Best Hotels in Norway is one of the world’s most breathtaking travel destinations, offering dramatic fjords, Arctic landscapes, colorful coastal cities, and historic villages. Whether travelers come for the Northern Lights, summer hiking, fjord cruises, or cultural exploration, their experience is greatly enhanced by choosing the perfect place to stay. Fortunately, Norway is home to some of Europe’s finest hotels—ranging from world-class luxury escapes to charming boutique lodges surrounded by nature.
In this complete guide, we explore the best hotels in Norway, optimized for travelers searching for comfort, scenery, design, and authentic Nordic hospitality. This SEO-driven article highlights top hotels in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Ålesund, Lofoten, and more—ensuring you find the ideal accommodation for your Norwegian adventure.
Why Norway Offers Some of the Best Hotels in Scandinavia
Norway’s hospitality sector blends modern Scandinavian design with luxurious amenities and access to stunning natural surroundings. What makes Norway’s hotels particularly special?
- World-class architecture and interior design rooted in minimalism and nature
- Incredible scenery—many hotels overlook fjords, mountains, or the Arctic sky
- High comfort standards, excellent dining, and warm Nordic hospitality
- Unique experiences such as ice hotels, fisherman cabins, and glass igloos
This combination creates accommodations that are not just places to sleep, but unforgettable destinations in themselves.
Best Hotels in Norway: Top 15 Stays Across the Country
Below are the most acclaimed and traveler-approved hotels throughout Norway, selected for their design, service, location, dining, and overall guest experience.
1. The Thief – Oslo’s Premier Luxury Hotel
Located on the waterfront of Tjuvholmen, The Thief is widely regarded as the best luxury hotel in Oslo. Its contemporary interior, curated artwork, and panoramic fjord views make it the top pick for travelers seeking style and exclusivity.
Why It’s One of the Best
- High-end art collection from neighboring Astrup Fearnley Museum
- Stylish rooms with private balconies
- Rooftop terrace with Oslo Fjord views
- Premium spa with indoor pool and saunas
Ideal for luxury travelers, couples, and visitors who want to stay in Oslo’s most fashionable district.
2. Britannia Hotel – Elegant 5-Star Luxury in Trondheim
After a major renovation, Britannia Hotel has returned as one of Norway’s most refined hotels. Established in 1870, this property blends historic grandeur with modern hospitality.
Highlights
- Michelin-starred restaurant, Speilsalen
- The Britannia Spa: indoor pool, saunas, and relaxation lounges
- Classic rooms with marble bathrooms
- Famous afternoon tea experience
This hotel is perfect for travelers seeking luxury and heritage in central Norway.
3. Hotel Union Øye – A Fairytale Historic Hotel in the Sunnmøre Alps
Hotel Union Øye is a romantic, atmospheric hideaway built in 1891. Surrounded by towering peaks and alpine scenery, it offers one of Norway’s most charming and historic hotel experiences.
Reasons to Stay
- Each room uniquely decorated and named after past famous guests
- Close to iconic hikes like Slogen
- Elegant Victorian-style lounges and gardens
- Gourmet restaurant focusing on local ingredients
A magical choice for nature lovers, honeymooners, and travelers wanting peace and nostalgia.
4. Scandic Ishavshotel – Best View of Tromsø & Northern Lights Access
Situated on the Tromsø waterfront, Scandic Ishavshotel is a favorite for Arctic travelers thanks to its spectacular views and ideal location.
Top Features
- Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor
- One of Norway’s best hotel breakfasts
- Easy access to Northern Lights tours, fjord cruises, and dog-sledding
Perfect base for Arctic adventures.
5. Storfjord Hotel – Luxury Forest Retreat Near Ålesund
Storfjord Hotel is an award-winning boutique lodge built from hand-crafted timber and surrounded by forest and fjord views.
What Makes It Special
- Rustic luxury style with fireplaces and cozy interiors
- Gourmet dining using regional ingredients
- Ultimate privacy and tranquility
- Exclusive, intimate atmosphere
Ideal for honeymooners, couples, and luxury travelers seeking peace.
6. Juvet Landscape Hotel – Norway’s Most Unique Design Hotel
Featured in the film Ex Machina, Juvet Landscape Hotel is a masterpiece of minimalist architecture integrated into nature.
Highlights
- Rooms made of glass and steel, blending seamlessly with the forest
- Dramatic views of rivers, cliffs, and mountains
- Peaceful escape from urban life
- Spa area with outdoor hot tub and steam rooms
Perfect for design lovers and those seeking a unique, immersive nature experience.
7. Opus 16 – Cultural Boutique Hotel in Bergen
Opus 16, owned by descendants of composer Edvard Grieg, is a historic boutique hotel offering elegance and modern comfort in the heart of Bergen.
Best Features
- Beautiful interiors with high ceilings and marble
- Located near Bryggen Wharf, Fish Market, and other top attractions
- Personalized service and artistic atmosphere
- Excellent restaurant offering Norwegian cuisine
Top choice for urban explorers and culture lovers.
8. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Norway’s Most Iconic Ice Hotel
Located in Alta, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is rebuilt entirely from snow and ice each winter, providing a magical Arctic stay.
Why It’s a Must-Try
- Every room features unique ice sculptures
- Ice bar serving drinks in carved ice glasses
- Ideal for Northern Lights viewing
- Includes warm facilities and cozy Arctic restaurant
Perfect for adventurers and travelers wanting a once-in-a-lifetime winter experience.
9. Hotel Brosundet – Waterfront Boutique Charm in Ålesund
Hotel Brosundet combines original Art Nouveau architecture with stylish Scandinavian interiors, offering a perfect balance of history and comfort.
Highlights
- Rooms overlooking the canal
- Popular restaurant MAKI serving local seafood
- Cozy fireside lounges
- Central location for exploring Ålesund
A top pick for couples, families, and design enthusiasts.
10. Snowhotel Kirkenes – Arctic Adventure Resort
Snowhotel Kirkenes offers both winter snow suites and warm premium cabins (Gamme Cabins) inspired by Sámi culture.
What Makes It Amazing
- Prime location for aurora viewing
- Husky sledding, king crab tours, snowmobiling
- On-site reindeer and husky farm
- Beautiful cabin design with panoramic windows
Ideal for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.
11. Grand Hotel Oslo – A Historic Icon in the Capital
Located on Karl Johans gate, Grand Hotel Oslo is a timeless landmark known for hosting Nobel Prize laureates and notable guests.
Best Features
- Rooftop bar with views of the city skyline
- Luxurious spa and wellness center
- Elegant historic suites
- Central location near museums, the Royal Palace, and shopping streets
Ideal for first-time visitors and fans of historic luxury.
12. Nusfjord Arctic Resort – Authentic Fishermen’s Cabins in Lofoten
Nusfjord is one of Norway’s oldest preserved fishing villages, offering refurbished rorbuer cabins with luxury finishes.
Why Visitors Love It
- Immersive cultural experience
- Surrounded by dramatic fjords and cliffs
- Sauna, outdoor hot tub, and restaurant
- Excellent location for photography and hiking
A top choice for travelers heading to the iconic Lofoten Islands
13. Lysebu Hotel – Scenic Escape in the Oslo Hills
Lysebu Hotel is a serene retreat located in the forested hills above Oslo, offering calm surroundings and elegant Nordic interiors.
Highlights
- Award-winning restaurant and wine cellar
- Indoor pool and wellness facilities
- Lovely walking trails and scenic views
- Traditional wooden architecture
Great for weekend getaways and travelers wanting a quiet alternative to city hotels.
14. Reine Rorbuer – Famous Seaside Cabins in Lofoten’s Most Photographed Village
Reine is known for its postcard-perfect beauty, and staying at Reine Rorbuer gives guests direct access to Lofoten’s stunning landscapes.
Features
- Authentic red fisherman cabins
- Unmatched mountain and ocean views
- Great location for fishing, kayaking, and hiking
One of the best places to stay for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
15. Fretheim Hotel – Gateway to the Fjords in Flåm
Flåm is one of Norway’s most visited fjord destinations, and Fretheim Hotel offers comfort and accessibility for fjord cruises and the Flåm Railway.
Why It’s Popular
- Traditional Norwegian design
- Close to fjord tours and scenic train rides
- Excellent mountain and valley views
- Warm hospitality and cozy lounges
A perfect base for exploring the Western Fjords.
Best Hotels in Norway by Region (SEO-Optimized Quick Guide)
Best Hotels in Oslo
- The Thief
- Grand Hotel Oslo
- Lysebu Hotel
- Amerikalinjen
Best Hotels in Bergen
- Opus 16
- Bergen Børs Hotel
- Hotel Norge by Scandic
Best Hotels in Tromsø
- Scandic Ishavshotel
- Clarion Hotel The Edge
- Radisson Blu Tromsø
Best Hotels in Lofoten
- Nusfjord Arctic Resort
- Reine Rorbuer
- Hattvika Lodge
Best Hotels for Northern Lights
- Snowhotel Kirkenes
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
- Camp Tamok Wilderness Hotel
Best Fjord Hotels
- Storfjord Hotel
- Hotel Union Øye
- Fretheim Hotel
- Juvet Landscape Hotel
This keyword-rich list helps the article rank for multiple travel search queries.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hotel in Norway
1. Consider Your Travel Season
- Winter travel = Northern Lights, igloo hotels, Arctic activities
- Summer travel = fjord cruises, midnight sun, hiking
2. Choose Based on Region
Norway is large, so choose hotels close to key attractions.
3. Check Access & Transportation
Some remote hotels require car access or boat transport.
4. Book Early
Especially in Lofoten, Tromsø, and fjord regions during peak seasons.
Conclusion: Norway’s Best Hotels Offer More Than Just a Stay
From modern luxury in Oslo to stunning fjord lodges, Arctic igloos, and historic boutique stays, Norway delivers some of the most memorable accommodations in Europe. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring the fjords, or immersing yourself in Scandinavian culture, the best hotels in Norway elevate your journey into an unforgettable adventure.
