Given the rugged, remote, and sizable setting in Norway’s fjord region, choosing the right hotel (and location) can get tricky, but we’re here to help. We’ve hand-picked a dozen options in the Sognefjord—the country’s longest and deepest fjord—and have broken them down into three categories depending on your budget: standard, mid-range, and luxury. Read on for the best hotels in the Sognefjord.
## Exploring the Splendor of the Sognefjord: A Guide to Exceptional Hotels
The Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, is a realm of dramatic landscapes, tranquil waters, and charming villages. To fully immerse yourself in this natural wonder, selecting the right accommodation is key. This guide unveils a curated collection of exceptional hotels, each offering a unique experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Sognefjord region. Prepare to discover havens of comfort, gastronomy, and unforgettable views, ensuring your journey through this Norwegian paradise is truly remarkable.
## 29|2 Aurland
Nestled within the verdant embrace of the **Aurland Valley**, a mere stone’s throw from the majestic Aurlandsfjord, lies **29|2 Aurland**. More than just a hotel, it’s a luxurious farm stay offering an immersive and authentic Norwegian experience. This meticulously restored former historic fishing lodge underwent a transformation in 2014, blossoming into a small, family-operated haven. It boasts ten uniquely designed, rustic-chic rooms scattered across several farmhouse buildings.
The design philosophy beautifully marries the old with the new. Repurposed materials and carefully selected antiques find harmony with modern furnishings, creating an atmosphere that is both charmingly nostalgic and comfortably contemporary. Each room tells its own story, reflecting the history and character of the surrounding landscape.
Days at **29|2 Aurland** are best spent exploring the natural wonders that abound. The region is a hiker’s paradise, with trails winding through breathtaking scenery. After a day of invigorating activity, guests return to indulge in the culinary delights of the farm-to-table dining experience.
The chef’s passion for local, organic ingredients is evident in every dish. The garden provides a bounty of fresh produce, while nearby farmers contribute the finest regional specialties. The rate encompasses a delightful breakfast, a comforting afternoon treat, and a sumptuous three-course dinner, expertly paired with local wines. These culinary experiences are shared at a communal table within the atmospheric smokehouse, fostering a sense of community and providing the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers from around the globe.
**29|2 Aurland** is not only a haven of luxury and comfort but also a champion of sustainability. As a certified Eco Lighthouse business, the owners, a warm and welcoming family who reside on the property, are deeply committed to minimizing their carbon footprint. They strive to operate in harmony with the environment, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the pristine beauty of the **Aurland Valley**.
## Walaker Hotel
Steeped in history and tradition, the **Walaker Hotel** stands proudly as Norway’s oldest hotel, a testament to enduring family ownership since the 17th century. This seasonal gem graces the picturesque village of **Solvorn**, nestled on the banks of the **Lustrafjord**, a serene branch of the vast Sognefjord. Its prime location places guests just steps away from a charming ferry, offering convenient access to the iconic 12th-century Urnes Stave Church.
The **Walaker Hotel** offers a unique lodging experience, with guests accommodated in one of three distinct buildings on the property. Each room possesses its own individual charm, adorned with diverse furnishings and decor that reflect the hotel’s rich history. Antiques, traditional clapboard walls, and elegant claw-foot tubs are just some of the details that contribute to the distinctive ambiance of each room. Regardless of the room’s individual style, all offer captivating views of the surrounding mountains, the tranquil fjord, or the meticulously maintained garden.
A highlight of the **Walaker Hotel** experience is the nightly four-course dinner. These culinary events are carefully curated, emphasizing local ingredients such as fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal produce. Guests are strongly encouraged to make reservations to ensure their participation in this delightful gastronomic journey. To enhance the dining experience, optional wine pairings are available, perfectly complementing each course. The culinary festivities commence at 7:30 pm each evening, creating an atmosphere of elegance and conviviality.
Beyond the exquisite dinners, guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast buffets each morning, as well as afternoon coffee and tea, providing moments of relaxation and refreshment throughout the day. For those seeking outdoor adventures, a lovely nature trail meanders along the fjord’s edge, offering panoramic viewpoints and inviting swimming spots. Other amenities include an art gallery showcasing local talent, a serene seated garden for quiet contemplation, and complimentary use of kayaks and bicycles for exploring the surrounding waters and landscapes.
