Take a Look at Norway’s Most Unique Hotels

From glass cabins in the Arctic to lighthouses battered by Atlantic storms, these one-of-a-kind stays offer unforgettable ways to experience wild beauty and cultural charm.

Big hotel chains dominate Norwegian cities, but head into the countryside and coastlines, and you'll discover a different kind of accommodation entirely.

Norway is full of quirky stays, scenic lodges, and architectural wonders that help you experience the landscape in a whole new way.

Sure, the Scandics, Thons, Comforts, and Radisson Blus that fill every Norwegian city are comfortable and (sometimes) good value, but what about when you want something a little different? Something memorable?

Whether you’re dreaming of sleeping in a lighthouse during a storm, spending the night in an ice hotel, or watching the northern lights from a glass-fronted cabin, here are some of Norway’s most unique and unforgettable places to stay.

Kirkenes Snowhotel

500 metres away from the Bøkfjord, the Kirkenes Snowhotel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Intricate snow art adorns the walls of each room, while thermal bedspreads and sleeping bags will keep you surprisingly warm at night.

Even when temperatures plunge as low as -30°C outside, the temperature inside the rooms remains a constant +4°C. Shared bathroom facilities are located in a nearby service building. This is not a place for a long stay, but for one unforgettable night, it delivers.

The full winter experience is available from late December to early April, depending on the weather.

Air-conditioned wooden cottages are available year-round and are a popular alternative in summer, when guests can go hiking or fishing. Husky sledding and king crab safaris are available in winter.

Reine Rorbuer

At the western end of the spectacular Lofoten Islands, Reine is a picture-perfect fishing village of red wooden cabins framed by dramatic mountains and deep blue fjords.

These old fishermen’s cabins, or rorbuer, have been lovingly restored and updated by Reine Rorbuer to provide modern comforts in traditional surroundings.

Each cabin is different, but most feature wooden interiors, cosy lounges, and fully equipped kitchens. Many sit right on the water, offering panoramic views across the Reinefjord. It’s an ideal base for kayaking, hiking, and photographing the famous Lofoten scenery.

Although self-catering is popular, an on-site restaurant makes the most of fresh local seafood. And if you're lucky, the northern lights might just appear above the pointed peaks on a clear winter’s night.

Kråkenes Fyr

Few places in Norway feel quite as wild and exposed as Kråkenes Fyr, a remote lighthouse at the mouth of Nordfjord in western Norway.

Buffeted by Atlantic winds and perched on a rocky headland, this former navigational beacon now offers accommodation in both the main house and the neighbouring Storm House.

The lighthouse’s bridal suite is especially popular, featuring a kitchen, lounge, and incredible views over the open sea. Guests staying in the simpler rooms of the Storm House often gather in the shared kitchen to swap stories and watch the weather roll in.

This is the place to go when you want to disconnect. Local walks lead to boathouses, chapels and old cereal mills, while fishing is a popular pastime. But for many, the simple joy of sitting inside as a storm batters the windows is all the entertainment they need.

Fossli Hotel, Vøringsfossen

Established in 1891 atop the iconic Vøringsfossen waterfall, this elegantly restored Art‑Nouveau hotel offers dramatic views over Måbødalen canyon and the 182 m plunge below.

Designed by architect Fredrik Konow Lund, it features 21 en‑suite rooms, a licensed bar, café, and restaurant serving local cuisine—think smoked trout, reindeer, and strawberry ice cream.

The Garen family has operated it for four generations, and it retains a fascinating musical heritage: Edvard Grieg stayed here in 1896 and composed folk songs on the original Zimmermann piano still in the hotel.

Whether you're hiking the steep “stairs in the mountain,” enjoying the canyon view, or attending a creative retreat, Fossli offers timeless elegance, rich history, and a connection to Norwegian culture.

Trasti & Trine's Lodge

Located just outside Alta in northern Norway, Trasti & Trine’s Lodge is a cosy, creative retreat in the middle of the forest. The lodge is best known for its pack of friendly Alaskan huskies (around 40 of them!) which guests can meet, photograph, and even drive in a sled team.

