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Destination Traveller

Malangen Resort

By the Destination Traveller editors · 30 October 2026

Malangen, near Tromsø, Norway

Malangen Resort sits on the shore of the Malangsfjord an hour south of Tromsø, far from city lights and right under the northern lights oval. Every room and cabin faces the fjord, there is a glass-fronted sauna and a quayside hot tub, and husky sledding, reindeer and a wilderness camp are a short walk away.

Best for: Travellers who want the best chance of the northern lights with a fjord view and Arctic activities on the doorstep.

Where it is

The resort is about an hour's drive south of Tromsø and its airport, at Mestervik on the Malangen peninsula. Scheduled transfers run several times a day from Tromsø Airport and the city centre. It makes the perfect finale to our Northern Lights voyage, after the ship and a night in Tromsø.

Rooms and suites

Choose from ten hotel rooms in the main building, twenty waterfront apartments in a red building by the sea, or sea-view and waterfront cabins with two or three bedrooms, a kitchen and living room; premium cabins add more space and, in some, a sauna. Cabins are privately owned, so decor varies a little.

Food, spa and the rest

Marmælen Restaurant serves north Norwegian cooking with local fish, reindeer and seasonal produce, and there is a pub and one of the largest pier terraces in northern Norway. The Arctic Spa has a glass-fronted sauna facing the fjord, a hot tub on the quay and, for the brave, a dip in the fjord. Activities include husky sledding, a northern lights watch at the lakeside Wilderness Camp with its lavvu tents, Sámi culture and reindeer feeding, snowshoeing and skiing.

The moment

Sitting in the hot tub on the quay as the aurora spreads green across the sky and reflects in the still fjord.

Why we chose it

Tromsø is the aurora capital, but its lights dim the sky. Malangen gives you dark skies, a fjord view from every window and activities on the doorstep, without the long nightly bus rides. It is comfortable rather than luxurious, and great value for the experience.

When to go

For the northern lights, come between late September and late March; February and March add more daylight and snow for sledding. Summer brings the midnight sun, hiking and fishing.

The longer stay

Three nights gives you three chances at clear skies, plus time for husky sledding and the spa. Combine with a night in Tromsø and the Coastal Express voyage.

Part of our Big Trip

The aurora over the snowy peaks and village of Reine, Lofoten

Norway: A Northern Lights Coastal Voyage

From about £3,500 per person

Questions

How far is Malangen from Tromsø?

About an hour by car; the resort runs transfers from the airport and city centre.

Is it good for the northern lights?

Yes. It lies under the aurora oval with very little light pollution, so lights can appear in any direction.

Is breakfast included?

Usually not in the cabins, which are self-catering; check your rate. Breakfast is served in the restaurant.

What activities are there?

Husky sledding, aurora watches, reindeer and Sámi culture, snowshoeing, skiing, and summer hiking and fishing.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, cabins and apartments suit families and there is a children's menu.

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