There are many reasons to visit the breathtaking country of Norway, from its spectacular fjords and midnight sun to an abundance of wildlife and Viking lore. If you’re planning this trip of a lifetime, these top resorts are sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Radisson Blu Resort Trysil, Trysil
Radisson Blu Resort Trysil offers the chance to experience Norway’s large ski resort. Enjoy ski-in, ski-out access to Trysil’s 31 lifts, 67 slopes, miles and miles of cross-country tracks as well as dog sledding. In the summer, visitors can take part in great hiking and mountain biking, horseback riding and golf. Choose from a variety of accommodation options, from rooms and suites to apartments along with the Indoor Adventure Pool that features multiple swimming pools, a FlowRider surfing wave pool and climbing wall. If that’s not enough, the nearby Alpine Spa offers a Turkish steam room, a hot pool, Finnish sauna and aromatic laconium.
Quality Spa & Resort Norefjell, Noresund
Norway’s leading spa resort for multiple years in a row, Quality Resort & Spa Norefjell is just a 1.5-hour drive from Oslo and offers a wide variety of leisure activities in addition to the spa, all set within in a unique and beautiful setting. Located right on the ski slopes, you can enjoy a day out on the powder and then ski right to your door where you can relax with a cup of hot cocoa and indulge in an especially delicious dinner at the onsite restaurant. Challenge yourself at the climbing wall, glide across the ice on the skating rink, take a refreshing dip at the pool and enjoy an array of treatments at the spa inspired by pure Nordic nature, including heated outdoor Jacuzzis, footbaths, ice showers and saunas. Rooms feature distinctive elements provided by the nature and wildlife of the region.
Son Spa, Son
One of Norway’s most magnificent spa resorts, this property is set upon an enviable seaside location with its own marina and beach, just one-third of a mile from the center of Son. The stunning spa area is located on two floors, across over 6,500 feet boasting a variety services, as well as an indoor heated pool, indoor hot tub, outdoor hot tub and sauna. Several dining alternatives provide a diverse variety of cuisine, and for late-night drinks, visit the Cocktail Lounge or the Lobby Bar. All spacious rooms and suites offer lovely ocean views, and you can also look forward to slipping into a soft bathrobe at the end of the day. You’ll not only be close to local points of interest such as Moss Airport Rygge and Norwegian University of Science and Technology, but a number of pristine beaches are within walking distance, offering the chance to stroll along the coast looking for seashells.
Romskog Spa & Resort, Vortugen
Romskog Spa & Resort is the country’s first holistic spa resort, offering services for the body and mind in a tranquil environment as well as picturesque lake views and the opportunity for a variety of water sports, including canoeing. The resort boasts simple, yet elegant architecture made up of glass, stone and wood, complementing the extensive array of spa services, like the indoor Japanese baths with hot springs, Turkish baths, Nordic saunas, cold pools and salt-water swimming pools. The spa features classic and Ayurvedic massages, light treatment, heat wraps and facials. Guests can also take classes in meditation, yoga, qigong and water aerobics. Nearby, you’ll find soothing hot springs offering outdoor bathing all year round. Rooms and suites have large windows to open and nearly all offer water views.
Arendal Herregaard Spa & Resort, Færvik
Arendal Herregaard Spa & Resort, built in 1929, is one of the oldest hotels in the region, offering a historic experience along with an ideal location, just steps away from Spornes Beach on Tromoy Island. Known for its full-service spa, guests can enjoy relaxing with a wide range of body treatments and facials as well as take advantage of recreational amenities like an outdoor pool, spa tub and a Finnish sauna. All the modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi as well as a balcony. The property also offers activities like kayaking, sailing and fishing.
Scandic Hafjell, Hafjell
Scandic Hafjell Hafjell is located two hours from Oslo and less than a half-mile from one of Norway’s largest ski resorts. The region offers a wide array of outdoor activities all year long, including canoeing, climbing, biking and hiking in the summer. Avid cyclists seeking more of a thrilling adventure will love Hafjell Bikepark, while Gudbrandsdalslågen offers challenging rafting as well as more tranquil experiences in the great outdoors by canoe. In the winter, there are skating rinks as well as runs for bobsledding and the luge. After a day of play, come back to the hotel and enjoy a refreshing swim, or soothe sore muscles in the sauna and Jacuzzi. To enhance your stay, ask for a room with a mountain view.
