🌍 Tourism and hospitality: seasonal work from the fjords to the Arctic

The hospitality industry season here lasts from sunrises over the Geiranger Fjord to polar nights in the Arctic capital. The work is more practical than romantic: schedules, high workload during peak season, logistics, and finding accommodation. However, the entry requirements are clear, and jobs are available regularly — from reception and housekeeping to Northern Lights guides. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to target Geiranger, where to monitor Lofoten and Tromsø, how much English you need for front office and F&B, and how not to ‘miss out’ on accommodation and travel in the middle of the season.

🏨 How to find seasonal work at a hotel or campsite in Geirangerfjord?

Start with the recruitment pages of local hotels and chains. Hotel Union Geiranger publishes seasonal job openings (waiters, spa, front office) with detailed descriptions, and you can apply directly there.

Havila Hotels (including a property in Geiranger itself) is also actively looking for staff for the summer. It's best to apply in winter or spring, as vacancies fill up quickly in summer.

Understanding the ‘vibe’ of the place also helps with logistics: the Geiranger–Hellesylt ferry runs on a summer schedule (mid-May to mid-September), with more trips during the peak season; PDF tables for the season are updated in advance, which is convenient for checking shifts/routes. During the high season, tourist traffic is at its peak (advance booking is recommended), which directly correlates with the demand for staff.

🌄 Where to look for jobs in Lofoten in summer and Tromsø in winter?

Aggregators: filter FINN Jobb and the government portal Arbeidsplassen (NAV) by location and industry: for Lofoten — municipalities Vågan/Flakstad/Moskenes, for the Arctic — Tromsø. Positions in hotels/accommodation, F&B, reception, and housekeeping are regularly posted there.

Tour operators (winter): in Tromsø, the guide season starts in September and lasts until April; many companies publish job listings on their English-language websites — for example, Chasing Lights, Wandering Owl, Villmarkssenter, Arctic Adventure Tours. Check the dates, required skills and language — ‘fluent English’ is often listed.

When is the peak season? The ‘hunt’ for the aurora borealis lasts from late August to early April, and the busiest hours are 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. (useful to keep in mind when planning your schedule and transportation). The Lofoten Islands see the most visitors in the summer and during the midnight sun period.

💬 Is English sufficient for reception/F&B?

In general, yes: the country is consistently ranked No. 2 in the world for English proficiency (EF EPI 2024), and in tourist locations, front office and F&B often use English as the ‘common’ language of the team. This is also evident in job vacancies: a number of employers explicitly state English as a requirement (e.g. Holmen Lofoten: ‘English is essential’). At the same time, a basic knowledge of Norwegian will accelerate your growth and expand your range of tasks, especially in the back office and when working with local reporting.

🏠 How to plan accommodation and transport during the high season?

Accommodation. Look for employers who help with accommodation. In Svolvær, Thon Hotels explicitly state ‘we help with accommodation’ in their advertisements — this is a lifesaver during the peak months.

In Lofoten, some places (such as Holmen Lofoten) offer staff housing arrangements — check during the interview. If your employer does not provide accommodation, book in advance or look for monthly options in nearby towns with good transport links.

Transport. The Travel Pass Nordland is convenient for Nurland — 7 days of unlimited travel on buses and express boats (purchased in the Reis app). On the Bodø–Moskenes line, pedestrians traditionally travel free of charge (only reservations/cars are subject to a fee) — useful when arriving for shifts without a car. In Geiranger, ferry schedules and cruises are frequent during the summer peak season — plan your connections and arrive in advance.

Seasonal realities. In Bergen and the fjord area, summer is the peak season, with higher prices and occupancy rates — book accommodation and transport in advance or aim for the shoulder season. In Tromsø, the winter months with the Northern Lights are also in high demand: allow extra in your budget and search time.

✅ Quick candidate checklist

• Where to look: FINN/NAV with local filters; websites of specific hotels/tour operators (Geiranger, Lofoten, Tromsø).
• Language: English is OK for front office/F&B in tourist areas; Norwegian is a plus for growth and competitiveness.
• Accommodation/logistics: check staff housing and discounts; in Lofoten, get a Travel Pass Nordland, which allows pedestrians to travel by ferry from Bodo for free.
• Timing: apply for summer jobs in winter/spring; for winter jobs in Tromsø, apply at the end of summer. For Geiranger, check summer schedules in advance.

The tourist season is a great way to get into the industry: understandable roles, clear requirements, and stunning geography — from the UNESCO fjords to the glowing skies of the north. Make a short plan: 5–10 relevant responses per week via FINN/NAV and specific employer websites, request staff housing options, calculate logistics (Travel Pass/ferry) and keep a basic reserve for peak prices. Add a couple of lines to your CV about clients from different cultures, your ability to work under pressure and your willingness to work evenings — and the season will no longer be a “lottery”, but a clear career step.