5 unique places to stay in Lofoten
You can visit Lofoten, and you can experience Lofoten. If you prefer the latter, these unique places to stay in Lofoten will certainly appeal to you.
The rorbu (fishermen’s cabin) and sea house play an important role in the history of Lofoten. And the earliest rorbu (fishermen’s cabin) is believed to date to the year 1120! The fishermen’s cabins served as temporary homes for the fishermen, who were dependent on a short distance to the sea. Today, they serve as popular destinations for nature lovers who want to stay close to the sea.
Several companies in Lofoten offer accommodation in traditional fishermen’s cabins and sea houses, which are unique overnight stays that can only be experienced in Lofoten.
Here is however a handful of unique accommodation options that we highly recommend you check out if you want to get the most out of your trip to Lofoten.
1. The Manor House of Svinøya – Travel 200 years back in time
Imagine you had a time machine. You could enter 1828 on the display and wake up a few seconds later almost 200 years ago. We may not have the technology yet, but we can still recreate the experience – and few places are better suited for this purpose than the Manor House on the island of Svinøya.
The Manor House is described as the “jewel in the crown” at Svinøya Rorbuer. It’s a venerable and exclusive function venue complete with accommodation for up to 17 guests.
Regardless of whether you are looking for unique accommodation or a venue for a larger function, the Manor House may be exactly what you are looking for. If you would prefersomething a bit smaller, perhaps one of the other fishermen’s cabins on Svinøya will suit you.
2. Thon Hotel Svolvær – Norway’s only hotel with a fish reception
You may be wondering how a chain hotel can qualify as a unique accommodation. We agree in principle. However, the answer is situated down by the water’s edge where the hotel has established its own fish reception – the only hotel in Norway to do so.
The fish receptions were essential for the fishermen. After a hard day at sea, the fishermensailed in, unloaded their catch and were paid for what they had caught.
As a guest at Thon Hotel Svolvær, you can experience life as a fisherman by catching your own fish and then preparing and eating it at the hotel.
3. Nusfjord Arctic Resort – A treasure trove of history
Nusfjord has been described as one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Norway and it’s certainly not without good reason.
The fishing village is situated just 6 km from the E10 and is easier to reach than you might think. As Nusfjord lies between classic, high, Lofoten mountains, it looks quite isolated in the photos.
To put it simply, Nusfjord is a treasure trove of history. Not only will a stay here provide a historic time travel through the history of Lofoten, but it will also provide historical time travel through the history of Norway. Traces of human settlement have been found here that date to 425 BC.
When you stay in Nusfjord, you will stay in the same fishermen’s cabins that the fishermen once lived in. Naturally these historic fishermen’s cabins have been refurbished and modernised, but the facades – and the atmosphere – remain unchanged. Nusfjord Arctic Resort is also the only resort in Lofoten offering 3 (!) restaurants!
4. Villa Lofoten – A secret place at the edge of the world
Villa Lofoten is a small group of recently renovated, historic buildings that previously belonged to local fishermen in the small community of Kvalnes on Vestvågøy.
Here, accommodation is offered in historic buildings that once belonged to fisherman-farmers in Kvalnes on Vestvågøy. The historic buildings, the harbor, the beach, the agriculture, the sea, the mountains, the wind, the weather, the northern lights, and the midnight sun create a unique and distinctive atmosphere.
The buildings are considered worthy of preservation, restored and adapted for new use. The interior consists of custom-built furniture and Nordic design. The interior is a testament to Scandinavian craftsmanship and art tradition.
5. Holmen Lofoten – Culinary and comfortable time travel
A couple of degrees north of the Arctic Circle near the far end of Lofoten, you will find a small, family-run hotel and restaurant: Holmen Lofoten.
At Holmen, the dining experience and the stay are two equal experiences, and both are of the highest standard.
The architecture is a display of contradictions where old meets new, rough meets pleasant and tradition meets technology.
It sounds tempting to spend a night or three in a traditional fishermen’s cabin that has been upgraded to feature all the modern comforts. If you really want to pamper yourself, you can book one of the beautiful suites with panoramic windows, a fireplace and a bathroom with sauna.
When you visit the restaurant, you will experience traditional north Norwegian food in unique packaging. Through the concept “Kitchen On The Edge Of The World”, they have a special focus on the dining experience – and you will get an exciting insight into how the chefs work to get the most out of the wonderful ingredients.
Holmen is far from an ordinary hotel. It was created by Ingunn who grew up here, on the quay and on the seashore. Her family lived on everything they could catch, trapor gather in the sea and on the land. Ingunn is passionate about preserving her north Norwegian heritage, and Holmen has become a natural meeting point for the history, food and culture of Northern Norway.