Malangen Brygger Resort, Meistervik
Malangen Resort features rooms with fjord views as well as self-catering cottages and apartments. The self-catering options include cooking facilities, a dining area and dishwasher, while most boast vistas of the fjords. The in-house restaurant serves fresh seafood and other regional specialties, and in the summer, guests can enjoy meals on the expansive fjord-view terrace. You’ll also find an outdoor hot tub and a soothing sauna. In the winter, consider the Northern Lights Watch package, with expert guides keeping an eye out for the breathtaking natural light display long after you fall asleep – if they’re spotted, you’ll be woken up with a magical Sami song. Dog sledding can also be arranged. In the summer, fishing is outstanding, and the staff can arrange for a boat trip or boat rental.
Grand Hotel Rica, Oslo
Oslo’s top address for over a century, this Norwegian hotel is a time-honored institution, renowned for its excellent central location in the city, elegant rooms and full range of services, including multiple fine-dining restaurants, chic bars and 18 function rooms. Grand Hotel Rica is also famous as the annual venue for the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Set within a classical-style building with a white granite façade and clock tower, it features modern rooms, spacious suites and a luxurious penthouse suite with its own private roof terrace.
Vestlia Resort, Geilo
Vestlia Resort is the ideal base for exploring the mountains surrounding Geilo, as you can enjoy access to ski slopes and cross-country trails just outside your door as well as spectacular hiking treks. After a long day at play, you’ll love indulging in the beautiful, award-winning spa that features an array of treatments designed to complement your active lifestyle. Families with children will appreciate having access to the mountain’s largest indoor playground as well as a separate activity pool. In addition to great skiing, in the winter you can take part in sleigh rides and sledding, while summer brings the chance for canoeing across glistening waters as well as tree-top walking and downhill mountain biking. A variety of accommodation options also await, including upscale cabins and comfortable rooms and suites decorated by renowned interior designer Helene Hennie. For the ultimate luxury stay, choose one of the expansive penthouse suites with an elevator providing direct access to the spa facility.
Hotel Continental Oslo, Oslo
Hotel Continental Oslo is a beacon of luxury since its opening in 1900 and is the second of the city’s most grand properties. Stepping into the lobby feels like a step back in time, ideal for history buffs, while the rooms in the original portion of the hotel are lavishly renovated. Each is individually designed, varying from a tranquil courtyard view to rooms that overlook the Oslo fjord with terraces. Its legendary restaurant, Theatercaféen, serves classic as well as new-style dishes with local flair. The property also boasts a privately owned collection of graphic works by Edvard Munch in the lobby bar.
Storefjell Resort Hotel, Gol
Storefjell Resort Hotel is centrally located in the mountains at Golsfjellet, just ten miles from Gol near Storefjell Ski and Sledging Centre. It offers rooms overlooking the spectacular landscape providing access to all sorts of activities in addition to skiing, including access to a swimming pool, gym and sauna as well as table tennis and billiards. During the summer, you’ll find excellent biking and fishing opportunities nearby too. Other popular attractions include day trips to Langedrag Nature Park, the Hardangervidda National Park and the Jotunheimen Mountains.
Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residences Trysil, Trysil
At this property located at Trysil Mountain Resort, guests can enjoy skiing all day and then getting pampered in one of the treatment rooms at the on-site Kulpen Spa. Soak tense muscles in a warm sauna or Jacuzzi, or take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. The resort also features onsite ski rental, a sports shop and ski-in, ski-out access to the 67 slopes at the resort. Rustic yet elegant, each of the rooms and suites features a chalet-style design, and many boast striking Alpine views. Choose a two-bedroom suite for some of the finest mountain views, along with a cozy fireplace, kitchen and an inviting dining room.
Myrkdalen Fjellandsby, Myrkdalen Valley
Myrkdalen Fjellandsby is a year-round resort village in Myrkdalen Valley, roughly 15 miles from Voss, offering apartments with ski-in, ski-out access as well as full kitchen facilities, ski equipment and bicycle rentals. The area is renowned for its outstanding powdery ski conditions, though magnificent scenery can be enjoyed in any season. Staff can help arrange for skiing lessons as well as fishing licenses, and the on-site restaurant features traditional Norwegian food. While you’re here, take the short scenic drive up Stalheimskleiva Mountain Road to see the Sivlefossen and Stalheimsfossen waterfalls.
Hotel Alexandra, Loen
Hotel Alexandra is a first-rate property that offers views of the fjord in Loen and Mt. Skala. Built in 1884, this is an intimate property that’s fifth-generation family-run, steeped in tradition as well as being surrounded by spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. As one of the country’s very best hotels, you’ll find exceptional cuisine as well as extensive pool and spa facilities with a broad range of treatments for body and soul, including body wraps, massage, facial treatments and more. You can also enjoy the outdoor pool, water slide and separate children’s pool along with miniature golf and tennis. Spacious deluxe rooms and Junior Suites all feature large balconies with a stunning fjord views.
