A Boutique Fjord Retreat in the Heart of Norway
Bestebakken Hotel


Perched above the serene Lake Hafslo in Luster, BesteBakken is a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends traditional Norwegian charm with modern comforts. Originally a mountain farm, this family-run retreat offers guests an intimate experience characterized by personalized service, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views of the Sognefjord region.
Each of the 15 uniquely decorated rooms reflects a harmonious balance between rustic elegance and contemporary design, ensuring a restful stay. Guests can indulge in the outdoor hot tub, savour meals crafted from the hotel’s own organic garden, and even interact with the resident alpacas, adding a touch of whimsy to this idyllic setting.
Why we love the Bestebakken Hotel:
- Authentic Norwegian Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Norway, with opportunities to explore nearby attractions like the Urnes Stave Church and the Jostedal Glacier.
- Culinary Delights: Enjoy communal dining experiences featuring multi-course meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, fostering a sense of community among guests.
Norway, Your Way
- Location: Mobakken 11, 6869 Hafslo, Norway
- Rooms: 15 individually styled rooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Dining: On-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ingredients from the hotel’s garden and local suppliers
- Guided fjord cruises or train trips to Flåm
- Art and music walks through Bergen’s creative quarters
- Nordic tapas tastings and historic food tours
- Funicular rides at dusk or fjord kayaking by day
Nearby Attractions:
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- Urnes Stave Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Jostedal Glacier
- Sogn Ski Center
- Solvorn Fotogalleri
- Urnes Stave Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Itinerary Inspiration in Fjord Norway
We can personalise your stay and craft the perfect itinerary for you. Here are some examples of how we combine this accommodation with local experiences and give you a taste of the best.
Autumn Fjords and Auroras
Fjord cruises, glacier walks and Aurora skies — this luxury autumn journey reveals the best of Norway from Oslo to the Lyngen Alps.
Family Friendly Fjords Adventure in Norway
Family friendly journey through Norway’s fjords, forests and villages with scenic rail, cruises, farm visits and unique cultural experiences.Oslo, Bergen and Lofoten Summer Escape
Norway luxury: Oslo design, Bergen fjords and mountain views, plus a private driver and spa experience in the dramatic Lofoten Islands.Autumn Colours in the Nordics
Panoramic ocean views, explore hidden fjords by private boat, and unwind in an elegant hillside retreat.Luxury Oslo Fjords Adventure
Luxury journey through Oslo, Bergen and the fjords with private hikes, gourmet picnics, boutique hotels and unforgettable scenic travel.Grand Norwegian Fjord Tour
Welcome to Bergen - the Gateway to the fjords!Oslo and Tromsø Summer Sightseeing
From Oslo to Tromsø and Lyngen, discover Norway’s summer with fjord safaris, hikes, biking, local food and Arctic luxury stays.Norway and Sweden Summer Tour
Discover the richness of Scandinavian summer on this curated journey through Norway and Sweden.A Luxury Journey Through the Fjords in Norway
A luxurious journey through Oslo and the fjords with exclusive activities, iconic landscapes and premium boutique stays in Norway’s most scenic region...Luxury Fjords Travel Through Western Norway
A slow luxury journey through Norway’s fjords with private cruises, scenic railways, fine food and historic hotels.Norway Uncovered From Fjords to the Arctic Circle
A family adventure through Norway’s fjords and Arctic landscapes featuring scenic rail journeys, fjord cruises and Lofoten experiencesFrom Stockholm to Swedish Lapland
