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 traditions. If you're planning this trip of a lifetime, these top resorts are sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Credit: farm4.staticflickr.comRadisson Blu Resort TrysilRadisson Blu Resort Trysil
Radisson Blu Resort Trysil (Prices and photos)
This beautiful property offers the chance to experience Norway's great ski resort. Enjoy direct access to the ski slopes at Trysil's 31 ski lifts, 67 slopes, miles and miles of cross-country skiing trails and dog sledding. In summer, visitors can take part in fantastic hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and golfing. Choose from a variety of accommodation options, from rooms and suites to flats along with the indoor adventure pool that features four swimming pools, a FlowRider surf wave pool and climbing wall. If that's not enough, the nearby Alpine Spa offers a Turkish bath, hot pool, Finnish sauna and aromatic laconium.
Credit: norefjellsparesort.noQuality Spa & Resort Norefjell, NoresundQuality Spa & Resort Norefjell, Noresund
Quality Spa & Resort Norefjell, Noresund (Prices and photos)
Norway's leading spa resort for two years running, the Quality Resort & Spa Norefjell is located only one and a half hours from Oslo and offers a wide range of leisure activities as well as a wellness centre, all within a unique and beautiful setting. Located right on the ski slopes, you can enjoy a day on the powder and then ski straight to your door where you can relax with a cup of hot chocolate and indulge in a particularly delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant. Challenge yourself on the climbing wall, glide across the ice on the ice rink, take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy a range of treatments at the spa inspired by pure Nordic nature, including heated outdoor hot tubs, foot baths, ice showers and saunas. The rooms feature distinctive elements provided by the nature and wildlife of the region.
Credit: facebook.comSon Spa
Son Spa, Son (Prices and photos)
One of Norway's most magnificent spa resorts, this property is in an enviable seafront location with its marina and beach, just a third of a mile from the centre of Son. The splendid wellness area is located on two floors, over 6,500 feet with a variety of facilities, as well as a heated indoor pool, indoor whirlpool, outdoor hot tub and sauna. Several dining options offer a variety of dishes, and for late-night drinks, visit the Cocktail Lounge or the Lobby Bar. All spacious rooms and suites offer lovely ocean views and at the end of the day, you will look forward to slipping into a soft bathrobe. Not only will you be close to local points of interest 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 in search of seashells.
Credit: wikimedia.orgRomskog Spa & Resort, VortugenRomskog Spa & Resort, Vortugen
Romskog Spa & Resort, Vortugen (Prices and photos)
At this resort in Vortugen, you will not only enjoy free access to the country's first holistic wellness centre, offering services for the body and mind in a tranquil setting, but picturesque views of the lake and opportunities for a variety of water sports, including canoeing. The Zen Resort & Spa offers simple but elegant architecture made of glass, stone and wood, complementing the wide range of spa services, such as indoor Japanese baths with hot springs, Turkish baths, Nordic saunas, cold pools and salt water pools. The wellness centre offers classical and Ayurvedic massages, light treatments, thermal wraps and facials. Guests can also take meditation, yoga, qigong and water aerobics classes. Nearby, you will find relaxing hot springs that offer year-round outdoor bathing. The rooms and suits have large windows to open and almost all offer water views.
Credit: facebook.comArendal Herregaard Spa & Resort, FærvikArendal Herregaard Spa & Resort, Færvik
Arendal Herregaard Spa & Resort, Færvik (Prices and photos)
Arendal Manor, built in 1929, is one of the oldest hotels in the region and offers a historical experience along with an ideal location, just a short walk from Spornes beach on the island of Tromoy. Known for its full-service spa, guests can relax with a wide range of body and facial treatments, as well as enjoy recreational facilities such as an outdoor pool, hot tub and Finnish sauna. All 40 rooms offer free Wi-Fi and a balcony. The property also offers activities such as kayaking, sailing and fishing.
Credit: nordicchoicehotels.noQuality Hotel & Resort Hafjell, HafjellQuality Hotel & Resort Hafjell, Hafjell
Quality Hotel & Resort Hafjell, Hafjell (Prices & Photos)
This luxury resort is located two hours from Oslo and less than 800 metres from one of Norway's largest ski resorts. The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities all year round, including canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and trekking in summer. Avid cyclists looking for a thrilling adventure will love Hafjell Bikepark, while Gudbrandsdalslågen offers challenging rafting as well as more leisurely experiences in nature by canoe. In winter, there are skating rinks and tracks for bobsleighing and tobogganing. After a day of play, return to the hotel and enjoy a refreshing swim or soothe sore muscles in the sauna and hot tub. To enhance your stay, ask for a room with a mountain view.
Certification: craigcullumMalangen Brygger Resort, MeistervikMalangen Brygger Resort, Meistervik
Malangen Brygger Resort, Meistervik (Prices and photos)
The Malangen Resort offers rooms with fjord views and self-catering cottages and flats. Dining options include a kitchenette, dining area and dishwasher, while most boast panoramic views of the fjords. The on-site restaurant serves fresh fish and other regional specialities, and during the summer, guests can enjoy meals on the large terrace overlooking the fjord. You will also find an outdoor hot tub and a relaxing sauna. In winter, consider the Northern Lights Watch package, with expert guides keeping an eye on the extraordinary natural light display long after you have fallen asleep - if they are spotted, you will be woken up with a magical Sami song. can also be arranged. In summer, the fishing is great, and the staff can organise a boat trip or boat rental.