Each room is simply decorated with Nordic charm, and the forested surroundings provide year-round outdoor adventure, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking and berry picking in summer.

The lodge also has a sun terrace perfect for enjoying the midnight sun or hunting the northern lights.

What makes the lodge extra special is its focus on food. A homemade organic breakfast is included, and guests can book an evening meal in the lodge’s tiny but highly rated restaurant, where local ingredients are transformed into gourmet dishes.

Jotunheimen Arctic Domes, Beitostølen

Perched beside a mountain lake in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, these luxury domes offer a front‑row seat to soaring peaks and silent fjord waters.

Each geodesic dome is clad in thermal insulation with a wood-burning stove to keep things cozy (even under a winter’s blanket!) with comfortable beds positioned to admire the sky.

Guests love “lighting a fire” inside and stepping out on the private terrace for panoramic views. Facilities include ski‑to‑door access in winter, yoga classes, a sauna, and an on‑site restaurant at the adjacent mountain lodge. It's perfect for warming up after hikes or ski tours.

This accommodation is ideal for couples or nature lovers looking to disconnect without sacrificing comfort.

The Bolder, Lysefjord

The Bolder offers a futuristic experience perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Norway’s iconic Lysefjord.

Designed by acclaimed architects, these cabins feature sleek, minimalist interiors with full-glass walls that make you feel like you're floating above the fjord.

It’s not just the views that are dramatic. The location, not far from Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), makes this an ideal base for hiking one of Norway’s most famous trails. At the same time, the peaceful atmosphere invites quiet contemplation and immersion in nature.

Inside, you’ll find comfortable beds, kitchens, and stylish bathrooms. Everything is designed with sustainability in mind, from local materials to energy efficiency. It’s a luxurious, photogenic retreat that feels completely disconnected from the modern world yet with every comfort still intact.

TreeTop Fiddan, Lindesnes

Deep in the forest of southern Norway, TreeTop Fiddan offers off-grid treehouse living for grown-ups. The treehouses are hand-built and elevated high among the branches, each with its own terrace and composting toilet.

While rustic, the cabins are thoughtfully designed and include solar-powered lighting, wood-burning stoves, and even outdoor showers. There’s no Wi-Fi or electricity, making it the perfect chance to truly disconnect.

Guests can hike in the surrounding forest, take a dip in the nearby lake, or relax in the wood-fired sauna. It’s an eco-friendly escape with real character and a strong emphasis on sustainability and simplicity.

Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, Valdres

Styled like a traditional mountain farm, Herangtunet Boutique Hotel is full of personality. Each room is themed after a different city or region, such as “Paris,” “Rome,” or “Aspen,” mixing Scandinavian cosiness with global flair.

The on-site restaurant is small but celebrated, serving high-quality meals using local ingredients. Herangtunet strikes a lovely balance between quirky charm and authentic hospitality. It's perfect for couples, foodies, and those looking for something far from ordinary.

Located in the Valdres valley between Oslo and Bergen, the hotel is a great base for exploring Jotunheimen National Park or simply enjoying a winter escape. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the door.

Juvet Landscape Hotel, Valldal

Tucked into a quiet valley near the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, Juvet Landscape Hotel is one of Norway’s most distinctive places to stay. Its modern, glass-fronted cubes are scattered across the hillside, each offering complete privacy and views of the surrounding forest and river.

Inside, the rooms are minimalist but luxurious, with dark colours and natural materials that keep your attention on the ever-changing landscape outside. The effect is meditative, almost cinematic.

Guests can enjoy a riverside sauna, forest hikes, or simply unwind. Breakfast and dinner are served communally in a beautifully restored farmhouse. The hotel shot to global fame as the filming location for the sci-fi movie Ex Machina, and the prices and limited availability now reflect that.

Where are your favourite places to stay in Norway? Perhaps you've discovered your own special place with unique character? Let us know down in the comments.