A luxury journey from Stockholm to Swedish Lapland combining Sámi culture, Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights and slow Nordic living.Drive the Fjords in Norway
Highlights include a private boat cruise to Flatflesa Lighthouse and panoramic drives through the Sunnmøre Alps and a helicopter transfer.Scandinavian Capitals and Norwegian Fjords Escape
A stylish Nordic journey through Stockholm, Copenhagen and Fjord Norway with canal cruises, Viking heritage and scenic rail travel.Festive Fjord Adventure in Norway
With boutique accommodation, this holiday offers a blend of festive charm, winter adventure and tranquil fjord-side luxury in Norway.Norway Fjords and Arctic Adventure: Oslo to Lyngen Alps Escape
Explore Norway from Oslo to the Lyngen Alps with fjords, food tours, rafting, kayaking and scenic rail journeys in one seamless trip.Luxury Norway Fjords Journey from Oslo to Bergen
Luxury Norway journey from Oslo to Bergen featuring fjord kayaking, glacier views, historic hotels and authentic cultural experiences.Magical Arctic Adventure in Tromsø: Whales, Huskies and Sami Culture
Discover Tromsø in winter with whale watching, husky sledding, Sami culture and chances to see the Northern Lights on this magical Arctic adventure.Iceland and Scandinavia Grand Discovery: Volcanoes, Fjords and Nordic Capitals
Discover Iceland and Scandinavia on a luxury journey featuring volcano tours, glacier hiking, Nordic cities, fjords and the Lofoten Islands.Tromsø and Malangen Winter Escape
Explore Tromsø and Malangen by snowshoe, sled and snowmobile, with Arctic wildlife, Sami culture and Northern Lights at every turn.Norwegian Fjords, Waterfalls and Flåm Railway
Norwegian fjord adventures, meticulously crafted for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.Luxury Ålesund and Fjord Hideaway
A luxurious journey through Oslo and the fjords with exclusive activities, iconic landscapes and premium boutique stays in Norway’s most scenic region...A Family Fjord Adventure in Norway
An active family journey through Norway with fjords wildlife cycling ziplining and unforgettable Arctic landscapes.Arctic Fjords and Nordic Flavours
An active family journey through Norway featuring fjords, wildlife, kayaking, scenic drives and historic stays from Lofoten to Bergen.A Nordic Winter Escape Through Sweden and Norway
A winter journey through Stockholm and Norway’s fjords with ski touring wellness dining and unforgettable alpine scenery.Aurora Sea Cabin Escape
Escape to Norway’s Arctic coast on the Aurora Sea Cabin Escape, a five‑night retreat offering secluded sea‑side cabins with fjord views.A Michelin Keys Journey Through Norway’s Fjords Mountains and Culture
A luxurious Michelin Key journey through Norway’s fjords mountains and culture featuring private experiences gourmet dining and elegant hotels.Grand Rail Journey Through Denmark and Norway
A refined no fly Scandinavian rail journey through Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen and Aurland with fjords, culture and Nordic wellness.The Arctic Hideaway
Secluded island cabins, sauna, kayaking, wildlife safaris and Northern Lights—discover The Arctic Hideaway for an intimate fjord escape.A Nordic Christmas Adventure from Oslo to Arctic Lapland
A festive Nordic escape from Oslo to Arctic Lapland featuring Northern Lights, Sami culture, snow adventures and an unforgettable igloo stay.Explore More Options in Norway
Let us tailor your dream journey through Norway’s dramatic landscapes. From cruising deep fjords to staying in remote luxury lodges above the Arctic Circle, your tailor-made adventure could include dog sledding, sea kayaking, or riding the world-famous Flåm Railway. Combine natural spectacle with cultural depth – Viking history, Sami heritage, and local cuisine await. With our first-hand insight and passion for exploration, your Norwegian escape will be unforgettable.