Credit: SeansieGrand Hotel Rica, OsloGrand Hotel Rica, Oslo
Grand Hotel Rica, Oslo (Prices and photos)
The main address in Oslo for over a century, this Norwegian capital is a long-standing institution, renowned for its excellent central city location, elegant rooms and a full range of amenities, including three restaurants, two bars and 18 meeting rooms. It is also famous as the annual venue for the Nobel Peace Prize winner. Housed in a classical-style building with a white granite façade and clock tower, it has 292 rooms, including 54 suites, including the luxurious penthouse suite with a private roof terrace.
Credit: vestlia.noVestlia Resort, GeiloVestlia Resort, Geilo
Vestlia Resort, Geilo (Prices and photos)
The ideal base from which to explore the mountains surrounding Geilo, you will have access to ski slopes and cross-country trails just outside your door, as well as spectacular hikes. After a long day's play, you'll love indulging in the beautiful award-winning spa offering a wide range of treatments designed to complement your active lifestyle. Families with children will appreciate access to the mountain's largest indoor playground and a separate activity pool. In addition to great skiing, winter offers sledding and tobogganing, while summer offers canoeing on sparkling waters and mountain biking. Numerous accommodation options also await you, including luxury cabins and comfortable rooms and suites furnished by renowned interior designer Helene Hennie. For the ultimate in luxury, choose one of the spacious penthouse suites with a lift that provides direct access to the spa.
Credit: hotelcontinental.noHotel ContinentalHotel Continental
Hotel Continental (Prices & Photos)
This luxury lighthouse since its opening in 1900, is the second largest property in Oslo. In fact, its main competitor, the Grand Hotel, is located right across the square in the city centre. Entering the lobby is like stepping back in time, ideal for history buffs, while the rooms in the original part of the hotel are lavishly renovated. Each is individually designed, varying from a quiet courtyard view to rooms overlooking the Oslo fjord with terraces. Its legendary restaurant, Theatercaféen, serves classic and new dishes with a local twist. It also boasts a private collection of 12 graphic works by Edvard Munch in the lobby bar.
Credit: visitnorway.comStorefjell Resort Hotel, Gol, NorwayStorefjell Resort Hotel, Gol, Norway
Storefjell Resort Hotel, Gol, Norway (Prices and photos)
Storefjell Reosrt Hotel, centrally located in the mountains in Golsfjellet, just ten miles from Gol near Storefjell Ski and Sledging Centre, offers rooms with views of the spectacular landscape and access to all kinds of activities in addition to skiing, including access to a swimming pool, gym and sauna and table tennis and billiards. During the summer, you will also find excellent cycling and fishing opportunities nearby. Other popular attractions include day trips to Langedrag Nature Park, Hardangervidda National Park and the Jotunheimen Mountains.
Credit: Photo by SkiStarPark Inn Trysil Mountain Resort, TrysilPark Inn Trysil Mountain Resort, Trysil
Park Inn by Radisson Trysil Mountain Resort, Trysil (Prices and photos)
At this property located at the Trysil Mountain Resort, guests can ski all day and then pamper themselves in one of 12 treatment rooms at the on-site Kulpen Spa. Soak tense muscles in a hot sauna or hot tub, or take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. The resort also offers on-site ski rentals, a sports shop and direct access to the resort's 67 ski slopes. Rustic yet elegant, each of the hotel's 369 rooms and suites feature a chalet-style design and many boast stunning views of the Alps. Choose a two-bedroom suite for some of the best mountain views, along with a cosy fireplace, kitchen and inviting dining room.
Credit: wikimedia.orgMyrkdalen Fjellandsby, Myrkdalen ValleyMyrkdalen Fjellandsby, Myrkdalen Valley
Myrkdalen Fjellandsby, Myrkdalen Valley (Prices and photos)
Myrkdale Fjellandsby is a year-round holiday village in the Myrkdalen Valley, about 15 miles from Voss, offering flats with direct access to the ski slopes, as well as full kitchen, ski equipment and bicycle rental. The area is renowned for its exceptional powder snow conditions, although magnificent scenery can be enjoyed in any season. Staff can help organise ski lessons and fishing licences, while the on-site restaurant serves traditional Norwegian dishes. While you're here, take the short scenic drive up Stalheimskleiva Mountain Road to see the Sivlefossen and Stalheimsfossen waterfalls.
Credit: alexandra.noHotel Alexandra, LoenHotel Alexandra, Loen
Hotel Alexandra, Loen (Prices & Photos)
This first-class property offers views of the Loen Fjord and Mt. Skala. Built in 1884, this is an intimate hotel that is fifth generation family-run, steeped in tradition as well as being surrounded by spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. As one of the best hotels in the country, you will find exceptional cuisine and extensive pool and spa facilities with a wide range of treatments for body and soul, including wraps, massages, facials and more. You can also enjoy the outdoor pool, water slides and separate children's pool with mini golf and tennis. The spacious deluxe rooms and junior suites all have large balconies with breathtaking views of the fjord.