A hotel bed isn’t just someplace to rest your head at night. A hotel room isn’t just a place to store luggage and a toothbrush. After touchdown, your hotel becomes the first point of contact to shape your journey. The first impression that sets the tone. One step into the lobby can make you giddy with anticipation—or send you into a spiral of regret.
Vacations are escapes from our daily lives. Taking us to places we’ve dreamed about, read about, coveted, and saved up for. That heart-pounding thump of wow, whoa, OMG, I can’t believe I’m in (insert: Morocco, Thailand, Japan, New York). The flip side? Oh no, ugh, gulp, ick, this is definitely not what I expected.
Harness the wow, whoa, and OMG, and carry them with you—along with your sunscreen and sunglasses. Tuck them into your backpack for that hike, bike ride, or camel ride. At the end of the day, your reward will be a cushy bed to sink into, a hot soak for tight muscles, a view to set your spirit free, and a trendy bar to craft your favorite cocktail.
Let’s explore some of the world’s most remarkable hotels. After all, it’s the gateway to your adventure.
Nusfjord Village & Resort, Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands, located just inside the Arctic Circle, are an archipelago of seven main islands bisected by glacial fjords. Travelers are rushing to this previously little-known Arctic destination because of its dramatic mountainscape, towering cliff walls, and deep, rocky fjords. Nusfjord Village & Resort sits at the end of a remote valley on one of these remote islands in the remote Arctic Circle. It doesn’t get more off the beaten path than Nusfjord.
Nusfjord was once a traditional fishing village, where fishermen spent the winter tackling the world’s toughest profession. (No, it isn’t travel writing.) That the soul of the village remains, along with nesting (endangered and protected) kittiwakes, the smithy, the General Store, the cod liver refinery, art gallery, and rorbus (traditional fishing cabins), is Nusfjord’s charm. And while tourists are free to roam this restored village by day, guests have it all to themselves come 5 pm. It’s then that I don my fluffy robe and slippers and slip into the sauna.
Their website states, “The earliest settlements in Nusfjord date from 425 BC. Our unique cultural heritage makes this fishing village one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved. In Nusfjord’s golden age, over 1,500 fishermen lived in the rorbu cabins. Today, there are only 16 people who can call Nusfjord their permanent home.”
Why Go to Nusfjord Village?
Adventure, adventure, adventure. Views to knock the socks off even the most intrepid traveler. Hike, bike, kayak, RIB, SUP, surf, repeat. Nusjord Resort has it all (with Northern Lights streaking the winter skies). A spa and sauna with a window overlooking Arctic Circle views means never sacrificing a view for the sake of self-care.
What About The Rooms?
Ranging from one-bedroom rorbus to ones with several rooms, a living room, a kitchenette, and a roaring fireplace, Nusfjord has added all the creature comforts those frozen fishermen had to live without. Original timber-clad walls, soft woolen blankets, Nespresso makers, tea kettles, and high-end amenities abound.
For those who want to splurge, reserve Dahlgården, the home of the original landowner, Hans Dahl, and the most exclusive accommodation at Nusfjord. The House of Dahl is a private retreat in the village, offering views of the mountains and the sea and beautiful historic furnishings befitting a wealthy landowner.
And The Food?
Nusfjord Village & Resort has three dining options. Restaurant Karoline is the signature spot, with dark wooden walls, windows overlooking the harbor, and an ambience that has guests relaxed and cozy before they’re even seated. Karoline serves traditional Arctic fare like cod with smoked beurre blanc, Jerusalem artichoke with bleak roe, and pickled green apple, and crisp pork belly with beets, orange, and a touch of aquavit.
Oriana Taverna is a firelit pizza and wine bar located in what was once a whisky cellar. Serving everything from Margherita and Parma pies to more decadent options topped with champignons, chanterelles, and truffle oil, it’s a nice contrast to the more refined dishes at Karoline.
Lastly, find Landhandleriet Café tucked away in the whimsical old General Store, dating back to 1907. Grab a table with a view and choose from a limited menu featuring simmering fish soup, homemade waffles, and various baked goods—a great option for lunch or breakfast.
Nusfjord’s Best Photo Op
There are no bad shots of Nusfjord Village & Resort, just one picture-postcard after another. But for the best overview of the property, head to the upper parking lot. An unlikely and easily overlooked spot, it’s here where Nusfjord Village visually reigns.
The Lofoten Islands Are Waiting
Until not long ago, the Lofoten Islands were virtually unknown to the average traveler. But with the help of Instagram and TikTok, tourism is growing at a fast and furious pace. Lodgings here are finite. Book a year out if you want your first-choice accommodation.
Nusfjord’s prime and central location in the Lofoten Islands makes it a fantastic base for exploring the entire archipelago. It’s an authentic, historic gem reimagined for the modern-day traveler. For those seeking a bit of hygge (Scandi-comfort realized through candlelight, coziness, and sheer ambience) on their adventure, there’s no place better positioned to deliver it.
Intimate fishing cabins with plush down comforters, topped with piles of oversized pillows, make Nusfjord so much more than a place to rest your head.
Don’t forget to ask for a late check-out. You’ve earned it.
