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Where to stay in Finse, Norway?

One of the things that makes Finse so special is that staying here feels completely different from staying in most Norwegian destinations. You’re not choosing between dozens of hotels, boutique apartments, or a long list of restaurants and attractions. Finse is smaller, quieter, and much, muuuch more remote.


If you’re planning an overnight trip (which you should be because staying at least one night is THE best way to experience Finse), this guide covers where to stay in Finse, what kind of accommodation to expect, and how to choose the best option for your style of adventure.


And you'll be pleased to know, it's straightforward because there's not a lot of choice (and we thing that's a good thing!)


Do note that for most overnight trips with Snowstorm Adventures, accommodation is included.


Where to stay in Finse?

There are essentially five main options for accommodation in Finse:

The luxury Hotel Finse 1222 is right on the train station less than 1 minute walk from the train. The Blue sitting area in the hotel is the definition of tranquility. The hotel has a long history and is one of the oldest buildings in Finse.
The luxury Hotel Finse 1222 is right on the train station less than 1 minute walk from the train. The Blue sitting area in the hotel is the definition of tranquility. The hotel has a long history and is one of the oldest buildings in Finse.

Is It Worth Staying Overnight in Finse?

Absolutley. For most travelers, staying overnight for at least one night is far more rewarding than visiting as a quick stop. It gives you time to experience the changing light, shifting weather, quiet evenings, and early-morning atmosphere that make Finse so memorable. It also means you have less stress because you are not watching the clock to make sure you catch your departure train.

DNT Finsehytta with its beer garden in Summer. Finsehytta is a 300m walk from the train station which takes about 10 minutes. It has a cafe and microbrewery where Rune makes 4 types of beer and a local cider. Well worth a taste!
DNT Finsehytta with its beer garden in Summer. Finsehytta is a 300m walk from the train station which takes about 10 minutes. It has a cafe and microbrewery where Rune makes 4 types of beer and a local cider. Well worth a taste!

An overview of accommodation in Finse

Luxury and Finse dining: Hotel Finse 1222

  • A historical hotel as it was one of the first building in Finse

  • Has a long history as a fashionable high-society destination

  • Rooms are ensuite and stylishly decorated

  • Restaurant is classic and elegant with incredible views of the landscape

  • Evening meals are beautifully plated three course meals in the evening

  • The chefs are excellent and the food quality is very high

  • Breakfast is traditional Norwegian buffet style

  • Lunch is prepared sandwiches and filled hot thermoses

  • Has a drying room


Traditional staffed mountain cabin: DNT Finsehytta

  • A true Norwegian friluftsliv cultural experience

  • Community and sharing space and time outside with others is heavily celebrated in all DNT cabins

  • Cabin focus is allowing people to enjoy nature and being outside

  • Rooms are shared; from 2 person to 10 person dorms. During quiet periods a single supplement is available

  • You must either rent or bring your own bed linen (for example a cotton or silk sleeping bag liner) and towels

  • Bathrooms are shared

  • Evening meals are at set times and everyone in the cabin sits down together (this is very traditional)

  • Evening meal food is home-cooked and usually a traditional Norwegian recipe.

  • The chefs are excellent and the food quality is very high

  • Breakfast is traditional Norwegian buffet style

  • Lunch is traditional 'matpakke' where you create your own sandwiches from the breakfast buffet and fill your thermos ready for your days hike

  • Has an extensive drying room


A typical example of a room in DNT Finsehytta. You sleep under the blue blankets but must bring your own linens or rent them from reception.
A typical example of a room in DNT Finsehytta. You sleep under the blue blankets but must bring your own linens or rent them from reception.

DNT Brebua: Self catered DNT mountain cabin available when DNT Finsehytta is closed

  • Totally self catering

  • There is electricity and hot water

  • Cabin focus is allowing people to enjoy nature and be outside

  • Rooms are shared; from 4 person to 10 person dorms.

