Road-Trip Across Norway: Guide to Food, Hotels & More
Norway is pure magic. From the stunning landscapes to the delicious food and the fabulous art, this country is a must-stop in Northern Europe. My trip was a mix of high & low adventures from boutique properties and fancy dinners to road-tripping and hiking on the Lofoten islands.
When I travel, I want to immerse myself in the country and experience all it has to offer. Norway's beauty is like nothing I have ever seen and if you want to be surrounded by the wild terrain this country is for you.
Where to stay
The Thief: Set on the waterfront in Oslo’s artsy Tjuvholmen District, this boutique luxury hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with marble bathrooms and private rooftop terraces.
Camillas Hus: Boutique hotel with seven individually furnished rooms in the center of Oslo.
Hotel Brosundet: A family-run hotel celebrating all things local, perched on Norway’s Brosundet canal.
Fjæeland Fjordstove Hotel & Restaurant: Bright hotel set in a white house facing Fjærland fjord with an outdoor terrace overlooking the water.
Holmen Lofoten: A seasonal hotel with a rustic feel located on a mountainous island in Sørvågen with a farm-to-table restaurant and cabins.
Storfjord Hotel: Set on a hill overlooking Storfjord, this rustic-chic hotel features elegant rooms and suites and a cozy high-end restaurant.
Things to Do in Norway
Surfing
Unstad Arctic Surf: Did you know you can surf in Norway? Well, I am not brave enough for that weather but my boyfriend is and Unstad Surf is the way to go! Also, they literally have the best cinnamon roll in the world. I swear.
Hiking
Ryten Lofoten: This was a great and challenging roundtrip hike with incredible views. Insider tip: Bring hiking shoes!!!
Art
Khaak - Alesund: Some of the best contemporary art I have seen in a gallery in a long time. We fell in love with some of Norway's local artists and got a chance to see what is currently happening in the art scene.
Rock Club - Oslo: Blaa - If you love the underground rock or metal music scene this small club is for you. Located right in the Grunerlokka neighborhood.
Shopping
Lofoten Wool - Henninsvaer: When you visit Norway the wool is where it's at. The sheep run free on the Lofoten Islands and the wool has a sense of magic. These artisans truly know how to make some amazing products.
Places to Eat & Drink in Norway
There was so much food and not enough time!
Oslo
Terroterriet Wine Bar: Great spot for amazing wine in a cool, dark bar. I had the best grilled cheese (toast) of my life. It had beets and onion with a local cheese - it was so delicious and unexpected.
Lofoten
Lofoten Food Studio with Chef Roy Magnus: This dinner was extremely special. Chef Roy is a one-man show; he cooks, cleans, makes drinks, builds houses, paints pieces of art and hosts numerous guests during the season. Each dinner only seats 12 people and he does one seating a night. We had more than 15 courses with wine pairings and enjoyed four hours together talking and eating.
Bergen
Trekroneran: Open all day and for late night. This is your hole-in-the-wall food stall with over 24 different types of sausage. Of course, I had to try their specialty - the reindeer hot dog with lingonberry and crispy onions.
Alesund
Bro: Our dinner at Bro was the perfect way to end our trip. With lovely views of the harbor and an amazing young chef creating a fabulous menu. I am still dreaming of the bread and butter with the salt cod flakes. ** Also the bar BRYT upstairs has killer cocktails.
Insider Tips:
Rent a car: To truly take in the majesty of this gorgeous country you must drive This also gives you the freedom to stop along the Scenic Highways to take photos, hike and reflect on your existence.
Everyone does the "Norway in a Nutshell Tour", but if you are not interested in this tour which takes an entire day, it is possible to experience the Naeroyfjord but have your own freedom. Reach out to learn more!