A Boutique Fjord Retreat in the Heart of Norway
Bestebakken Hotel
@ BesteBakken Hotel
@ 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.
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.
Autumn Colours in the Nordics
Panoramic ocean views, explore hidden fjords by private boat, and unwind in an elegant hillside retreat.
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.
Norway and Sweden Summer Tour
Discover the richness of Scandinavian summer on this curated journey through Norway and Sweden.
Norwegian Fjords, Waterfalls and Flåm Railway
Norwegian fjord adventures, meticulously crafted for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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.
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.
An Adventure Beneath the Aurora: Norway's Fjords, Cities and Arctic Wilderness
Luxury Norway adventure featuring Oslo, Bergen, fjords, husky sledding and unforgettable Northern Lights experiences.
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.
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.
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.
Grand Norwegian Fjord Tour
Welcome to Bergen - the Gateway to the fjords!
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.
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.
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 experiences
The Arctic Hideaway
Secluded island cabins, sauna, kayaking, wildlife safaris and Northern Lights—discover The Arctic Hideaway for an intimate fjord escape.
Luxury Fjords Travel Through Western Norway
A slow luxury journey through Norway’s fjords with private cruises, scenic railways, fine food and historic hotels.
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.
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...
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.
Luxury Oslo Fjords Adventure
Luxury journey through Oslo, Bergen and the fjords with private hikes, gourmet picnics, boutique hotels and unforgettable scenic travel.
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...
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.
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.
Luxury Glacier Escape in Alta Norway
Huskies, Arctic dining, forest sauna and a remote fjord retreat combine on this luxury journey through Northern Norway.
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.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.
Lofoten Links Lodges
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Hotel Charmante, Bergen
A Parisian Dream in the Heart of Bergen.
Fretheim Hotel, Flåm
Historic fjord hotel in Flåm offering Norwegian heritage, spectacular scenery and unforgettable fjord experiences.
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The Dock 69°39 by Scandic
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Vindlys Luxury Apartments
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Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
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Svinoya Rorbuer
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Trasti and Trine
Northern Norway's luxury boutique hotel with huskies in-situ
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Clarion Hotel The Edge
Northern Lights, whale safaris and the Arctic Cathedral on your doorstep
Holmen Husky Lodge
Luxury Arctic lodge near Alta offering Forest Suites, husky sledding adventures and northern lights experiences in North Norway.
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen
In the heart of Longyearbyen, majestic snowy peaks & glistening glaciers
Hotel Continental Oslo
Sophisticated surroundings blend seamlessly with personalised service
Skaret Lodge
A private hilltop retreat near Tromsø with panoramic views, Nordic design and Arctic adventures from your doorstep.
Sommerro House
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Solstrand Hotel & Spa
Boutique Spa Hotel Outside of Bergen, mountains, waterfalls and fjord views
Hotel St Elisabeth, Tromsø
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Hotel Union Øye
Follow in the footsteps of adventurers, royals, writers, and lovers
Lyngen Experience Lodge
Endless hiking trails, kayak on still lakes, and bask in the midnight sun
Hattvika Lodge, Rorbuer Fishermen's Cottages
Historic fishermen’s cottages with views out towards the Norwegian Sea
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
The World's Northernmost Igloo Hotel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Malangen Resort
Malangen Resort on Malangen Fjord, where Arctic peaks and skies meet. A tailored Norwegian escape of adventure, wellness and calm.
Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge
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Hattvika Hideaway
Historic fishermen’s cottages with views out towards the Norwegian Sea
Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel
Lake Suldalsvatnet, where architecture, local cuisine and Norwegian landscapes meet
Onga Boutique Lodge and Glass Domes
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We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
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!
Doreen
We did! Everything was truly wonderful! I think the Holman Husky Lodge was our favourite place. Beautiful accommodations, but best of all, wonderful people! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, excellent food, we really enjoyed our time there. We also greatly enjoyed Bergen! Opus XVI was beautiful and we loved being able to walk to restaurants and bars and take in the sights. All of our drivers were punctual and friendly. The itinerary was full but not overfull.
Thank you so much! It was an epic trip, we are taking home wonderful memories!
Shelly
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
Giles
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
Emily
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Russell Snook
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
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.
Rosie
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 !!!
Barbara
Exceptional 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’.
Chris
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.
Andrew
We have loved it so much here that we have extended our stay and will come back to Bjornfjell and stay in one of their cabins until Jan 3 then we are staying in the igloo hotel the night of the 3rd. 😊We added a few excursions this week – we did the whale trip on the RIB boat (wow!), toured the igloo hotel (which is why we decided to book the last night!) and did the reindeer sleigh at Sorrisniva. You were so right, the bonfire excursion was incredible!!It has been an absolutely amazing trip!
Kristen