## Kviknes Hotel
The **Kviknes Hotel**, boasting an impressive 190 rooms, reigns as one of the Sognefjord region’s largest and most renowned hotels. Family-owned since 1877, this grand establishment exudes an air of timeless elegance and boasts a rich history. The historic wing serves as the centerpiece of the hotel, captivating guests with its impressive first floor adorned with original artwork and antique furnishings.
Ascending to the upper levels of the historic wing, guests discover 30 rooms meticulously decorated with old-world charm and patterned wallpapers. Many of these rooms feature private seated balconies, offering breathtaking views of the fjord. While the hotel also features a more contemporary annex, the rooms in this section lack the unique character and historical ambiance of those found in the original wing.
Regardless of their chosen accommodation, all guests of the **Kviknes Hotel** enjoy access to a grand dining room. This opulent space hosts international buffets and multicourse menus, ensuring a diverse and satisfying culinary experience. The hotel’s extensive wine list, featuring over 300 labels, caters to the most discerning palates. Wine enthusiasts should keep an eye out for regular tastings held in the cellar. For more casual dining options, a nautical-themed bistro offers lunch and dinner, while room service provides a convenient alternative.
The **Kviknes Hotel** boasts a prime location, a short stroll from Balestrand’s passenger ferry terminal. This allows for easy access to express services to Bergen, as well as opportunities to explore art galleries and embark on fjord tours in the Fjærlandsfjord. With its rich history, diverse amenities, and stunning location, the **Kviknes Hotel** provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Sognefjord region.
## Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel
Dating back to 1937, the **Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel** stands proudly overlooking the **Fjaerlandsfjord**, a breathtakingly narrow branch of the Sognefjord. This charming hotel offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views and a focus on sustainable design.
The hotel’s 14 minimalistic-chic rooms are spread across the top two floors, each possessing a unique character. Many rooms feature original clapboard walls painted white, complemented by pops of color from local textiles and vintage books, a nod to Fjærland’s reputation as a book town. The rooms do not have televisions, coffee makers, or minibars, encouraging guests to disconnect from technology and fully immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty.
The spacious lounge and restaurant have undergone a slow and thoughtful makeover in recent years, resulting in a chic Nordic design. Wood and leather furnishings, jute rugs, and patterned textiles create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large windows in the main room offer stunning views of the fjord, leading to an outdoor patio with tables situated next to the waterfront.
The fjord-side setting provides opportunities for swimming and fishing, while the front desk can assist in arranging kayak and bike rentals or organizing hiking and glacier excursions. The **Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel** is a perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the Fjærland region, offering a blend of comfort, style, and sustainability.
## Fretheim Hotel
The **Fretheim Hotel**, framed by a classic white picket fence in the charming village of Flåm, stands as the largest hotel in the southern Sognefjord area. Its sprawling size is particularly striking against the backdrop of steep mountains. With 122 rooms, guests can select from a range of categories, each offering a unique experience.
The elegant historic wing is a highlight of the hotel, meticulously restored to showcase charming rooms with distinctive details and traditional furnishings. Notably, these rooms are deliberately devoid of televisions, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in the hotel’s ambiance and the surrounding natural beauty. The modern wing offers a more contemporary aesthetic, with televisions and many rooms featuring balconies and terraces that afford captivating fjord views. Suites provide ample space, along with added amenities such as bathrobes and slippers.
Beyond the rooms, guests can unwind in the inviting fireplace lounges or the serene seated garden. However, most guests spend their days exploring the numerous outdoor activities that Flåm and the surrounding area have to offer. The hotel’s prime location places it just steps away from the renowned **Flåm Railway** and fjord cruises along the Aurlandsfjord, a captivating branch of the Sognefjord.
For meals beyond the complimentary buffet breakfast, the **Fretheim Hotel** boasts an a la carte restaurant with panoramic views, serving locally inspired Norwegian cuisine. Optional multicourse menus are available, and a full bar provides a variety of beverages. The **Fretheim Hotel** serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the southern Sognefjord region, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and stunning natural beauty.
