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.
Norway and Sweden Summer Tour
Discover the richness of Scandinavian summer on this curated journey through Norway and Sweden.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 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.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.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.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.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...From Stockholm to Swedish Lapland
A luxury journey from Stockholm to Swedish Lapland combining Sámi culture, Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights and slow Nordic living.Grand Norwegian Fjord Tour
Welcome to Bergen - the Gateway to the fjords!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.Norwegian Fjords, Waterfalls and Flåm Railway
Norwegian fjord adventures, meticulously crafted for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.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.Luxury Oslo Fjords Adventure
Luxury journey through Oslo, Bergen and the fjords with private hikes, gourmet picnics, boutique hotels and unforgettable scenic travel.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.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.The Arctic Hideaway
Secluded island cabins, sauna, kayaking, wildlife safaris and Northern Lights—discover The Arctic Hideaway for an intimate fjord escape.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...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.Autumn Colours in the Nordics
Panoramic ocean views, explore hidden fjords by private boat, and unwind in an elegant hillside retreat.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.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.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.
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.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 experiencesLuxury Fjords Travel Through Western Norway
A slow luxury journey through Norway’s fjords with private cruises, scenic railways, fine food and historic hotels.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.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 Family Fjord Adventure in Norway
An active family journey through Norway with fjords wildlife cycling ziplining and unforgettable Arctic landscapes.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.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.
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Experience Arctic nature up close as you live amongst the wolvesLindesnes Havehotell
At Havhotellet, every stay is shaped by sea air, sky and natural beauty.Hotel Victoria, Stavanger
A sanctuary has never felt so comfortable and secluded, yet connectedWalaker Hotel
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An iconic and modern hotel, where traditions meet international luxury
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Adventure & luxury accommodation, celebrating a rich cultural heritageMalangen Resort
Malangen Resort on Malangen Fjord, where Arctic peaks and skies meet. A tailored Norwegian escape of adventure, wellness and calm.292 Aurland
Boutique historic farm-hotel, mountains, waterfalls and fjord viewsHotel Brosundet
The historic town of Ålesund, a destination where history meets luxury
Juva Cabin
Experience the wilderness, with the spectacular landscape of SvalbardStorfjord Hotel
On Norways west coast, your gateway to unforgettable holiday adventuresSkaret Lodge
A private hilltop retreat near Tromsø with panoramic views, Nordic design and Arctic adventures from your doorstep.Molja Lighthouse
Upstairs in the circular bedroom lie and watch the boats sail pastVilla Efjord
Arrive in style by helicopter, and dinner curated by your private chefFjærland Fjordstove Hotel
Lake Suldalsvatnet, where architecture, local cuisine and Norwegian landscapes meetWood Hotel
Great views over Innlandet and Mjsøa in the world's tallest wooden house
Hattvika Lodge, Rorbuer Fishermen's Cottages
Historic fishermen’s cottages with views out towards the Norwegian SeaAmerikalinjen
A historic hotel at the heart of Oslo, charming contemporary designSvinoya Rorbuer
The perfect base to stay while exploring the unique Lofoten IslandsHattvika Hideaway
Historic fishermen’s cottages with views out towards the Norwegian SeaSorrisniva Igloo Hotel
The World's Northernmost Igloo Hotel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Camp 291
All cabins have a private balcony with panoramic views, close to natureSolstrand Hotel & Spa
Boutique Spa Hotel Outside of Bergen, mountains, waterfalls and fjord viewsIsbreen the Glacier
A luxury igloo retreat, nestled far above the Arctic Circle in Norway
Scandic Narvik
Panoramic views of Narvik and the surrounding mountains from the sky barBjørnfjell Mountain Lodge
Deep-rooted connection to Norwegian farming traditions and cabin cultureThe 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.
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!
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!
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 !!!
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!
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.
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
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.
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
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!
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.








