like the Munch Museum and Oslo Opera House. Clarion’s art-filled lobby takes up the first level, while more than 250 rooms and suites rise six floors with floor-to-ceiling windows that...
This palatial hotel with 500 rooms is conveniently located across the street from Oslo Airport, accessed via a covered walkway—i.e. no airport shuttle or taxi is required. Recharge in a renovated lounge and restaurant serving local beers and Scandinavian fare, with some international favorites...
This exclusive 18-room property is housed in a historic 100-year-old villa in central Bergen, next to its much larger sister hotel, Grand Hotel Terminus, where guests check in and out. The villa has a manicured garden and lawn space, which is sometimes used for events, but otherwise creates a...
With art nouveau flair, this 102-room boutique hotel is a historic fixture on a tree-lined street between the National Theater and Parliament building—and within walking distance to the Aker Brygge waterfront area with restaurants and museums. Rooms have hardwood floors and plush furnishings,...
Part of Bergen’s UNESCO-listed Bryggen historic district, this 37-room hotel is housed in a building from the 18th century next to the Hanseatic Museum. Each room is unique with original details, like timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings, mixed with more contemporary textures and patterns—and...
Surrounded by mountains and sea, 190-room Kviknes has been family-owned since 1877 and is still one of the largest and most famous hotels in the Sognefjord region. The historic wing is the highlight, with an impressive first floor decorated with original art and antiques, while a newer,...
This 480-room mid-range hotel is hard to miss given its central location between the Oslo Opera House (hence the name) and Oslo Central Station, with express trains to and from the airport. Rooms and suites have colorful, modern decor—some with bathtubs and balconies. The spacious lobby has a...
Flåmsbrygga is a small wooden hotel in the heart of Flåm, just steps from the train station and cruise ship port. The property opened in 2008 and offers 34 rooms with fresh lodge decor, Nespresso machines, and furnished balconies. After a day's adventures, you can dine at one of the best craft...
This historic property, circa 1874, has a grandiose exterior facing the Norwegian Parliament making it one of the best-situated hotels in the city. Today, guests find renovated interiors with an indoor tranquility pool, spa, and fitness center, plus various dining options including room service...
This renovated hotel takes up a historic brick building on a bustling corner in Bergen’s city center but guests can find some solace at the park next door, called Byparken. The 159 rooms and suites are decorated with hardwood-style floors and Scandi-style wood furnishings that are accented with...
Removed from the cruise ship crowds in Flåm, this year-round property offers 12 units—a mix of rooms and apartments—overlooking a branch of Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Views can also be enjoyed at the bar and restaurant with a seasonal outdoor terrace attracting boaters who take advantage...
Open year-round, this 55-room hotel is set on a grassy lawn overlooking the Sognefjord, surrounded by mountains and sea. During the summer months, guests can use the private beachfront and dock for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. For cooler months, there’s a fire pit, sauna, and...
Opened in 2018, this glass highrise is the biggest hotel in Bergen with 415 rooms—many with balconies—and three spacious floors for lounging, working, drinking, and dining. Additional amenities include a nine-room spa and a heated pool (fees apply), as well as a modern fitness center (free). The...
Hotel Bristol’s pink-hued exterior takes up a prime corner location in central Oslo near theaters and museums. It remains a popular luxury choice thanks to a major renovation in 2019, just in time for its 100th anniversary. Rooms have upscale amenities, while an elegant food and beverage program...
