When choosing a place to stay in Flåm—a village in Norway’s fjord region—views are likely a priority. These four charming hotels are surrounded by steep mountains in the Aurlandsfjord (a branch of the famous Sognefjord) and offer direct access to hiking trails and fjord excursions, plus a vintage-style railway with one of the steepest train routes in the world.
## Exploring Accommodation Options in Flåm: A Detailed Guide
When planning a trip to the breathtaking landscapes of Flåm, Norway, choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your experience. This guide offers a detailed look at four distinct hotels, each with its unique charm and appeal, providing you with the information necessary to make an informed decision. From historic grandeur to waterfront serenity, Flåm offers a range of options to suit every traveler’s preference and budget.
## At a Glance: Comparing Hotels in Flåm
To provide a comprehensive overview, let’s examine a table comparing the key features of each hotel: Fretheim Hotel, Flåmsbrygga Hotel, Flåm Marina, and Heimly Pensjonat.
| | Fretheim Hotel | Flåmsbrygga Hotel | Flåm Marina | Heimly Pensjonat |
|————————-|———————-|———————–|——————–|———————|
| **Best For** | Storied history | Authenticity | Amazing views | Peace and quiet |
| **Pros** | – Grand 19th-century fjord hotel– Charming rooms in a historic wing– Great breakfast– Amenities like fitness center and garden| – Small hotel with a spacious waterfront setting– Nice in-room features like minibars and blackout shades– Microbrewery featuring Viking-inspired menus| – Waterfront location away from the crowds– Fjord-facing balconies and terraces– Relaxed restaurant with awesome views| – Small, seasonal guesthouse away from the crowds– Renovated rooms– Included breakfast and 3-course dinner with fjord views|
| **Cons** | – Modern wing has less character– Less peace and quiet| – Room noise– Adjacent to the cruise ship port| – Limited dining outside of summer months| – Small beds and bathrooms– Closed during off-season|
| **Budget Tier** | $$ | $$ | $ | $ |
| **Authenticity** | ***** | ***** | **** | **** |
| **Location** | **** | **** | ***** | **** |
| **Rooms & Bathrooms** | **** | *** | *** | ** |
| **Other Highlights** | Lookout viewpoint at the top of the hotel| Popular microbrewery| Dock for swimming and relaxing| 3-course locally-sourced dinners|
## Fretheim Hotel: A Journey Through Time
Nestled against a dramatic mountain backdrop and framed by a classic white picket fence, the Fretheim Hotel is a landmark in Flåm. As the largest hotel in the area, it offers a grand and immersive experience, blending historical charm with modern amenities.
With a generous offering of 122 rooms, guests are presented with a variety of accommodation options to suit their individual preferences. The elegant historic wing stands as a testament to a bygone era, meticulously restored to showcase charming rooms adorned with unique details and traditional furnishings. These rooms offer an authentic glimpse into the hotel’s rich past, providing a truly immersive experience. Notably, the historic wing rooms intentionally forgo televisions, encouraging guests to disconnect from the digital world and fully embrace the tranquility of their surroundings.
In contrast, the modern wing offers a more contemporary aesthetic, appealing to those seeking modern comforts and conveniences. Rooms in this section feature sleek decor, including televisions for entertainment, and many boast private balconies or terraces that provide captivating fjord views, allowing guests to soak in the natural beauty of Flåm from the privacy of their own rooms. For those seeking an enhanced level of luxury and space, the hotel’s suites offer generous living areas, as well as thoughtful amenities such as plush bathrobes and slippers, ensuring a truly pampered and relaxing stay.
Beyond the individual rooms, the Fretheim Hotel offers a range of communal spaces designed for relaxation and socialization. Guests can unwind in the inviting fireplace lounges, perfect for cozying up with a book or engaging in conversation with fellow travelers. The beautifully landscaped garden provides a serene outdoor escape, offering a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls or quiet contemplation. While the hotel provides ample opportunities for relaxation, most guests venture out during the day to explore the numerous outdoor activities that Flåm has to offer.
The Fretheim Hotel’s prime location places it just steps away from the world-renowned Flåm Railway, a marvel of engineering that offers breathtaking journeys through the stunning Norwegian landscape. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located near the waterfront, providing easy access to fjord cruises that allow guests to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Norwegian fjords firsthand.
When it comes to dining, the Fretheim Hotel offers a diverse culinary experience. A complimentary buffet breakfast is provided for all guests, ensuring a satisfying start to the day. For other meals, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, serving a delectable array of local Norwegian dishes that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can also opt for a multi-course menu, allowing them to sample a variety of flavors and textures. A full bar is also available, offering a wide selection of beverages to complement the dining experience. The Fretheim Hotel offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience in Flåm, combining historical charm, modern comforts, and unparalleled access to the region’s natural wonders.
