Yeeew, you made it to our FAQ page.
Are you excited to hit the islands but have some questions before?
Check below on a few frequently asked questions about our hostel, the booking process or the experiences you can have on the Lofoten Islands. However we probably can't predict all the questions that may come up and do please get in touch with us if you cannot find what you are looking for.
Send us an email to islandlife@furuhostel.com or call us during our opening hours +47 920 37 870.
Your FURU family is stoked to hear from you.
General
Do you have free Wifi?
Yes, we offer free Wi-Fi throughout the whole building. The speed is currently around 45-50 Mbps.
Do you serve any meals?
We serve homemade, locally-sourced vegetarian and pescatarian dishes, hot drinks, and local brews and spirits at our very own FURU Café. The restaurant is open only during the summer month June to August. Besides breakfast, lunch and dinner, will we always have snacks and fruits during the day. And, of course, you will always be able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a warm pastry when you come into the Café.
Can I store my luggage before check-in or after check-out?
We have a storage space for your luggage free of charge. However, we only have a limited amount of space, so if you have larger luggage please (surfboard, ski equipment etc.) let us know beforehand so we can sort it out for you.
If you are heading on a camping trip and have a night before or after your trip booked with us, you can leave your luggage free of charge. We experienced this service ourselves while travelling and it is a lifesaver when travelling with lots of gear.
What are the reception and cafe opening hours?
During the summer June to August, our FURU crew at the reception is there for you from 8:00 to 22:00 everyday.
We will serve you at FURU Café as well between 8:00-22:00 everyday.
During the off-season (from September to May) the reception is not always open, but we will always make sure you got all needed details to get into the rooms beforehand. FURU Café is only open on selective events and please check our Facebook event page when the Café is open.
Is there a parking lot next to the hostel?
Yes! There is free parking right in front of the hostel. Please check the signs and keep the turning points free for everyone to get safely in and out.
If by any chance it's totally full, come into the reception and we will make some space for your adventure mobile right away.
Is there wildlife on the property?
Please be respectful when it comes to our nature around the building and when you see some wildlife, please hold distance and respect its habitat.
We frequently have elks visiting our little forest and be aware that Elks are not to be pet or fed. It’s the safest to watch the majestic animals quietly from a safe distance. By the way, how cool is it to have Elks in our backyard? Have your camera ready!
How do I get to the Hostel?
All roads lead to FURU - literally! It's true, as we are in the heart of Lofoten and directly located on the only road (E10) that connects the islands. If you want to know more about how to get to us, click here for all the info you need.
Is it possible to wash my clothes?
We have a laundry room for you to use, for a small fee to cover our costs. If your gear is due for a wash after many days in the mountains or on the road, come see us at reception or write yourself on the laundry list in the basement.
We don't allow you to wash your clothes in the bathrooms yourselves, as it will clock up our systems. Thank you for your understanding.
Can I invite people who aren’t staying in the hostel?
Absolutely - the more the merrier! Your friends are welcome to hang out in the Café area.
The rooms and showers are reserved for the hostel guests only.
How do I book gear at FURU?
When booking your stay with us, you will have the chance to additionally book gear on our website under the menu point Activities.
Can I walk with shoes in the house?
It’s a Scandinavian tradition to take your shoes off when you walk into someone’s home. As FURU will hopefully feel like your home, we ask you to take off your shoes before entering the living/room areas. You will see the signs directing you to our little shoe corners.
Shoes are allowed in the Café and common areas. However, if you got some dirty hiking boots, please do leave them outside the building.
Are there restaurants nearby?
There are a few Cafés between 10-30min drive away! We are happy to direct you to some really cool places our friends are running. Just come by the reception and we will help you out.
In the meantime, stick around and try something tasty on our Café menu.
Do you have a kitchen that can be used?
Yes we have a guest kitchen that can be used in the basement, You can as well prepare your favorite camping meal outside on one of our tables at the lakefront.
We try to keep the prices at the Café as low as possible and hope you will as well enjoy our simple and tasty food in between your own cooking.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the hostel?
You’re welcome to bring your own food and store it in the fridge in the guest kitchen. However there is no cooking or eating allowed in the rooms (besides small snack and fruits of course). Due to Norwegian rules, you are not allowed to bring your own cooked food into a Café area.
Do you have a drying room?
We have a drying room for your moist adventure clothes and wetsuits in the basement. If you got ski or surf gear with you, we can store those in our adventure shed outside. Please ask the receptionist for the key. We as well have a designated wetsuit drying rack outside behind the last apartment on the way to the lakeside.
Can you make a bonfire?
There are certain rules in Norway when it comes to making a bonfire, especially during the summer.
And even our own fire pit and grill house at the lakeside is openly available, please always come to the reception first before lighting up any fire. It is not allowed to start a fire without the reception's acknowledgement.