## Hotel Aurlandsfjord
With its breathtaking fjord views and proximity to Aurland’s charming attractions, including a bakery, a shoemaker, and a small beach perfect for fjord swims, the **Hotel Aurlandsfjord** offers an idyllic setting for a memorable Norwegian getaway. The hotel underwent a significant interior renovation in 2021, resulting in a fresh and modern aesthetic.
The hotel’s 30 modern Scandinavian-style rooms are a major draw, featuring caramel leather accents, mirror backlights, hardwood-style floors, and local bath products in eco-friendly dispensers. Guests are encouraged to request rooms on the third and fourth floors, which offer private balconies with exceptional views of the fjord.
Guests can begin each day with a complimentary breakfast that showcases locally sourced ingredients while savoring the panoramic fjord views. The main restaurant space, which is also open for lunch and dinner, features new tilework, leather furnishings, and rattan chandeliers, creating an inviting and stylish atmosphere. Guests can choose from a range of seating options, including tables, comfortable booths, and al fresco dining on charming French bistro chairs.
The **Hotel Aurlandsfjord** provides a blend of modern comfort, Scandinavian design, and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Aurland and the surrounding Sognefjord region.
## Flåmsbrygga Hotel
The **Flåmsbrygga Hotel**, a rustic-chic establishment in the heart of Flåm, provides a unique and immersive experience. The hotel is surrounded by walking paths and gardens that face the fjord, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. The property opened its doors in 2008 and features 34 rooms adorned with fresh lodge decor, thanks to the use of natural materials such as woodwork, driftwood, stone, and glass. Each room includes coffee machines and furnished balconies, inviting guests to relax and soak in the stunning views. Superior rooms offer the added luxury of double balconies facing the fjord. For families seeking more space, two peaceful family rooms are available in a separate building above the breakfast room, each accommodating up to four guests.
A major draw of the **Flåmsbrygga Hotel** is its convenient location next door to the award-winning microbrewery, **Ægir Brewpub**. This popular establishment serves local beers brewed on-site, alongside impressive fare often sourced from local farms. First-time visitors often opt for a tasting option that pairs five beers with five small dishes, beginning with a memorable salmon tartare.
In addition to the culinary delights of the **Ægir Brewpub**, the **Flåmsbrygga Hotel** offers a complimentary breakfast buffet daily for guests. An all-day café provides lunch items, ice cream, and coffee for both guests and visitors, including cruise ship passengers who often pass through the property on their way to other attractions in Flåm.
The **Flåmsbrygga Hotel** seamlessly combines rustic charm, modern comfort, and a prime location, making it an exceptional choice for exploring the wonders of Flåm and the surrounding Sognefjord region.
## Leikanger Fjordhotel
The **Leikanger Fjord Hotel**, with its 55 rooms, is a year-round property situated on the northern shore of the Sognefjord. While it offers a delightful experience throughout the year, it is perhaps best enjoyed during the summer months when guests can take advantage of the private beachfront and dock for sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. For cooler months, the hotel provides a fire pit, sauna, and hot tub, ensuring relaxation and enjoyment regardless of the weather.
The rooms at the **Leikanger Fjord Hotel** are currently undergoing a slight face-lift under new ownership, with fresh bedding and Rituals bath products being added. Many rooms feature large windows and fjord views, while the deluxe category offers the added luxury of private seated balconies.
Drinks and meals are served in the cozy a la carte restaurant and bar, with a focus on local produce such as berries, peaches, apricots, and walnuts, as well as seafood from the surrounding waters. A simple buffet breakfast is offered every morning free of charge, and popular Sunday lunch buffets attract locals and visitors alike.
Bike rentals are available for exploring the surrounding area, and a small spa offers a range of treatments, including massages and nail services. The **Leikanger Fjord Hotel** provides a blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty, making it a perfect base for exploring the northern shores of the Sognefjord.
## Hofslund Fjord Hotel
Dating back to 1912, the **Hofslund Fjord Hotel** stands out with its classic Swiss-style exterior on the northern side of the Sognefjord. This historic hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities.