  • You must bring your own bed linen (for example a cotton or silk sleeping bag liner) and towels

  • Bathrooms are shared

  • There is a small drying room with a wood burning stove and supplied wood

  • You must bring all your own food

  • Some food is available for sale with an honesty system. You can pay cash or with the Hyttebestilling app

  • You are expected to clean your room yourself before you leave


Private cabins and apartments rented through AirBnB or Finn.no

  • These can range from luxurious to very basic

  • Usually you must bring all your own food

  • You may be expected to clean before you depart

  • Luxury cabins and apartments may have everything through to saunas

  • Basic cabins may have no showers and only have chemical toilets


Wild camping

  • You can wild camp in winter and summer

  • Where you can camp is highly controlled because of the density of campers and to avoid polluting local drinking water

  • To camp in Norway you must be 150m away from the nearest cabin and you may not stay in one place for more than three nights

  • In summer, the camping area in Finse is on the far side of the dam on the South side of the lake at Finsevann

  • We have trouble with trash from campers visiting Finse: Please take your trash to the disposal and recycling areas at the train station

  • We have trouble with toilet pollution from campers visiting Finse: Please be consideratte when choosing where to poop. Public toilets are available at Finse train station and amenities can be used at DNT Finsehytta for a day pass cost (usually around 50NOK). You can also purchase shower passes at DNT Finsehytta.


At Snowstorm Adventures you can join a group trip to experience winter camping for yourself! We teach you how to make sure you are warm and having fun and enjoying the incredible nature.
At Snowstorm Adventures you can join a group trip to experience winter camping for yourself! We teach you how to make sure you are warm and having fun and enjoying the incredible nature.

What accommodation in Finse should I choose?

  • Best for first-time luxury visitors: Hotel Finse 1222

  • Best for first time visitors who want a true Norwegian experience: DNT Finsehytta

  • Best for winter trips: Hotel Finse 1222 and DNT Finsehytta

  • Best for expeditioners or those who want to come in the shoulder seasons: DNT Brebua

  • Best for hikers / cyclists: DNT Finsehytta or Hotel Finse 1222

  • Best for ski kiters: DNT Finsehytta or Hotel Finse 1222 or Private cabins or apartments

  • Best for photographers: DNT Finsehytta or Hotel Finse 1222

  • Best for a romantic couple's break: Hotel Finse 1222

  • Best for people already familiar with Finse: Private cabins or apartments

  • Best for people who want to meet others: DNT Finsehytta

  • Best for people who want to celebrate in their own space: Hotel Finse 1222

  • Best for people who want luxury dining: Hotel Finse 1222

  • Best for people who want communal dining with home cooked food: DNT Finsehytta


Should You Stay 1 Night or 2 Nights in Finse?

If your schedule allows, at least one night in Finse usually feels much more like an experience and less like a rushed stop between trains. It also means you can experience the morning and evening light and gives you greater flexibility for weather windows.


Essentially;

  • Day trips are possible but you will feel rushed and won't get to fully experience the remoteness of Finse

  • Overnight is usually better

  • Finse’s magic is strongest outside the quick-stop window

Relaxing on a Snowstorm Adventure's summer mountain hike in Finse
Relaxing on a Snowstorm Adventure's summer mountain hike in Finse

Booking Tips for Finse Accommodation

If you do decide to come to Finse, here are our top tips for booking accommodation:

  • Book early in winter weekends and peak summer periods

  • Double-check cancellation policies

  • Use travel insurance to cover you in case of train delays and cancellation

  • Watch train timing when booking arrival / departure

  • Confirm meal options if arriving late

  • If you have special dietary requirements make sure to let your accomodation know as soon as possible so they can make sure they have ingredients for you

  • Plan around weather flexibility where possible


Final Advice on Where to Stay in Finse

The best place to stay in Finse is usually the one that lets you fully enjoy the mountain atmosphere without rushing. Since options are limited, the smartest strategy is to book early, align your stay with your train schedule, and choose wether you want a calm and luxurious hotel experience, a community orientated outdoor life mountain cabin experience or you want to do your own thing entirely.


Before you book, make sure you also read my how to get to Finse guide so your train schedule and accommodation plan work together smoothly.

Staying for at least one night in Finse gives the chances to explore more. For example biking a day trip along the Rallarvegen to the cafe train museum of Fagernut.
Staying for at least one night in Finse gives the chances to explore more. For example biking a day trip along the Rallarvegen to the cafe train museum of Fagernut.

FAQ Section

FAQs About Where to Stay in Finse

Is it worth staying overnight in Finse? Yes. Staying at least one night gives you a much richer experience than a quick train stop and is better traveller ethics too.

Are there many hotels in Finse? No. Finse has limited accommodation compared with larger Norwegian destinations, which is part of its charm.

How many nights should you stay in Finse? 1–2 nights is ideal for most visitors, depending on your activities and schedule.

Is Finse good for a romantic getaway? Yes! especially if you like remote mountain scenery, cozy stays and dramatic weather.

Is Finse good for a family holiday? Yes! It can be a wonderful family destination, especially if your kids like to be outside.


 
 
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