Hattvika Lodge

Hattvika Lodge in Ballstad, Norway, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its exceptional blend of authentic Lofoten charm and modern luxury. It offers guests an immersive experience in a picturesque fishing village, serving as an ideal base for exploring the stunning Lofoten archipelago.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hattvika Lodge boasts a "Wonderful" rating with an overall score of 9.1 from numerous reviews. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "excellent," "amazing," and "exceptionally the very best accommodation in Lofoten." Many express a strong desire to return, highlighting a feeling of comfort and being at home.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Hattvika Lodge:

• Location & Views: The lodge's setting in Ballstad offers amazing views of the harbor and surrounding mountains, with direct access to the sea. It's considered an excellent base for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Design & Ambiance: The beautifully restored and newly built accommodations blend traditional fisherman's cabin (rorbu) aesthetics with tasteful, modern design. The ambiance is described as homely yet exclusive, creating a cozy and contemporary feel.
• Exceptional Service: The staff and owners, Kristian and Guri, are frequently lauded for being incredibly responsive, sweet, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, often taking a personal interest in guests' trips and providing excellent recommendations.
• Amenities: Highlights include excellent saunas, some with exquisite views and outdoor showers, and the availability of jacuzzis in some units. The focus on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, fishing, diving, and kayaking is also a significant draw.

Room Quality

Hattvika Lodge offers a variety of accommodation types, including fully restored 1870s fisherman's cottages and newer Hattvika Hillside cabins.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are described as comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. The design features modern upgrades like bathrooms with underfloor heating, contemporary artwork, and fully-equipped kitchens in the rorbu units. Beds are noted as "SO comfortable".
• Views & Features: Many units offer balconies or patios with direct sea or mountain views. Large windows allow guests to enjoy panoramic vistas, with some Hillside cabins even offering views of the Northern Lights from the bed.
• Kitchen Facilities: Fisherman's Cottages typically include a kitchen equipped with an oven, fridge, dishwasher, and dining area, allowing for self-catering. Hillside cabins feature a small fridge and tea/coffee makers.

Dining Experience

The lodge features FANGST Restaurant, which is highly recommended and considered one of the best restaurants in the Lofoten Islands.

• Restaurant Quality: FANGST offers creative, perfectly presented dishes with exploding flavors, often based on hyper-local and foraged ingredients, focusing on seasonal seafood directly from local suppliers. The set menu options (Sea, Land, Garden) and tasting menus provide a focused dining experience, with the chef sometimes serving main courses.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is highly praised, described as "a breakfast for the books". It includes various options, such as homemade knekkebrød, gluten-free, and vegan choices, with an emphasis on fresh Norwegian elements like baked bread and toppings. Complimentary breakfast is included for guests staying in the Hillside cabins.

Service & Staff

The hospitality at Hattvika Lodge receives consistent accolades. Guests highlight the staff as "super friendly," "incredibly responsive," and "sweet," going the extra mile to ensure a fun and comfortable stay. Owners Kristian and Guri Boe are actively involved, making guests feel welcome and sharing insights into Lofoten's culture and history. They are committed to providing a personalized experience, offering recommendations and even assisting with luggage upon arrival.

Location & Accessibility

Hattvika Lodge is situated in Ballstad, described as the largest active fishing village in Lofoten and an excellent central base for exploring the islands.

• Neighborhood: The lodge is nestled in an authentic fisherman's area with a rich history, close to local restaurants and hiking opportunities.
• Transport: Leknes Airport is approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) away. A rental car is generally recommended for convenient travel throughout the Lofoten archipelago, allowing access to various hikes, viewpoints, and attractions within an hour's drive. Free private parking is available on site.

Value & Pricing

Hattvika Lodge scores well for value for money, rated at 8.5.

• Price Range: Dormitory beds are available seasonally (June 15 – August 15) starting around NOK 500 (approximately $58 USD) per night. Smaller one-bedroom fisherman's cabins, like Myklebustbua, begin at approximately NOK 2000 (around $232 USD).
• Worth the Cost: Many guests feel the experience is well worth the investment, considering it one of the best places to stay in Lofoten for the value received.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been noted:

• One guest mentioned a specific Hillside cabin lacked a kettle, and the restaurant being closed prevented them from making tea.
• A broader concern for the Lofoten islands, rather than a direct complaint against the lodge, highlighted challenges related to the unmanaged growth of tourism, including "people pollution," damage to nature, and infrastructure issues.

Overall, Hattvika Lodge is celebrated for its authentic yet luxurious accommodations, outstanding service, and prime location, making it a highly recommended choice for a memorable Lofoten adventure.

Sources

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8. hattvikalodge.no
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11. nomadict.org