Checking Into Alta’s Holmen Husky Lodge Forest Suites (Review)

Two seasons ago, I had the chance to visit Holmen Husky in Alta, Norway, while my friend did one of their dog-sledding tours. I opted out as it was really cold (huge regret now) but I chilled inside their common area, where I was able to drink coffee and keep an eye on the dogs and their crazy antics.

I knew that wasn’t going to be my last visit to Holmen Husky, I just had no idea my next visit would be a summer one and not a winter one! I recently went back to Alta for two days and was delighted when I found out they had built Forest Suites since my last visit.

I didn’t look at photos online, but the price was reasonable (since it was summer), so I booked one of these lodges and looked forward to my stay.

When I arrived, I was blown away. The Holmen Husky Forest Suites are luxurious. In a way that I didn’t expect, simply because I had been coming from an area of Norway that has pretty basic accommodation (Finnsnes and Southern Senja).

In this guide, I am going to discuss my time staying at Holmen Husky overnight, including what their Forest Suites are like… and how you can book one for yourself!

I typically share a few things I didn’t like when I stay at a place, but I have nothing but positive things to say about the Holmen Husky Lodge Forest Suites (and Holmen Husky as a whole).

The stay and experience were downright perfect. However, if you have any questions about staying overnight there, please let me know in the comments… or shoot me a message. Thanks!

About Holmen Husky Lodge

Holmen Husky is located just outside of Alta, Norway and is a year-round complex that offers dog-sledding tours, accommodation options, and other winter/summer experiences. The place dates back to 1986 when Kari Jæger and Eirik Nilsen ended up in Alta… and Kari became the first woman to complete the Finnmarksløpet (Europe’s longest dog-sledding race).

Eirik, an avid competitor and three-time winner, moved along the Alta River with Kari and started raising huskies… and eventually their children, who would become such an integral part of Holmen Huskies in the future.

As a visitor, you can head there for an excursion with the dogs (carts in autumn and sleds in winter/spring) and you can also stay there overnight. They used to offer glamping tents, but now they have transformed their lodging options into Forest Suites (which I stayed in!).

The 62m² A-frame cabins are situated in a quiet corner of the husky farm, tucked away beneath the trees, but only a stone’s throw from the main lodge (and dogs!). There are huge windows on the first floor and a large roof window on the second floor, ideal for spotting the northern lights if they come out to play.

In winter, the stay is a 2-night minimum, and in summer and the off-season, you can stay just one night (which is what I did). It was such a relaxing stay that I am already planning a trip back there… hopefully in winter this next time!

Highlights of My Stay at Holmen Husky Lodge

The Forest Suite

Of course, the best thing about my stay at Holmen Husky Lodge was the Forest Suite itself! The spacious cabin was located by the forest and had everything I needed for a luxurious stay. The first floor had an area for coffee, drinks, etc.

The living area had huge floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace (that you don’t have to attend to – thank goodness!), a reading chair, and a comfortable couch. The bathroom is also on the first floor and it was one of the nicest bathrooms I have seen in ages. It was dark-toned and had a large shower area. I felt like I was at a wellness spa.

Upstairs is the bed and sleeping area. It overlooks the living space with its loft design and there is air-conditioning for those visiting in the summer months.

Fortunately, it was pretty quiet during my stay. While barking dogs don’t bother me (I strangely invite any noise from dogs as long as I don’t hear humans), they also give earplugs to guests just in case one is sensitive to it. However, I didn’t really hear anything in the lodge anyway.

Hanging Out with the Dogs

Naturally, the best part about staying at Holmen Husky Lodge is that you’re surrounded by pups! As part of our stay, we were given a tour of the kennels and got to meet a lot of the dogs. There is also one part of the kennel that is free to visit on your own at any time! Other parts are not able to be accessed from within the kennel independently, but you can still say hi and greet the dogs on the other side of the fence.

There were also some new puppies when I was there, so I got to visit the new arrivals (they were a few weeks old). I was pretty much on Cloud 9 the rest of the night.

Breakfast in the Lodge

There are more food options available in winter, but in summer, we had a breakfast buffet waiting for us when we woke up. The breakfast had coffee, tea, waffles, and your standard Norwegian breakfast goodness. It was delicious and a huge highlight of my stay!

Perfect for Northern Lights Opportunities

Another thing I must mention is that Holmen Husky Lodge is IDEAL for northern lights watching! The farm is situated outside of Alta city, so you have low light pollution and good dark-sky opportunities. You can see if they are out inside your cabin and then go out and watch on your own.

Sauna and Jacuzzi

Holmen Husky also has a sauna and jacuzzi (for a small charge). You can book with them before your stay or while there.

I have nothing negative to say about this stay at all. I review every place on this site with an open mind and almost always on my own dime (this was not sponsored), and I genuinely think it is a fantastic option for a place to stay in Alta, Norway.

If you have any questions about staying at Holmen Husky Lodge and checking into one of their newer Forest Suites, let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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