Popular Moskenes 4-star Hotels

Considering that Norway is the most expensive country in Europe and that the breathtaking scenery and quaint fishing villages of Lofoten make it the country’s #1 tourist destination, the high price of the converted fisherman’s cabins here is pretty average. The cabins are refurbished to modern standard but are somewhat spartan. Mine had a stove-top but no oven, not even a microwave or a toaster, and the lack of a dish-rack meant that you had to use the dishwasher at least once a day or else improvise. The bathroom was similarly minimal. The bed was comfortable but not properly balanced, so the upper mattress kept on slipping off one side of the bed overnight! I had to park the car on the clifftop and walk the final 50 m to the cabin (which was 800 m from the reception). But these are minor issues: the setting is fabulous in all weathers (and staying a week meant I did see the harbour, village and mountains in brilliant sunshine, torrential rain, swirling fog and eerie stillness). Self-catering is a good option in a country where restaurant meals are exorbitant, and the traditional rorbuer on the water’s edge are definitely the place to stay. The environment is peaceful, the staff friendly and efficient, wifi excellent and everything clean and functional.

The Eliassen Rorbuer should be a mandatory stop for anyone who wants to experience the most fabulous lodging and views available in the Lofoten Islands. This hotel is constituted from an historic Norwegian fishing village, with individual and well-appointed cabins for guests, many of which cabins face out directly onto the spectacular harbor and towering mountains near the town of Reine. The cabin rooms are spacious and immaculate, with separate bedrooms and sitting rooms where you can luxuriate in the incredible scenery right outside your door. The village includes a top-flight restaurant (Gadus) with delicious included breakfasts as well as dinner if you so choose. The staff is warm and friendly, and there is even a washer-dryer right on premises for use by the hotel’s guests. Best of all, the location is perfect, within a short drive of truly amazing hikes like Reinebringen and Ryten Mountain/Kvalvika Beach. The hardest part of our whole trip to Norway was having to leave this very special place!