Where should I stay on a first trip to Norway?
Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø and Stavanger as bases, and types of accommodation.
Short answer
For a first trip to Norway, Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø are practical bases: Oslo for the capital, Bergen for the fjords and Tromsø for the Arctic winter. Visit Norway calls Bergen the perfect starting point for the fjords and says winter is peak season in Tromsø. From Stavanger, Preikestolen Basecamp is 30 minutes away.
Why
- Bergen is home to Norway in a Nutshell, which Visit Norway calls Norway's most popular tour.
- Visit Norway places Tromsø 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, with the airport 5 kilometres from the city centre.
- Preikestolen Basecamp is 30 minutes from Stavanger, and the round trip on the hike usually takes four hours, according to Region Stavanger.
Details
Visit Norway notes that there is no official star rating of hotels in Norway and advises booking well in advance, especially for summer. For cheaper stays there are hostels, motels and apartments, and many campsites have affordable camping cabins. You can also stay in historic hotels, rorbuer and lighthouses.
Tip
Choose bases by what you want to see rather than moving every night, and book early if you travel in summer.
What may differ
The season changes the choice: winter is peak season in Tromsø because of the northern lights and snow, while in summer the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle.
People also ask
- Where should I stay in Norway?
- Which city is the best base in Norway?
Sources
- Visit Norway: AccommodationChecked at:
- Visit Norway: HotelsChecked at:
- Visit Norway: BergenChecked at:
- Visit Norway: TromsøChecked at:
- Region Stavanger: PreikestolenChecked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026.
Where to stay in NorwayRelated questions
-
What happens to my hotel booking if there is a hotel strike in Norway?
If a strike stops a hotel in Norway from providing your stay, your rights depend on whether you booked a package holiday or only the room.
-
Where is the best base in Hardanger: Odda, Lofthus, Ulvik or Eidfjord?
The best base in Hardanger depends on your plans: Odda for Trolltunga, Lofthus for the Queen Sonja trail, Eidfjord for Hardangervidda and Ulvik for cider farms.
-
Where can you stay in a treehouse in Norway?
You can stay in treetop cabins in many parts of Norway, from Brumunddal and the Oslofjord in the east to Woodnest in Odda and Engeset in Nordfjord.
-
Can you stay overnight in a lighthouse in Norway?
Yes, you can stay overnight in several Norwegian lighthouses, including Lindesnes in the far south, Kråkenes in Western Norway and Litløy in Vesterålen.