Scandic Hotels Group will expand its presence in Northern Norway with the opening of a new franchise hotel in Finnsnes, a gateway to the island of Senja, in summer 2028.

The 154-room property will operate under a franchise agreement with Norlandia Hotel Group and will further strengthen Scandic’s position in one of Norway’s fastest-growing tourism regions, serving both leisure and business travellers.

New Landmark Hotel for Finnsnes

Scandic Finnsnes will feature 154 guestrooms, a restaurant and meeting facilities. The hotel will become part of a wider redevelopment of Finnsnes town centre, where owner Senjen Holding is investing in a mixed-use commercial district designed to support both local businesses and the growing visitor economy.

Located on the mainland opposite Senja, Finnsnes serves as a key transport hub and is also a stop on the Hurtigruten coastal route, making it an important base for travellers exploring Arctic Norway.

Strengthening Northern Norway Portfolio

Jens Mathiesen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Scandic Hotels Group, said the project demonstrates the strength of the company’s franchise model, allowing independent hotel owners to benefit from Scandic’s brand, distribution network and guest loyalty programmes while maintaining local operational flexibility.

The hotel becomes the second recently announced franchise property that Scandic will operate in partnership with Norlandia Hotel Group.

Guests will also benefit from access to the Scandic Friends loyalty programme, one of the largest hotel loyalty schemes in the Nordic region, as well as partnerships including SAS.

Gateway to Senja

Finnsnes provides access to Senja, often described as “Norway in miniature” because of its dramatic combination of fjords, mountains, forests and white-sand beaches.

The destination attracts visitors year-round for experiences including the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, hiking, wildlife watching and coastal adventures.

Morten A. Kahrs, Chief Executive Officer of Norlandia Hotel Group, said the area has significant long-term tourism potential and expects the new hotel to become a landmark property for both Finnsnes and Senja.

Focus on Sustainability

Environmental sustainability will be central to the development. Like most Scandic properties, the hotel is expected to receive the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, one of the region’s most demanding environmental certifications for the hospitality industry.

Scandic said the certification reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable hotel operations across both managed and franchise properties.