Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
This lodge is suitable for travelers seeking a serene escape in a natural setting, particularly those interested in Arctic landscapes and the Northern Lights, who appreciate comfort and attentive service without the need for immediate village access.
Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge presents itself as a tranquil retreat nestled in the Norwegian wilderness, offering a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Guests appreciate the quiet rooms, river views, and the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights from their accommodation. The atmosphere is consistently described as calm and relaxing, with a focus on comfortable interiors and attentive service.
Twelve dimensions of rest, read from 296 reviews.
Slow pace
Guests consistently describe a calm, relaxed, and dream-like atmosphere, with opportunities for quiet contemplation by the fire or enjoying views.
“The whole stay felt like a dream.”
“the lobby where you can comfortably chill by the fire with hot cup of tea and a book and enjoy the beautiful view on the river and mountains...”
“The hotel has a relaxed, calm vibe.”
Private outdoor space
Rooms offer terraces or large windows providing private views, particularly noted for Northern Lights viewing.
“And if you're lucky enough to see some Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights, the terrasse by the room or the big windows, will allow you to witness them first hand while still be comfortably installed in your room !”
“The room was absolutely stunning with a view on the Alta river.”
“The rooms overlooking the frozen river Alta are wonderful.”
Water access
The hotel is situated directly on the Alta river, with many rooms offering views of the water.
“The design of the building is lovely with quiet rooms and heavy doors, lots of wood, and it’s situated next to the Alta river.”
“the beautiful view on the river and mountains...”
“The location is fabulous on the banks of the river alta and each room has great views.”
Village within reach
The hotel is somewhat isolated, requiring a 20-minute drive to Alta, and transport can be costly, suggesting it is not easily walkable to a village.
“Being so isolated, and far from the city centre, Food prices are considered expensive and very Limited Choice.”
“Alta downtown is some 20mins driving, otherwise in the direct surroundings nothing but nature and hike trails.”
“Getting to the hotel can be expensive if you don't have a car. They do offer a shuttle but if two or more are traveling taxis from Alta are much cheaper.”
Quiet
The hotel is noted for its quiet rooms and peaceful integration with nature, contributing to a calm atmosphere.
“The design of the building is lovely with quiet rooms and heavy doors, lots of wood, and it’s situated next to the Alta river.”
“The place is super clean and quite, perfectly integrated in the nature of the area surrounded by rocks, rivers, trees and scattering polar lights, which one could even see from the big window of the room.”
“The hotel has a relaxed, calm vibe.”
Privacy
The hotel offers quiet rooms and a sense of being secluded within nature, allowing for private relaxation.
“The design of the building is lovely with quiet rooms and heavy doors, lots of wood, and it’s situated next to the Alta river.”
“the big windows really give you this privileged feeling to be part of the wilderness of beautiful Northern Norway while being warm and cosy in your bed or chair with hot blankets...”
“The rooms overlooking the frozen river Alta are wonderful. There is a lot of open space to sit down, relax, have a deink in the huge lounge area.”
Nature immersion
The lodge is deeply integrated into its natural surroundings, offering views of the river, mountains, and opportunities to observe the Northern Lights directly from the rooms.
“the lobby where you can comfortably chill by the fire with hot cup of tea and a book and enjoy the beautiful view on the river and mountains...”
“the big windows really give you this privileged feeling to be part of the wilderness of beautiful Northern Norway while being warm and cosy in your bed or chair with hot blankets...”
“The place is super clean and quite, perfectly integrated in the nature of the area surrounded by rocks, rivers, trees and scattering polar lights, which one could even see from the big window of the room.”
Bed comfort
Rooms and beds are consistently described as comfortable, contributing to a restful stay.
“very confortable rooms and beds.”
“Perfect comfortable rooms, very helpful staff, well organized winter activities, quality breakfast”
“the rooms were perfect, very clean, comfortable, nicely furnitured, beautiful and big bathroom, the big windows really give you this privileged feeling to be part of the wilderness of beautiful Northern Norway while being warm and cosy in your bed or chair with hot blankets...”