Amerikalinjen
A historic hotel at the heart of Oslo, charming contemporary design
The Dock 69°39 by Scandic
A unique hotel in the heart of Tromsø, premium comfort and rich historyManshausen Cabins
Award winning sea cabins, unobstructed views of mountains and the seaOpus XVI
Immerse youself in the remarkable life of composer Edvard Grieg in BergenWolf Lodge, Polar Park
Experience Arctic nature up close as you live amongst the wolves
Lyngen Experience Lodge
Endless hiking trails, kayak on still lakes, and bask in the midnight sunWalaker Hotel
Norway’s oldest hotel, set beside the Lustrafjord, in the heart of SolvornVilla Efjord
Arrive in style by helicopter, and dinner curated by your private chef292 Aurland
Boutique historic farm-hotel, mountains, waterfalls and fjord viewsMolja Lighthouse
Upstairs in the circular bedroom lie and watch the boats sail pastHolmen Husky Lodge
Luxury Arctic lodge near Alta offering Forest Suites, husky sledding adventures and northern lights experiences in North Norway.Clarion Hotel The Edge
Northern Lights, whale safaris and the Arctic Cathedral on your doorstepSkaret Lodge
A private hilltop retreat near Tromsø with panoramic views, Nordic design and Arctic adventures from your doorstep.Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
The World's Northernmost Igloo Hotel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Basecamp Hotel
Steeped in Svalbard heritage, a taste Arctic life with raw-edge charmWood Hotel
Great views over Innlandet and Mjsøa in the world's tallest wooden houseSorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
Unforgettable Arctic adventures, immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Energihotellet
Mid century design hotel above Lake Suldalsvatnet, where striking architecture, local cuisine and dramatic Norwegian landscapes meet.Solstrand Hotel & Spa
Boutique Spa Hotel Outside of Bergen, mountains, waterfalls and fjord viewsBergen Børs Hotel
Right in the heart of Bergen, with impressive painted vaulted ceilingsIsbreen the Glacier
A luxury igloo retreat, nestled far above the Arctic Circle in Norway
Hotel Union Øye
Follow in the footsteps of adventurers, royals, writers, and loversElva Hotel, Voss
Malangen Resort
Malangen Resort on Malangen Fjord, where Arctic peaks and skies meet. A tailored Norwegian escape of adventure, wellness and calm.
Camp 291
All cabins have a private balcony with panoramic views, close to natureNusfjord Resort
A secluded valley stretching toward the sea, a quaint fishing villageBjørnfjell Mountain Lodge
Deep-rooted connection to Norwegian farming traditions and cabin cultureVindlys Luxury Apartments
Luxury private apartments with 360° views of the mountains and fjordsFjærland Fjordstove Hotel
Lake Suldalsvatnet, where architecture, local cuisine and Norwegian landscapes meetHotel Brosundet
The historic town of Ålesund, a destination where history meets luxuryExceptional service throughout the entire planning and booking process – travel agencies don’t get any better than this. A brilliant, seamless experience matched by the holiday experience itself. Would recommend ‘Off the Map Travel’ to anyone considering booking for a Nordic experience ‘par excellence’.
We – the whole family – loved the whole journey!!
The accommodations, the activities and especially the great people – thank you very much for this fantastic organisation !!!
The ease of everything stood out to me. All we had to do was be there at the right time. The dog sledding was the highlight for my daughter and sister. We had the best time! For me, Manshausen was the highlight. We were very lucky and the only guests there for the majority of our stay. The staff was amazing and the food was so delicious. We had moose steak and it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
The cabins were comfortable and we were so lucky to have 2 clear nights where we just sat and watched the northern lights. We were able to get some awesome pictures too.
I appreciate all your time and care with planning our trip! I won’t hesitate to use Off the Map travel for our next adventure.
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Arctic Retreat was simply magical. Graham and his team were superb. Their entire focus was on ensuring we had an outstanding experience. The accommodation, setting and food were all excellent. The team, experienced professionals, each brought their own personal touch and local nuance. It was faultless. The dog sledging trip directly from Arctic Retreat was also superb. We would return to Arctic Retreat in a heartbeat.
Hello Lucy!! Kim and I had a fantastic time in Iceland! Probably one of my top 3 trips I’ve ever taken!
It was everything we asked for and you did a wonderful job coordinating it all so beautifully!!
Thank you very much and we will contact you again when we get ready to plan our trip to Norway and Lapland!
We really enjoyed our Norwegian adventure despite the -22 days! Unfortunately no real experience of viewing the Lights but we did capture a couple of images on our last night – too much cloud otherwise so lots of snow. We really enjoyed the husky lodge – not at all what we had tentatively imagined. Thanks for your assistance, maybe next time we will see the Lights in all their glory.
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!








