10 Best Hotels in Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Anne Gerd believes in the recharging power of Norwegian nature and established her guesthouse 6 km (4 miles) east of Leknes to provide easy access to it. Climbing, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and scuba diving are all within easy reach, and Anne Gerd helps arrange it. Nature for her also means a more familial experience, largely achieved through the excellent dinners and breakfasts she cooks, the fact that she lives on-site, and the limited number of guests at any time. Each of the rooms has a slightly different color scheme, size, and layout, but there's a shared hominess in the furniture and wall decorations. The handsome common areas encourage getting together as well, if only for a song around the piano.

This was Trondheim's first grand hotel when it opened in 1897, and more than a century later the Britannia remains one of the most luxurious places to stay in the whole country. Rumor has it, its owner once stood in front of the building as a young working-class boy, and said he would one day run the show. The result is next level: curated art exhibitions (look out for queer photography and abstract paintings challenging the potential stiffness of this residence) lead to well-appointed rooms with marble bathrooms, Håstens beds, Chromecast TVs, Bluetooth stereo system, full mini bar and room service, remote-controlled lights, heating, and blinds. The Tower Suite, with its blend of across-time chandeliers, sofas and roll-top tub, is the highest tier stay.

Foliage, candles, and a fireplace welcome you to the lower-level leisure area. A superbly equipped gym and opulent spa help bolster this grand dame: there's a low-lit pool, saunas and plunge, steam rooms and gorgeously fitted changing rooms with dressers, powder rooms, hair appliances and complimentary products and well as all-Elemis cosmetics.

The hardest part might be deciding which of its restaurants to eat in. The elegant Palmehaven is popular for special occasions (even breakfast being one, with gentle table lamps, an OTT buffet and the best butter and eggs in Scandinavia from nearby Røros). Theatrical, Michelin-starred Spielsalen is a must-try for foodies, and the Jonathan Grill is more laid-back and fun: try the sake and cherry blossom martini and grilling your own steak and scallops at the table, Japanese-Korean style.

There's also a brasserie, afternoon tea, and in-room breakfast (served on a silver platter no less) available at this Trondheim institution.

Overlooking the harbor, this centrally located hotel is looking spiffy after a complete renovation. It's among Bodø's best lodgings: the friendly, helpful staff and all-day free waffles get your visit off to a great start. Although rooms can be on the small side, some make up for it with views of the water. A copious buffet dinner and breakfast are included in the price, so you won't have to go far for a satisfying meal. If you do venture out, there's plenty of shopping and restaurants within walking distance.

This reasonably priced hotel, in the same building as Trondheim's large concert hall, is nicknamed "backstage" by locals. The interior is decorated in bold colors and has vibrant paintings inspired in part by the many musicians who have stayed here. In addition to breakfast, the hotel serves a complimentary evening meal.

The little red-and-yellow fishermen's huts that populate the villages of Lofoten and appear on so many postcards also house many tourists in summer. These, dating back to the 19th century, sit along the coast of a tiny rocky island 48 km (30 miles) south of Leknes. Apart from the modern stainless steel appliances in the kitchens, raw wood predominates in the walls, floors, and furniture. The rooms are also designed to combat the gusty gales powering in from the sea with thermal windows and heated floors. It's also recommended to stock up on food.

This extravaganza of glass on the Nidelva River is one of Trondheim's largest hotels. The marble-accented atrium is full of thriving plants. Rooms have clean lines and are decorated in the Nordic Ocean style: a medley of blues that mirror the sky and sea.

The only major hotel in Leknes itself, the Scandic Leknes Lofoten sits at the midpoint of the Lofoten National Tourist Route, with most major sights along the way. The hotel also has more high-tech amenities than most places on the islands. The yellow edifice, built in modular fashion, is a leftover from the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Rooms benefit from tidiness, efficiency, and a well-trained staff, but mostly from excellent views of the mountains. The hotel restaurant, Bevaras, serves a decent dinner buffet on weekdays.

First-class service is the hallmark of this hotel, located in downtown Bodø. Rooms, which have handsome furnishings, have different personalities (some a little dated), from artsy and crowded to spare and understated. Dinner and breakfast are included in the price, and complimentary waffles and coffee are served afternoons in the English-style library bar. The hotel has many regulars, so be sure to book early.

The centrally located Thon Hotel, part of a Scandinavia-wide hotel chain, is close to the Hurtigruten ferry boat and bus station. Though attractive enough, like most Norway hotels, the Thon Brønnøysund is less interested in bells and whistles than in providing all of the straightforward amenities in a clean, comfortable, no-frills atmosphere. Schrøders Stue's, the hotel restaurant and bar, serves traditional buffet-style meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also offers coastal apartments on Torget Island.

Smack dab in the city center with glorious views of the sunlight reflected on the harbor, this popular Scandinavian chain hotel is a bright, modern lodging with clean, spacious rooms. All the amenities you'd expect in an upscale hotel chain, and the decor is a little more playful than you might expect. A traditional Scandinavian buffet breakfast is included in the rates, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The staff can arrange visits to nearby sights such as Saltstraumen or Kjerringøy.