Service warmth
The staff are consistently praised for their exceptional service, warmth, helpfulness, and attentiveness, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience.
“The staff and hotel are magical. The relax room is lovely but you’ll pay extra for that.”
“The staff were wonderful and everything was spotlessly clean.”
“We loved everything about Sorrisniva and our stay. It was even beyond our expectations. And we did have some expectations. Everything was perfect ! The greet for welcoming, all the staff members, the restaurant, the activities and guides for those activities, the lobby where you can comfortably chill by the fire with hot cup of tea and a book and enjoy the beautiful view on the river and mountains...”
Food on site
The food, particularly breakfast, is generally well-regarded, with some minor criticisms regarding portion sizes and limited variety for longer stays.
“The food was excellent. And the service, all around, was great”
“The food in both restaurants was good. Welcome drink is nice offer. I felt the ala carte breakfast was not necessary.”
“The breakfast was outstanding with a wide range of options to choose from.”
Best rooms to request
Rooms with views of the Alta river are highly recommended, especially for Northern Lights viewing.
“The room was absolutely stunning with a view on the Alta river.”
“The rooms overlooking the frozen river Alta are wonderful.”
“The location is fabulous on the banks of the river alta and each room has great views.”
Things to know
Guests frequently mention that many services, including spa access, airport transfers, and activities, incur additional charges, which can add significantly to the overall cost.
“It’s very expensive to stay here. Given that, the sauna and relax room is not private yet you’re paying for it.”
“It is a shame that the hotel asks for about 50-60 swiss per person for a single transport from Alta airport to the hotel. If you take the taxi it is about 70 swiss in total. Such a great hotel does really not need to charge its own clients this stunning amounts.”
“The only downside I'd mention is that everything comes at an extra charge, even if you're staying in a room. Booking sauna/jacuzzi, the shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and even a visit of the ice hotel. The fees are reasonable (e.g. 300-350 NOK per person for transportation). It might just be a cultural difference. I noticed that booking a Sauna in hotels I was staying at often cost a nominal fee in Norway.”
Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge offers a strong calmcation experience with its serene riverfront location, nature immersion, and unhurried atmosphere. While it excels in many aspects, the emphasis on organized activities and the remote location requiring paid transport to any village prevent it from reaching Tier A.
Practical guidance from Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge reviews.
Which room category to choose, what to mention in special requests, and what to verify at check-in — extracted from real guest reviews.
Guests consistently praise the rooms for their spaciousness, comfort, and large windows that offer excellent views of the surrounding wilderness and Northern Lights.
- Rooms with large windows
- Rooms overlooking the Alta river
Bathrooms are generally described as big, stylish, and clean with good lighting, though one guest noted an issue with cold air from the airing system.
- Expect spacious and well-lit bathrooms
One guest reported an issue with strong airing in the bathroom pulling cold air, but noted it was a minor issue.
Breakfast is consistently praised as outstanding, amazing, and high quality, with a wide range of options and an à la carte service.
- Expect a high-quality à la carte breakfast
- Enjoy a wide range of options
Verified Booking.com reviews, unedited.
“The food was excellent. And the service, all around, was great”
“It is exactly as it looks in the pictures. We saw northern lights and the room was wonderful. Ice hotel Is next door and very approachable. The design of the building is lovely with quiet rooms and heavy doors, lots of wood, and it’s situated next to the Alta river. The food in both restaurants was good. Welcome drink is nice offer. I felt the ala carte breakfast was not necessary.”
“We spent one night in the igloo hotel and the next two nights in the main hotel. The interiors were beautiful, with natural materials and a cosy fireplace. The whole stay felt like a dream. The staff were wonderful and everything was spotlessly clean.”
“Great location, very confortable rooms and beds. Except the airing in the bathrooms that was to strong and kept pulling cold air from underneath the bathroom door. But this is really an only minor issue. Great place actually quite extraordinary.”
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