Enjoy a Magical Norway Fjords Summer: Discover 8 Spectacular Fjord-side Hotels

A Norway fjords summer is synonymous with extra-long days when the midnight sun refuses to slip below the horizon. It’s also a time when the region’s waterfalls are thundering from the season’s snowmelt, when the surrounding hiking trails open up, and when boats can once again easily glide through the shimmering coastal waters.

Do you want to learn what makes summer the best time to visit Norway’s fjords? Wondering where to stay in Norway to see fjords on your next Scandinavian getaway? We have curated a list of eight remarkable fjord-side properties, each brilliantly placed for you to immerse yourself in these truly extraordinary landscapes.

Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand: Gateway to Norway’s Longest Fjord

Positioned directly on the Sognefjord, the innovative Kviknes Hotel provides immediate access to one of the country’s most awe-inspiring fjords. Under the ownership of the Kviknes family since 1877, this fjord-side summer hotel boasts 190 traditional rooms in a truly romantic setting.

From here, you’ll hike through the Balestrand mountains to reveal extraordinary panoramic views across the fjord system. There are routes for all abilities: starting with ‘nature’ trails that ascend no more than 150 metres above sea level before then building up to the more challenging Keipen hike, which reaches an altitude of just over 1400 metres at its highest point.

Nearby, the Fjærland arms of Jostedalsbreen glacier create dramatic landscapes. And you absolutely must visit the UNESCO-protected Urnes Stave Church, which is one of Norway’s oldest and most beautifully preserved wooden buildings. Round off the nature and history with a ride on the famous Flåm Railway, which descends through waterfalls and valleys in what is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

Walaker Hotell, Solvorn: Norway’s Oldest Family-Run Hotel

Operating continuously since 1640, the inspiring Walaker Hotell carries a remarkable history within its walls. It has been under the management of the Nitter family since 1690 and holds the title of Norway’s oldest family-run hotel. The hotel itself draws visitors for this remarkable feat alone, but there’s also so much to explore nearby.

Seize the opportunity to explore the narrow lanes and iconic white wooden houses of the village of Solvorn, where you’ll appreciate a deep-held respect for local tradition and heritage. For lunch, look no further than Kvitabui Matnaust og Galleri: a wooden-walled restaurant with its own pier, from which you’ll gaze out across the fjord landscape. Lustrafjord also presents an opportunity to kayak through calm waters between steep mountain walls.

Utne Hotel, Hardangerfjord: Local History and Summertime Beverages

Hardangerfjord provides the dramatic setting for the historic Utne Hotel, which is one of the finest fjord hotels in the area. Operating since 1722, this vibrant white-walled property is conveniently located close to breathtaking hiking routes through Hardanger: affectionately known as the “Orchard of Norway”.

Utne Hotel offers an immersive 4-hour guided tour of the local area, providing you with an authentic insight into this magnificent slice of Scandinavia. The tour will begin by taking you on a whistle-stop tour through the fascinating history of the hotel, before whisking you through the different exhibits of the Hardangerfjord Folkemuseum.

Take a day trip to a traditional cider house in the nearby village of Aga to learn all about the local produce. Here, you’ll sample various ciders and pair them with delicious local cheeses—what better way to celebrate the summer!

Brakanes Hotel, Hardanger: Orchards, Cider, and Hidden Valleys

The timber walls of the historic 18^th-century Brakanes Hotel will take you on a journey back through Hardanger’s past and present a destination that is committed to sustainability: in fact, the whole village of Ulvik holds a Cittaslow recognition for its pro-sustainability mindset.

Located in this welcoming, picturesque village at the innermost end of the Hardangerfjord, Brakanes Hotel offers plenty of opportunities for experiencing traditional village life and visiting nearby historic settlements like the 12^th century church in Kinsarvik.

Being in the same area as Utne Hotel, Brakanes Hotel is also perfectly placed for you to embark on local farm and cider house tours. Make sure you embrace the tasting opportunities at Syse Gard and Ulvik Frukt & Cideri.

Visnes Hotel, Stryn: Glaciers, Cable Cars and Mountain Roads

Stryn delivers fjord and mountain drama in equal measure, with the Visnes Hotel positioned perfectly for exploration of some of western Norway’s most spectacular scenery. This charming hotel also holds Olavsrosa status for its unwavering commitment to promoting local culture and heritage.

During your stay, we encourage you to explore the nearby Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route. Just an hour away from the hotel, it provides one of Europe’s best driving or cycling experiences, complete with hairpin bends, waterfall stops and panoramic viewpoints at every turn.

We also encourage you to explore the Loen Skylift, which will whisk you up to Mount Hoven (more than 1,000 metres in altitude). The nearby Stryn Summer Ski Centre allows you to try your hand at the quintessentially Norwegian pastime of glacier skiing.

Skjolden Hotel, Skjolden: Where the Fjord Ends and the Mountains Begin

For those of you wondering where to stay in Norway’s fjords for a unique coastal perspective, the municipality of Skjolden sits highly on our wow-factor rankings. The village is the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park and the 700-foot Feigumfossen waterfall!

Staying at the Skjolden Hotel means you’ll be perfectly placed to go hiking at Jostedalen’s glaciers and Mørkrid Valley. The famous Lerums Saftfabrikk lemonade factory in nearby Sørheim is also a firm favourite of ours for fun, local activities.

We also recommend taking the hiking trail to Wittgenstein’s Cabin, where the famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein famously sought solitude and inspiration above Skjolden in the early 20th century.

Fjordbris Hotel, Østhusvik: Island Life on the Ryfylke Fjords

This lesser-known gem sits on the shores of the Brimsefjord, where the local experiences take on a distinctly island character. This immersive fjord hotel in Norway features a private harbour, scenic fjord views and lots of opportunities for exploring Rennesøy island on foot or bicycle.

The rural landscape and small beaches dotted around the island offer peaceful alternatives to some busier destinations. It’s also particularly attractive option if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, as the waters around the island attract impressive seabird populations.

During your stay, we also encourage you to explore Utstein Monastery, Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery dating from the 13th century. Fjøløy Fort and Lighthouse are of deep importance for locals, both offering deep historic significance with outstanding coastal views.

Lillesand Hotel Norge, Lillesand: Southern Charm and Summer Festivities

The charming southern town of Lillesand sits on the sheltered inlet of Tingsakerfjorden. Notable for its white wooden houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, Lillesand has a distinctive and beautifully preserved character. Lillesand Hotel Norge has been operating as a hotel since 1873, with 25 unique rooms for a welcoming, boutique experience filled with comfort, culture and history.

The summer season brings the Lillesanddagene festival, which fills the harbour with concerts, markets, and celebrations that showcase southern Norwegian coastal culture. Surrounding the town, the picturesque coastline provides excellent trails through Hove and Møglestu, plus further afield day trips across the broader southern Norwegian coast.

Plan Your Summer in the Norwegian Fjords

These eight destinations reveal just how varied and extraordinary Norway in summer can be: from glacier hiking and midnight sun to medieval monasteries and artisan cider tastings.

Each of these independent hotels offers a different take on these remarkable landscapes thanks to their unique history and settings, and together they map out a Norwegian fjord journey that could easily fill several weeks of summer exploration.