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Hotel of the Month

Photo: Visit Lyngenfjord

Hotel of the Month, Norway A Comforting Retreat in the Wilds of Norway

Surrounded by mountains and sea, Hotell Maritim is an ideal destination to immerse yourself in the natural landscape of northern Norway. Located on Skjervøy, an island in the heart of the northern coastal region, Hotell Maritim offers visitors the opportunity to relax and explore its rugged scenery.

By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Hotell Maritim

For those travelling on the famous Hurtigruten ferry that winds its way up and down the western shoreline of Norway, the cosy hotel’s central location next to the water, ferry terminal, restaurants and shops makes it the perfect stop along the journey.

First opened in 1974, the hotel has been a haven for visitors to the area for many years. The newly-renovated hotel boasts 35 modern, Scandinavian-design rooms, which illustrate its strong connection to the surrounding nature with a palette of soft blues and earthy tones, and images of the sea and mountains on display.

There are numerous activities for visitors to experience throughout the year in Skjervøy. From October to January, whale watching is very popular, as families of humpback whales and orcas travel close to the harbour with their young. It’s the best season to spot the Northern Lights, and ski and wilderness tours are regularly organised.

In spring and summer, guests can enjoy visits to nearby Jøkelfjord glacier, the only glacier in Europe that meets the surrounding water. Midnight sun tours, fishing and diving trips to local shipwrecks offer tourists the chance to explore the island and its unique environment. The mission of Hotell Maritim is to connect visitors with nature as sustainably as possible. “We hope people can take a break from their hectic daily routines, disconnect and feel free,” says head of marketing Manta Mitrike.

Hotell Maritim also runs events, such as the annual Sjømatkonferance, attended by chefs from all over Norway who create dishes using local seafood. The hotel is a meeting point for the local community, hosting weekly buffets, while their selection of homemade cakes on Saturdays has become a tradition in town. Meanwhile, their menu changes with the seasons, using locally sourced fish, berries, meats, mushrooms and other vegetables.

Hotell Maritim is the place to unwind and experience all that Northern Norway has to offer. “Wilderness is all around us, as is silence,” says Mitrike. “We invite people to come and connect with the sea, wind and mountains, and feel a little wild.”

www.hotell-maritim.no Facebook: Hotell Maritim Skervøy