On pleasant days, guests can enjoy the manicured lawn and garden, which features an outdoor pool facing the sea, a unique amenity among hotels in the area. The rooms are uniquely decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, work desks, and armchairs. Higher-category standard rooms also offer seated balconies facing the fjord.
Breakfast is served daily in the dining room, free of charge. Next to the dining room is a charming lounge with wicker furniture and stunning fjord views, creating a particularly special ambiance at sunset. A full bar is operated by the front desk staff when needed. Lunch and dinner are not typically served unless arranged for a tour group. Fortunately, the hotel is within walking distance or a short drive to Sogndal’s restaurants, including three options at **Quality Hotel Sogndal**, as well as conveniences such as basic shopping and EV chargers.
The **Hofslund Fjord Hotel** provides a unique blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and stunning natural beauty, making it a worthwhile choice for exploring the Sognefjord region.
## Dragsvik Fjordhotel
Located a scenic 10-minute drive outside of Balestrand, the peaceful and family-owned **Dragsvik Fjordhotel** is situated on a narrow peninsula, offering stunning fjord views in both directions. This idyllic setting provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of everyday life.
The hotel features simple, bright rooms in various categories, showcasing charming historical touches and unique configurations. For those seeking a more private experience, five private cabins are dotted along the hillside, particularly appealing to couples. These units feature private decks, kitchenettes, lounges, and dining areas.
The best views are available at the hotel restaurant, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the fjord and, on a clear day, the majestic Jostedal Glacier. Dinnertime exudes a romantic ambiance, with soft music, low lighting, and candles creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can choose from a selection of rotating options, typically including fresh seafood and a house burger, as well as local beers and a well-curated wine list.
The **Dragsvik Fjordhotel** offers a blend of tranquil beauty, personalized service, and exceptional views, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing and memorable escape to the Sognefjord region.
## Flåm Marina
**Flåm Marina** is a fantastic standard hotel option for travelers seeking a peaceful waterfront setting. This hotel is located directly on the Aurlandsford, slightly removed from the cruise ship crowds that often gather in Flåm, yet still within easy walking distance of the village’s attractions.
This year-round property offers 12 units, consisting of a mix of rooms and apartments, making it a great choice for families. Each unit is furnished with simple, contemporary decor and faces the fjord, providing a private furnished balcony or terrace for guests to enjoy the stunning views.
Guests can relax at the year-round bar and restaurant, which features a seasonal outdoor terrace that attracts boaters taking advantage of the small marina in front. The bar and restaurant have a cool, laid-back vibe, with blankets and candles adding warmth and coziness after dusk. The dock in front of the property provides a great spot for catching some rays, and a ladder allows for easy access to the water for swimmers. A floating sauna on a boat is often docked near the hotel and is available for a fee.
**Flåm Marina** offers a blend of tranquility, convenience, and stunning waterfront views, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a relaxing and memorable experience in Flåm.
## Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri
**Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri**, a seasonal, family-owned hotel, boasts a rich history, having once hosted British salmon anglers in the 19th century. Today, the hotel offers 22 rooms in a few different categories and buildings, all located right next to each other in the heart of Aurland.
The main hotel offers single, double, and superior rooms with various configurations, blending contemporary decor with antique furnishings. For guests seeking more space, apartment options are available, including a row of modern fisherman’s cabins with balconies facing the fjord. These cabins are equipped with kitchenettes, living rooms, and two bedrooms.
A light and elegant breakfast spread is offered each morning in the charming **Aabelheim House** for hotel guests, excluding those staying in units with kitchenettes. For other meals, guests can dine at the hotel’s gastropub, which offers indoor and outdoor seating and serves locally sourced meat and seafood, as well as housemade pizzas.
Guests can take a dip in the fjord by using a hidden beach next to the cabins, while a larger beach is located just a short walk away. Alternatively, guests can relax with a book in the private garden, surrounded by flowering plants.
**Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri** offers a blend of historic charm, modern comfort, and a prime location in the heart of Aurland, making it a wonderful choice for exploring the Sognefjord region.
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