## Flåmsbrygga Hotel: Rustic Elegance by the Fjord
The Flåmsbrygga Hotel presents a charming blend of rustic and chic, perfectly situated amidst picturesque walking paths and lush gardens that face the majestic fjord. Since its opening in 2008, this hotel has been delighting guests with its fresh, lodge-inspired decor and its commitment to providing a comfortable and authentic Norwegian experience.
The hotel boasts 34 thoughtfully designed rooms, each reflecting a harmonious blend of natural materials such as woodwork, driftwood, stone, and glass. These elements combine to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the surrounding landscape. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as coffee machines and furnished balconies, allowing guests to savor the stunning views of the fjord in comfort and style. Superior rooms elevate the experience further with double balconies that offer an even more expansive panorama of the surrounding natural beauty. For families seeking a peaceful retreat, the hotel offers two spacious family rooms located in a separate building above the breakfast room. These rooms can comfortably accommodate up to four guests each, providing ample space for relaxation and togetherness.
One of the Flåmsbrygga Hotel’s standout features is its award-winning on-site microbrewery, Ægir Brewpub. This popular establishment serves a wide selection of beers brewed on-site, crafted with passion and expertise. The pub’s menu features impressive fare, often procured from local farms, showcasing the region’s fresh and seasonal ingredients. For first-time visitors, the tasting option is highly recommended, pairing five distinct beers with five carefully selected small dishes, creating a memorable culinary journey.
In addition to the Ægir Brewpub, the Flåmsbrygga Hotel provides a complimentary breakfast buffet for its guests, ensuring a delightful start to each day. An all-day café is also available, serving a variety of lunch items, ice cream, and coffee, catering to both hotel guests and visitors alike. The café’s convenient location makes it a popular stop for cruise ship passengers who often pass through the property on their way to other attractions in Flåm.
## Flåm Marina: Waterfront Relaxation
For those seeking an intimate and immersive experience of the fjord, the Flåm Marina offers an unparalleled location directly on the waterfront. Situated slightly away from the bustling cruise ship crowds, yet still within easy walking distance of Flåm village, this year-round property provides a serene escape with breathtaking views.
The Flåm Marina features 12 units, consisting of a mix of rooms and apartments, making it an ideal choice for both couples and families. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with simple, contemporary furnishings that complement the natural surroundings. A standout feature of each unit is the private furnished balcony or terrace, offering guests a personal space to relax and soak in the stunning fjord views.
In addition to its comfortable accommodations, the Flåm Marina boasts a year-round bar and restaurant, providing guests with convenient dining and entertainment options. The restaurant features a seasonal outdoor terrace that attracts boaters who take advantage of the marina in front of the property. The atmosphere is cool and laid-back, with blankets and candles adding warmth and coziness as dusk settles in.
The dock in front of the property provides a perfect spot for catching some rays and enjoying the refreshing fjord air. A ladder is available for swimmers who wish to take a dip in the pristine waters. For an added touch of relaxation, a floating sauna is often docked near the hotel, offering guests the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying the stunning views.
## Heimly Pensjonat: Peaceful Guesthouse Retreat
Nestled on the opposite side of town from the main tourist area, the Heimly Pensjonat offers a tranquil escape from the crowds, providing guests with a peaceful retreat and striking views of the Aurlandsfjord. This charming guesthouse is located in a serene setting, away from the near-daily cruise ship traffic that often dominates the vista.
The Heimly Pensjonat features 22 rooms, each renovated in 2018 to provide a comfortable and contemporary experience. The rooms are sparsely furnished yet tastefully decorated with hardwood-style floors and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Most rooms offer captivating views of the fjord and surrounding mountains, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
The guesthouse offers a range of common areas designed for relaxation and socialization. Guests can unwind in the seated garden, taking in the breathtaking vistas. A lounge is also available, equipped with board games for entertainment and interaction. The Nordic-style dining room provides a warm and inviting setting for meals, featuring hardwood tables topped with rattan chandeliers.
Dining at the Heimly Pensjonat is a highlight of the experience. The rate includes complimentary breakfast buffets and gourmet three-course dinners, both focusing on local, organic, and Norwegian cuisine. Guests can savor the flavors of the region while enjoying the stunning views. A bar is available in the evenings, offering a selection of wine, beer, and spirits for a fee.
The Heimly Pensjonat provides a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience, combining peaceful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and delectable cuisine.
B-1886