Wondering where to stay in Lofoten? Hattvika Lodge provides such an unforgettable Lofoten experience that you’ll never want to leave its fully restored fisherman’s cabins from the 1880s. Located in Ballstad, Hattvika Lodge offers the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and history in what is truly a home away from home.
Long before I even booked my flights to Lofoten, I knew exactly where I wanted to base myself for my dream trip to the exquisite Lofoten Islands. Both Hattvika Lodge and Eliassen Rorbuer were my tops picks, and both exceeded my already high expectations.
I wasn’t planning on writing a dedicated review of Hattvika Lodge, but since I enjoyed my stay here so much and took a gazillion photos, summing up this wonderful place in a paragraph in my Lofoten travel (coming soon!) wouldn’t do Hattvika Lodge justice.
So, here’s everything you need to know about staying at Hattvika Lodge.
Arriving at Hattvika Lodge
As far as first impressions go, Hattvika Lodge made a great one even before I even arrived. On the long drive down from Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes, I knew I was going to love Hattvika Lodge. Kristian, the co-owner, was in communication with us via phone and text with tips on how to reach the lodge and even asked us to let him know when we were 10 minutes away so he could come and meet us directly.
We finally arrived at Hattvika Lodge around 9 pm where we were warmly welcomed by Kristian in the car park. Since there was a lot of snow on the ground, somehow Kristian managed to carry our two heavy suitcases by hand all the way to our cabin as if they weighed nothing. Cold, exhausted but super excited, Kristian led us to our stunning cabin which was to be our home base for the next 4 nights.
When I stepped inside our cabin, I actually giggled with excitement. I had the biggest grin on my face, our cabin was simply gorgeous. I mean, I knew exactly what it looked like from the photos online, but seeing its softly lit original wooden walls, feeling the warmth of the radiator, and watching the snow fall outside the large windows, was like falling in love at first sight.
The History and Culture of Hattvika Lodge
Hattvika Lodge is made up of a series of traditional fisherman’s cabins, known as ‘rorbu’ in Norwegian, which have been carefully and beautifully refurbished to meet high modern standards and each cabin maintains its old-world charm thanks to the original wood panelling.
Situated in a private location overlooking the harbour, Hattvika Lodge provides guests with the ultimate Lofoten experience by working with local providers including, local fishers, chefs, summer guides, ski touring guides, kite operator, surf operator, sea kayak operators, and diving operators.
Hattvika Lodge is owned and run by husband and wife team, Guri and Kristian. Guri is a six-generation Ballstad local who has a long family history in the area. In fact, the exact cabin we stayed in, was where Guri’s grandfather Tor worked for over 50 years and is where the cabin gets its name Bendiksenbua, which literally means “Son of Bendik House”. Tor Bendiksen is still alive and well today and at 92 years young and I hear he’s quite the storyteller.
Together, Guri and Kristian started rebuilding and restoring this fishing village 4 years ago which has been in Guri’s family for 6th generations. Hattvika Lodge is made up of 16 units (75 beds) and has a strong focus on the culture and heritage of the Lofoten area, something Guri and Kristian both feel very passionate about.
For example, Kristian told us about how he spoke to the CEO of Möller’s, (the producer of the famous cod liver oil whose only factory is located opposite Hattvika Lodge), and asked him if he (Kristian) could set up a Möller’s Tran Taste Depot at Hattvika Lodge. He agreed! So now, no stay at Hattvika Lodge or visit to Ballstad would be complete without stopping by for a tasting of the locally produced cod liver oil, a true Norwegian staple. Inside the quaint tasting depot you can sample the three kinds of tran (cod liver oil), including apple, lemon, and original. You’ll also find other locally produced products for sale here too. 
Book your stay at Hattvika Lodge here
Ballstad is home to Hattvika Lodge
Ballstad is the by far largest fisherman’s village in the Lofoten Islands and a great location to springboard around the archipelago from. Ballstad is an island where Hattvika Lodge is located, and can be reach via a bridge. Facing East, Hattvika Lodge overlooks a harbour where local fisherman pass through the harbour around the clock. Located opposite is the only Möller’s factory in the world. With so much happening in the area, the harbour remains peaceful and calm. No loud noises or nasty fumes from the factory either.
At the start of our trip, we focused on exploring the municipality of Vestvågøy, so the longest distance we travelled was to Henningsvær (part of the Vågan municipality) which took just over an hour. To reach the north coast of the island to places like the Arctic Surf beach Unstad, is just a 35 minute drive. Thanks to its optimal location, you can cover a lot of ground each day basing yourself at Hattvika Lodge.
Just 10 minutes down the road is Leknes, a large town where you’ll find a petrol station, shops and a variety of supermarkets where you can stock up on food during your stay.
If you’re not switching accommodation and heading further south like I did, getting to Reine from Ballstad will take you just over an hour.
The Authentically Restored Cabins of Hattvika Lodge
This is where Hattvika Lodge really shines and the reason why you won’t want to leave. Made up of different sized cabins to meet individual needs, each have modern bathrooms with heated tile floors and large luxurious beds to fall into after a long day of exploring.
Every cabin at Hattvika Lodge is named after the fisherman that lived there and uses the original wood which maintain its original charm. As I mentioned, I stayed in Bendiksenbua which was once operated by Guri’s relative for 50 years. Bendiksenbua is their newest and most luxurious unit, so I felt very privileged to stay here.
Upon entering, it feels like a warm bear hug enveloping you. Even without the heating on, the wooden flooring and panelling keep this cottage is well-insulated. The front door opens up into a hallway with a large clothing rack and extra hooks on the walls to hang your items of clothing on.