Bookings
Can I reserve over the phone?
Yes! Give us a call at +47 920 37 870
Much easier to book through our own booking page though. Just click on the right top corner button.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel your booking for a full refund no later than 7 days before your arrival. After that period, you’ll be charged the full booking price. We recommend having a travel insurance, which could help cover your expenses should something come up in between.
How do I cancel my booking?
If you booked directly with us, you can shoot us an email at islandlife@furuhostel.com to cancel your booking. Please be sure to include your booking's reference number.
If you booked through a 3rd party site, you’ll need to cancel the booking through them.
Can I change my booking?
You bet! You can modify your booking no later than 7 days before your arrival. After that time, you will still be charged for your original booking.
If you booked directly with us, you can shoot us an email at islandlife@furuhostel.com to make changes to your booking. Please be sure to include your booking reference number.
If you booked through a 3rd party site, you’ll need to modify your booking through them.
Is there a female dorm?
Yes! We have one dorm for women only. Please choose "female dorm" when booking your stay. If that is booked out, grab a couple friends and book a whole dorm room for yourself.
Can I check-in outside of the opening hours?
Unfortunately, it could be that we’ll be busy surfing some great waves, climbing mountains, or chilling in the hammock out of working hours. But most probably someone will be around to welcome you nevertheless.
If you arrive in the afternoon before check-in time (16:00), kick back, relax, and enjoy the common areas until we are ready for you.
If you arrive late at night, please let us know in advance so we can send one of our late-nighters to the reception to greet you and check you in.
Can I book without a credit card?
No, we need at least a valid credit or debit card in order to secure the booking before your arrival (pre-authorization). When you are here, you can pay by cash, debit or credit card at our reception.
Can under 18s stay in the hostel?
If you are under 18, you’ll need to stay in a private accommodation and be accompanied by an adult. We don’t allow anyone under the age of 18 to stay in a shared dorm if not the whole dorm is booked and accompanied by an adult. Please let us know if any under 18s are included in your booking.
Is there a minimum or maximum stay for the rooms and apartments?
You can stay as long as you want and we have space - we love having you around! Just let us know what your plans are. If you want to book longer than two weeks, please contact us directly and we will sort it out for you. Without contacting us, you might not be able to book more than 14 days online. We have special prices for longer stays.
Accommodation
Are bed linens and towels included?
Towels and bed linens are included in the private rooms and apartments. For guests staying in the dorms, the bed linens are included whereas the towels can be rented at the reception.
Do I have to bring a sleeping bag?
Nope! All of our beds are equipped with a comfy duvet, pillow and bed linens. We ask that you don’t use a sleeping bag in our beds due to hygiene.
Are hair dryers available?
We have hairdryers available to borrow at the reception. We’ll just take a small deposit that we’ll give back to you once the hair dryer is returned.
Can I bring my dog with me?
We love animals - dogs especially! We have a few rooms and apartments dedicated to pet owners that is only rented out to those who are okay with dog hair. Please contact us directly to book this particular apartment.
If you are allergic to animal hair, do let us know in advance, so we don’t accidentally put you into the apartment where animals stayed before.
Unfortunately, due to health and safety reasons, dogs are not allowed inside the common areas.
If you’d like to keep your dog outside, we have a dedicated space where your pup can hang out on the leash. We’ll make sure it gets enough cuddles in the meantime.
Can I smoke in my room?
Nope! And we’re pretty serious about this due to fire hazard in this old, wooden building. There is a smoking area outside with a dedicated smoking bin. Anyone caught smoking anywhere inside the hostel will be asked to leave and receive a 2000kr fine. Please check our Terms and Conditions.
Are the rooms accessible with a wheelchair?
Absolutely! All rooms and apartments are accessible by wheelchair.
Can I book for a group?
Yes! If you want to book for more than 6 people, send us an email at islandlife@furuhostel.com. We are more than happy to help you with your group and your specific needs.
If you’d like to reserve half or the whole building (60 max), please contact us at least a couple months ahead of time. We love hosting companies, university/school groups and have camps & workshops. We’re always stoked to create memorable experiences for you, your friends, students or colleagues.
Do you provide lockers in the dorms?
Yes! You will have a personal locker in your dorm room taht you can lock. Bring your own small padlock or get one at the reception. It’s perfect for safely storing your camera, laptop and other valuables. Additionally, all rooms come with a lock and keycode.
Can I be sure that all my friends will stay in the same dorm?
You can only be 100% sure that everyone stays in the same dorm if you book a private dormitory on our website.
We will try our absolute best to accommodate everyone in the same dorm if you booked individual beds, however we can’t guarantee this. Call us up if you want to check up if we have space.
