By Taylor Hugo
From treehouses to igloos, Norway has amazing one-of-a-kind stays across the country that combine modern luxuries with breathtaking scenery. Check out the July issue of Viking to read about some of our favorites. If you want to stay like a royal, add these ideas to your list.
Oscarsborg Fortress, Drøbak
History buffs shouldn’t pass up a chance to stay at the Oscarsborg Fortress on an island in the Drøbak Sound. Built as a simple blockhouse under the order of King Christian the IV of Denmark and Norway, a larger fortress was constructed in 1846 to better protect the capital during wartime. This proved useful on April 9, 1940, when the fort’s commanding officer launched a surprise attack on the German ship Blücher, giving the Norwegian royal family a chance to evacuate Oslo. Today, an onsite hotel and resort—only accessible by ferry—welcomes tourists to spend the night after exploring the grounds, including five museums, underground passages, galleries and restaurants.
Bårdshaug Herregård, Orkanger
ive out all your fairytale dreams at Orkanger’s Bårdshaug Herregård hotel and manor, host to some of Europe’s crowned elite over the years, including Oscar II of Sweden, the Prince of Monaco, King Leopold of Belgium and Norway’s King Olav V. With intricate wood carvings, a game hunting–themed library and a bridal suite outfitted with King Louis furnishings from the 1700s, the manor hasn’t changed much since architect Christian Thams—who designed homes for celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Gustav Eiffel—purchased and decorated it in 1890. A hotel was added to the grounds in the early 1900s, accommodating additional guests with 89 guest rooms, a banquet hall and meeting space, plus the onsite Restaurant Ministeren, serving traditional dishes and fresh produce from local farmers.
Other royal-worthy stays: