"From the royal ambience of the lobby (bedecked with Murano glass chandeliers and a grand piano) to the classical elegance of the rooms, the Grand Hotel Oslo pulls out all the stops in making guests feel like visiting dignitaries—which should come as no surprise since the hotel has played host to countless actual visiting dignitaries. Nobel Peace Prize winners including the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela give interviews and greet crowds from the balcony of the eponymous Nobel Suite, but junior suites offer the best views overlooking buzzing Karl Johans Gate. Be sure to make time for a visit to the hotel’s Artesia Spa, where birch tree trunks separate the chromatherapy pool from a rooftop sun terrace."

"Stokkøya Sjøsenter: A Wild Coastal Getaway in Norway The island of Stokkøya, just off Norway’s west coast, is for people whose idea of a “wild” beach retreat means untouched dunes, not all-night DJ dance parties. Stokkøya Sjøsenter began as a campsite but now offers accommodations for every budget. The coolest digs, in our opinion, are the simple yet artsy subterranean rooms built into the sandbank. Light bounces around the rooms through domes in the roof, and floor-to-ceiling windows look onto white sand. Cottages sleep up to six; dormitory-style rooms share a kitchen. By day, dive or kayak; at night, take in the stars from the wood-fired hot tub, which has a built-in wine cooler. Subterranean units from $187. This appeared in the June/July 2014 issue."

"Overnight in the Norwegian Fjords? Yes! This really doesn't look like the kind of place where one would want to spend more than a few minutes in transit. Not because it is shady or unsafe - quite the contrary. But because it's so small, and virtually empty. Not a soul in sight except for the odd car passing through and the train station employee, a few buildings spread around the harbor, and that's about it. Flåm isn't a city, nor is it a village, really. It just is. Forget about nightlife, high-end restaurants or shocking museum exhibitions. In Flåm, nature is the star of the show. Where the air is crisp, and fresh, and invigorating, where the two restaurants are proud to serve local specialties like elk and beer, where the mute spectacle is on from dusk 'til dawn, and where the only noise you'll be hearing is your own voice saying 'wow' at every turn (not that there are that many turns, mind you - it is a small place). The Fretheim Hotel is surrounded by the grandiose fjords, the many waterfalls and cute, wild Norwegian horses. You don't even have to be a nature-lover to fully appreciate the striking beauty of Flåm. In terms of amenities, the hotel is ultra-modern and cabin-chic, with the latest technology and decor. And the large lobby area makes for a perfect fjord-gazing, tea-sipping afternoon. Trust me when I say that my trip to Norway would not have been the same without these crucial hours in Flåm - stop sightseeing for a minute, sit back, and enjoy the show. Quite literally."

"Timber Lodges: Holmenkollen Park Hotel, Oslo, Norway One of Oslo’s most recognizable landmarks is a former sanatorium designed in the “dragon style,” an ornate Norwegian variant on Swiss chalet architecture. Next door sits the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, rebuilt for the 2011 Nordic World Ski Championships. When pros aren’t competing, visit the jump’s observation tower for views of the fjords. Holmenkollen Park Hotel Rica, Oslo , Norway . 47/22-92-20-00 holmenkollenparkhotel.no . This appeared in the November/December 2010 issue."

"You’d be forgiven for mistaking this bold design hotel inTjuvholmen for one of the neighborhood’s many art galleries. Billionaire owner Petter Stordalen is a sponsor of the Renzo Piano–designed Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, which allows him to borrow worksby the likes of Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons from its collection to exhibit in the hotel. (Your room key grants you free admission to the museum). In addition, the former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art curated original pieces from international and local artists for all 118 of the hotel’s private spaces. The rooms—which have floor-to-ceiling windows, many overlooking Oslo Fjord—blend neutral blues and grays with sexy gold accents; amenities include interactive TVs showing “art on demand,” Norwegian wool slippers, and woolen blankets for wrapping up on the balcony. The Thief’s commitment to creative expression also extends to the soundtrack: Twice a month, the hotel enlists Scandinavian musicians to perform acoustic sets in its lounge or, during the summer, the rooftop bar."

"Rustic Farm Stay in the heart of Norway Looking for a unique way to experience bucolic Norwegian life without breaking the bank? Nestled in the beautiful Gudbrandsdalen valley (about two and half hours north of Lillehammer), Tynnøl Backpackers Lodge offers visitors the chance to stay in a rustic timber farmhouse while experiencing farm life amid a working dairy farm. Activities include hiking, fishing, and bicycling (bike rental available at reasonable rates). Accommodations are basic, comfortable, and clean. Think "awesome farm hostel" and you've got the right idea. Best of all, you can reduce the cost of your stay to nothing by doing farm work, with every three hours of labor going towards a free night (and three free nights for a full day's work). Travel couldn't be more sustainable than this!"