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.
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.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, 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 Family Fjord Adventure in Norway
An active family journey through Norway with fjords wildlife cycling ziplining and unforgettable Arctic landscapes.Norway and Sweden Summer Tour
Discover the richness of Scandinavian summer on this curated journey through Norway and Sweden.Luxury Oslo Fjords Adventure
Luxury journey through Oslo, Bergen and the fjords with private hikes, gourmet picnics, boutique hotels and unforgettable scenic travel.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.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.From Stockholm to Swedish Lapland
A luxury journey from Stockholm to Swedish Lapland combining Sámi culture, Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights and slow Nordic living.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...Autumn Colours in the Nordics
Panoramic ocean views, explore hidden fjords by private boat, and unwind in an elegant hillside retreat.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 Norwegian Fjord Tour
Welcome to Bergen - the Gateway to the fjords!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.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.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...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.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.Luxury Fjords Travel Through Western Norway
A slow luxury journey through Norway’s fjords with private cruises, scenic railways, fine food and historic hotels.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.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.
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.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.Arctic Fjords and Nordic Flavours
An active family journey through Norway featuring fjords, wildlife, kayaking, scenic drives and historic stays from Lofoten to Bergen.Norwegian Fjords, Waterfalls and Flåm Railway
Norwegian fjord adventures, meticulously crafted for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.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.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.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 experiencesA 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.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.
Juva Cabin
Experience the wilderness, with the spectacular landscape of Svalbard
Hotel Aurlandsfjord
Boutique historic farm-hotel, mountains, waterfalls and fjord viewsVindlys Luxury Apartments
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The perfect base to stay while exploring the unique Lofoten IslandsSolstrand Hotel & Spa
Boutique Spa Hotel Outside of Bergen, mountains, waterfalls and fjord viewsOpus XVI
Immerse youself in the remarkable life of composer Edvard Grieg in BergenOnga Boutique Lodge and Glass Domes
A luxury igloo retreat, nestled far above the Arctic Circle in NorwayHolmen Husky Lodge
Luxury Arctic lodge near Alta offering Forest Suites, husky sledding adventures and northern lights experiences in North Norway.
Hotel Norge by Scandic, Bergen
An iconic and modern hotel, where traditions meet international luxuryHotel Brosundet
The historic town of Ålesund, a destination where history meets luxury
Camp 291
All cabins have a private balcony with panoramic views, close to natureWolf Lodge, Polar Park
Experience Arctic nature up close as you live amongst the wolvesThe Thief
A sanctuary has never felt so comfortable and secluded, yet connectedLindesnes Havehotell
At Havhotellet, every stay is shaped by sea air, sky and natural beauty.
Lyngen Experience Lodge
Endless hiking trails, kayak on still lakes, and bask in the midnight sunNusfjord Resort
A secluded valley stretching toward the sea, a quaint fishing village
Hotel Union Øye
Follow in the footsteps of adventurers, royals, writers, and loversThe Arctic Hideaway, Fleinvær
Adventure & luxury accommodation, celebrating a rich cultural heritageRadisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen
In the heart of Longyearbyen, majestic snowy peaks & glistening glaciers
Scandic Narvik
Panoramic views of Narvik and the surrounding mountains from the sky bar
Energihotellet
Mid century design hotel above Lake Suldalsvatnet, where striking architecture, local cuisine and dramatic Norwegian landscapes meet.
Hotel Continental Oslo
Sophisticated surroundings blend seamlessly with personalised serviceMalangen Resort
Malangen Resort on Malangen Fjord, where Arctic peaks and skies meet. A tailored Norwegian escape of adventure, wellness and calm.Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel
Lake Suldalsvatnet, where architecture, local cuisine and Norwegian landscapes meetLofoten Links Lodges
Facing North towards the Sea, midnight sun, northern lights, and sunsetsStorfjord Hotel
On Norways west coast, your gateway to unforgettable holiday adventuresWood Hotel
Great views over Innlandet and Mjsøa in the world's tallest wooden houseSommerro House
Cosy spaces, lavish suites, decadent rooms with rich art deco detailsSkaret Lodge
A private hilltop retreat near Tromsø with panoramic views, Nordic design and Arctic adventures from your doorstep.Fantastic trip to Svalbard which delivered the true Arctic experience we were hoping for. The hotels were excellent and the activities – dog sledding and snowmobile expedition were lead by first class guides.
Top tip! The champagne tasting in the world’s most northerly wine cellar in the exceptional Funken Lodge is not to be missed!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 !!!
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’.
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.
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
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!








