
Sleep is the foundation of well-being, and in Norway, the combination of pristine nature, mindful hospitality, and deep-rooted wellness traditions create the perfect environment for restorative rest. As sleep retreats gain popularity, the global sleep tourism market is projected to grow from $70.1 billion USD in 2024 to approximately $127.9 billion USD by 2032. Up Norway, the leading curator of tailor-made luxury journeys in Scandinavia, unveils the ultimate guide to achieving the best sleep, whether it’s drifting off in a remote lighthouse, embracing the stillness of a fjord retreat, or indulging in the country’s finest bedding.
Up Norway’s 10 Secrets to a Perfect Night’s Sleep
- The Ultimate Sleep Sanctuary: Luxurious Scandinavian Bedding & Mattresses – Renowned Swedish brand Hästens offers beds known for their handcrafted quality using all-natural materials like horsehair, cotton, and wool, which regulate temperature and provide exceptional support. At Britannia Hotel in Trondheim, guests experience unparalleled comfort on these beds, paired with Norvegr’s handcrafted duvets, made from the finest down and tailored to each guest’s preferences, ensuring a cocoon-like sleep experience. Meanwhile, Hotel Sundal inHardangerfjord pampers guests with Coco-Mat mattresses, crafted from layers of natural latex, coconut fiber, and seaweed for optimal spinal alignment and breathability. Complemented by organic skincare products and serene fjordside relaxation, these elements create the perfect formula for restorative sleep in Norway’s most breathtaking settings.
- Total Darkness: Norway’s First International Dark Sky Park – For those who crave deep, uninterrupted sleep, Øvre Pasvik National Park in Finnmark offers total darkness and extraordinary stargazing. Up Norway can arrange remote cabin stays, including at UFO-hytta in the Hessdalen Valley, where the absence of artificial light and the mystery of natural phenomena create a magical setting for sleep.
- Silence & Solitude: Sleep in Norway’s Quietest Retreats – Experience the luxury of silence at Storfjord Hotel, where uninterrupted forest and fjord views provide a soothing escape. At The Arctic Hideaway on Fleinvær, the minimalist island retreat encourages guests to unwind completely, away from digital distractions and noise. With noise pollution recognized as the second biggest environmental issue after air pollution, more travelers are prioritizing quiet escapes for their physical and mental well-being. In Norway, this demand for tranquility has even led to innovation in how we measure and track noise. Havila Kystruten, a pioneer in sustainable coastal travel, recently launched the world’s first Noise Forecast, allowing travelers to monitor sound levels along Norway’s coastline, just as they would check the weather.
- Perfect Sleeping Temperatures: Coastal Comfort – Cool temperatures enhance sleep, and Norwegians have long embraced fresh-air sleeping. At Knutholmen, a charming coastal village hotel, guests can sleep with the windows open to let in the crisp sea breeze, an integral part of Nordic sleep culture.
- Napping, Norwegian Style: Solveggen & Outdoor Sleep – Norwegians embrace daytime rest in nature. Whether it’s reclining in a sheltered sunny spot (a beloved practice called Solveggen) or napping in a fjordside hammock, fresh air and daylight exposure helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
- Pre-Bed Rituals: Cold Plunges – A nighttime sauna session followed by a cold plunge is a time-honored Norwegian tradition that promotes deep relaxation before bed. Guests can experience this ritual at lakeside retreats, fjord hotels, and wellness-focused stays throughout the country.
- The Magic of Natural Light: Elevated Escapes – PAN Treetop Cabins in Finnskogen and other elevated retreats allow guests to sleep among the trees, fully immersed in nature’s rhythms. Sunlight streaming through the windows in the morning naturally aligns the body’s sleep cycle.
- Movement & Sleep: The Best Hikes for Restorative Nights – Physical activity is key to great sleep. From Oslo’s serene sculpture parks to the challenging Trolltunga hike, Norway offers countless opportunities for adventure that leave travelers ready for deep, restorative rest.
- Sleep-Inducing Foods: Norway’s Nutritional Sleep Boosters – Tryptophan-rich foods like dairy and seeds enhance sleep quality. At Øyna Cultural Landscape Hotel in Trøndelag, meals feature locally sourced ingredients known to support relaxation. Just north of Oslo, guests at Hovelsrud Gård and Hoel Gård can enjoy farm-to-table dining and cozy lakeside stays for a true sleep-and-nourishment experience.
- Nature’s White Noise: For those who find comfort in the sound of rain, Bergen’s steady showers create a natural sleep soundtrack. Winter storms along the coast, particularly in Veiholmen, offer a dramatic lullaby for those seeking the deep rest that comes from sleeping in nature’s embrace. For an unforgettable Arctic night’s rest, the private Little Island Lighthouse in Vesterålen offers a fully serviced retreat where guests drift off to the soothing sound of ocean waves.
For travelers wanting to dive further into the science of sleep, Sommerro House in Oslo offers a stay designed to enhance rest and rejuvenation. Partnering with the Oslo Sleep Clinic, the hotel provides personalized sleep treatments that go beyond luxury bedding and blackout curtains by incorporating expert guidance, sleep tracking, and tailored therapies to help guests optimize their rest.