Perched on the small island of Vestvågøya in Norway’s idyllic Lofoten archipelago, guests seeking both an authentic and exclusive getaway can now stay in newly-restored fishermen’s cottages at Hattvika Lodge
If you’re a fan of unusual escapes, these luxury accommodation options are bound to have you booking a flight. Hattvika Lodge, situated on the small island of Vestvågøya in Norway’s idyllic Lofoten archipelago, offers guests the opportunity to stay in newly-restored fishermen’s cottages overlooking the harbour, together with newly-built, freestanding hotel rooms set on the hillside with mountains towering behind.
Privately-owned by the same family for six generations, Hattvika Lodge combines the authenticity of life in Ballstad, a picturesque fishing village just above the Arctic Circle, with the comfort and stylish design for which Scandinavia is so well known, plus a plethora of outdoor activities.
The careful restoration and refurbishment of 13 original fishermen’s huts dating back to the 1880s means travellers can choose from a selection of luxurious accommodation in one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom cabins.
Modern upgrades include bathrooms with under floor heating, fully-equipped kitchens, and contemporary artwork, all of which meld seamlessly with traditional features such as wood cladding from the original 150-year-old buildings. High ceilings, clean lines, comfortable sofas, soft furnishings, log burners and clever lighting ideas, all add to the homely, yet exclusive ambience created by the owners, husband-and-wife duo, Guri and Kristian Boe.
Premium options include Seaside Suites for two, which are nestled right by the waterfront, and include breakfast in the property’s new restaurant just a short walk across the quay, plus use of a private hot tub, overlooking the harbour.
In addition to the fishermen’s cabins, the Boes have also created Hattvika Hillside, ten newly built, modern freestanding hotel rooms, partly nestled into the rocky terrain, partly perched on impressive steel supports.
Huge picture windows offer truly spectacular panoramic views over the Norwegian Sea and the mountains behind. It’s even possible to enjoy the Northern Lights during the winter months from the comfort of your hotel bed!
Ideal for bigger groups, the pièce de résistance at Hattvika is the main Lodge, a beautiful villa with annexe and small fisherman’s cottage for added exclusivity.
Determined to make each experience as authentic as possible, guests can also book numerous guided activities, such as sea kayaking, hiking, trail running, mountain biking and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as ski touring in the winter and photography tours taking in the spectacular landscape and the magical Northern Lights between September and April. Fishing trips, boat rentals, surfing, diving and RIB tours are also available through local operators, as well as the possibility of hiring a private chef.
Plus, the newly-opened bistro-style restaurant, Fangst, (meaning ‘catch’) aims to provide a memorable dining experience for its guests by producing a range of tasting menus based on sustainable ingredients sourced locally.
An expert team of chefs create ‘delicate experimental’ dishes, prioritising local foods such as cod, stockfish and sustainable seaweed harvested from the Arctic waters of the Lofoten archipelago. Organic cheese products from a nearby goat farm and marbled lamb from the islands also feature on the tasting menu: ‘Gateway to Ballstad – from the sea to mountains.’
Plus, forget the traditional wine tasting. For an additional taste of Lofoten and its history, Hattvika is also the only place in the world with a cod liver oil tasting booth. This pays homage to the islands’ rich heritage in producing Omega-3 oils and using them for everything from health benefits to painting the fishermen’s cabins red!
Make it happen
Cost: Prices per night for accommodation at Hattvika Lodge range from approximately £172 to £645 in a Fisherman’s Cottage, from £293 in a Hillside Cabin, from £516 in a Seaside Suite, and from £680 for the Lodge.
How: Find out more and make a booking via hattvikalodge.no
Getting There: Fly from UK airports to Oslo, Norway then onto Bodo (BOO). There are regular 25-minute flights with Wideroe from Bodo to Leknes (LKN) Lofoten. Hattvika is roughly 11 kms / 15-minute drive from Leknes.