From here, the hallway opens up into the large living room, the first thing I notice was the huge floor to ceiling window next to a large L-shaped sofa, decorated with a thick woolen throw rug and cushions. I could immediately picture myself cosying up here over a hot drink.
As I walked into the living room I spot a very ‘hygge’ (cosy) corner to my left featuring a fireplace and armchair and a box full or wood. To my right is a 4-seater dining room table with a modern candle centerpiece directly below a large feature light hanging from the ceiling.
Around the corner is the huge modern kitchen with all the luxuries I don’t even have back home in my tiny London flat. Only at Hattvika Lodge do I get to experience what life is like with a large refrigerator with its own freezer section, a dishwasher, coffee machine, AND an induction hob. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the cooking utensils, cutlery, and crockery, you’ll need right down to a bottle opener and sieve.
Above the kitchen sink is large window overlooking the harbour and our private terrace with our very own jacuzzi and outdoor shower!
Bendiksenbua has two large bedrooms each with two beds that can be arranged as needed. The master bedroom, where I stayed, includes en suite bathroom that is to die for boasting a huge double shower and the highest ceiling I’ve ever seen.
I absolutely adored staying in Bendiksenbua. Its spacious rooms meant I could spread out all my gear and truly relax. Not only that, but Kristian and Guri were the perfect host, both attentive and happy to provide tips on the area and share some local insight and history.
Going to Lofoten? Don’t miss 28 Unique Things to Do in Lofoten Before You Die [A Comprehensive Guide]
Hattvika Lodge’s Private Restaurant
Hattvika Lodge doesn’t provide breakfast but they so have a private restaurant that us available on request. Here, a local chef prepares a tailor-made menu and serves it by the waterfront.
I didn’t get a chance to experience their restaurant this time around, all the more reason to return!
Facilities and activities at Hattvika Lodge
How cute is this sauna?
Hattvika Lodge is one of those places where you can do as much, or as little, as your like and no one will judge you for it. Hattvika Lodge has a focuses on enjoying the Lofoten landscape in every way possible. They arrange hiking, ski mountaineering, diving, sea kayaking, and fishing. Kayaks, bikes and paddle boards rentals are also offered.
For those moments when you want to unwind, Hattvika Lodge have developed different zones for relaxing. Choose from their hot-tub and two saunas, one of which offers an amazing view over the harbour.
How to book your stay at Hattvika Lodge
Dormitory beds start at NOK 500 (58 USD) per bed per night and are available between June 15 – August 15. There are 6 beds in total (3 bunk beds). The smallest fisherman’s cabin, called Myklebustbua, has one bedroom and starts at NOK 2000 (232 USD).
Bookings can be made directly with Hattvika Lodge or online here. Check current prices, availability and book your stay at Hattvika Lodge here
Don’t miss the pink sunrise
6 things you should know before staying at Hattvika Lodge
- Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and in public areas.
- The Hattvika Lodge team speaks multiple languages including English, German, French, and of course, Norwegian.
- All saunas and the hot-tub are subject to extra charge and can be pre-arranged at the time of booking.
- Make sure you get up for sunrise at least once, and bring your camera, the colours are simply stunning.
- Between October and March, there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. This tour is a great option.
- Hattvika Lodge is in high demand and books out quickly, book months ahead to avoid missing out.
How to get to Hattvika Lodge in Lofoten
Brushing up on my Norwegian grammar when a storm rolled in
Hattvika Lodge is just a 15 minute drive from Leknes Airport, which has daily flights from Bodø on the mainland. Alternatively, you can do what I did which was to fly to Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes and drive in 3 hours to Ballstad. The Hurtigruten coastal boat is another option, stopping at Stamsund which is a 25 minutes drive to Ballstad. There are many ways to get to Lofoten, read all about them here.
Hattvika Lodge is located at Hattvikveien, 8373 Ballstad and can be contacted on +47 9302 8887 or via email at post@hattvikalodge.no
Best time to visit Hattvika Lodge
The best time to visit Hattvika Lodge is now! Hattvika Lodge is a place you’ll want to come back to and experience in all seasons. For more details about Lofoten and the best time to visit, check out my Lofoten travel tips guide here.
Planning a trip and need travel insurance? Get a free quote from World Nomads here.
Watch my vlog on the best things to do in Lofoten
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Visiting Norway? Check out my other Norway posts
- 49 Underrated Things to Do in Oslo, Norway That Are Totally Worth Doing
- 23 Travel Tips You Should Know Before Visiting the Lofoten Islands, Norway
- How to get to Lofoten: 6 Easy Ways to Get to the Lofoten Islands, Norway
- 28 Unique Things to Do in Lofoten Before You Die [A Comprehensive Guide]
- Staying at Eliassen Rorbuer: The Most Picturesque Fishing Village in Lofoten, Norway
- 22 Absolutely Free things to do in Oslo You Shouldn’t Miss
- Emanuel Vigeland Museum: Oslo’s Best-Kept Secret
- How to Hike Trolltunga like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide
- 11 Awesome Things to do in Stavanger you won’t forget
- The Ultimate Sámi Culture Experience in Tromsø
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Take an Arctic Fjords Road Trip in Tromsø
- The Best Place to See the Northern Lights You Probably Haven’t Heard of
- How to Choose the Best Whale Watching Tour in Norway and Iceland
Sources / The Rough Guide to Norway
Over to you!
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2 comments
I loved our home away from home in Lofoten! Can’t wait to go back one day! 🙂
Me too! Next time I need to go back and go swimming with the whales in Andenes 🙂