Snow hotel in Norway with ice suites and river views
Yes. Norway is a country that combines fjords, glaciers, high plateaus, and Arctic coastline, and most of these places are just a short drive or ferry ride from towns where hotels are located. Thanks to the right of public access, you can freely explore on foot and set up camp in this vast natural area. With well-marked hiking trails from the valley floor to the mountain peaks, you can choose between leisurely walks and full-day hikes depending on your preferences.
In the western fjords around Bergen, Ålesund, and Sognefjord, you can enjoy the typical landscape of water, sheer cliffs, and waterfalls. If you’re looking for beaches and rugged mountain peaks, head to the Lofoten Islands; for a trip above the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø is the ideal destination, and for high-altitude hikes, Jotunheimen and Rondane are recommended. Southern Telemark and the Hardanger region are particularly well-suited for leisurely travel thanks to their short daily hikes.
Jotunheimen, with Norway’s highest mountains, glacier hikes, and the Besseggen Ridge towering over two lakes of different colours, is usually the first choice. Rondane features rounded peaks and relatively easy hiking trails. Jostedalsbreen is home to the largest glacier in mainland Europe, and Hardangervidda is a vast plateau dotted with mountain huts and herds of reindeer. Near each of these areas are villages that can serve as starting points.
Sognefjord and its branch, Nærøyfjord, along with the Flåm Railway, the Atlantic Road, and the Lofoten Islands, are among the top destinations on many tourists’ lists. Hiking enthusiasts flock to Preikestolen and Trolltunga. In the far north, the Northern Lights dance during the dark season, and in summer, the white nights begin. In Bergen’s old wharf, you can take a moment to enjoy the city between outdoor activities.
From June through August, the days are long, the mountain roads are passable, and ferries and mountain huts are open. July is the warmest and, at the same time, the liveliest month. In May and September, it’s relatively quiet here, prices are lower, and you can enjoy the beauty of the autumn colour; mountain passes in high-altitude areas may close early. For those who want to see the Northern Lights and snow, visit between December and March; this time of year brings short daylight hours and cold, dry air.
A Norwegian breakfast is typically served as a hearty buffet, which includes bread, cured fish, and brown cheese in addition to hot dishes. Many places also have tables where you can prepare your own packed lunch. In mountain huts and hotels along the fjords, dinner is often served at a set time as a set menu; saunas and drying rooms for drying wet hiking gear are also common.