Traditional hotels in beautiful 19th century wooden buildings
The most beautiful in West Norway
During the 19th century, from around 1850, a number of beautiful hotel buildings were erected in the classic Swiss style, particularly around the fjords of West Norway. By then, tourism was the new industry, bringing fresh life to the fjord-side villages. Fortunately, the fjords of West Norway are still graced with these beautiful buildings, thanks to enthusiastic and often devout restoration work which has returned the hotel buildings to their former glory. On this page, we have illustrated a small number of the most beautiful of these hotels.
Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
Balholm has innkeeper traditions dating from 1752. The Kvikne family, who own the place, took it over in 1877. Since then the establishment has undergone constant development which continues to this day. Many new building , remodeling and expansion projects have been carried out without diminishing the distinctive architecture and charm of the Swiss chalet-style complex. Today, the hotel is a highly modern facility resounding with tradition and culture, in addition to being one of Norway´s largest fine hotels catering for tourists. The list of prominent guests is long. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany was a frequent guest at Balestrand. Royalty, emperors, presidents, prime ministers, movie stars and artists from many countries grace the guest list.
The Hotel has collected a number of art works and collectibles which are displayed throughout the hotel and give it its special appeal and atmosphere.
N-6899 Balestrand. Tel.: 57 69 42 00, Fax.: 57 69 42 01. www.kviknes.no
Walaker Hotell anno 1690, Solvorn
The Nitter Walaker Family have run the Walaker Hotell since 1690 and today it is being run by the 8th and 9th generations. The hotel is situated in Solvorn, which has been described as a small, south coast village right in the middle of Indre Sogn. Walaker Hotell started as an inn in approximately the year 1650.
Walaker Hotell consists of a courtyard with old buildings as well as newer houses. In the old cowshed there is today a distinctive art gallery, Galleri Walaker 300, which was opened on the family's 300th anniversary in 1990.
The totally 23 guest rooms are spread in 3 different houses and most rooms have a view over the fjord and towards Urnes stave church, which is situated on the opposite side of the fjord.
The Jostedalsbre glacier is a short car drive from the hotel, where the Breheim Centre lies at the foot of the most well-known glacier spur, Nigardsbreen. You can take a walk to the mountains directly from the hotel, or just stroll along beside the water. There are many marked walking trails in Luster, something for every taste.
You are heartily welcome to the Walaker Hotel
The Nitter Walaker Family
N-6879 Solvorn. Tel.: +47 57 68 20 80. Fax: +47 57 68 20 81. www.walaker.com
Visnes Hotel, and Villa Visnes, Stryn
Visnes Hotel and Villa Visnes are situated innermost in Nordfjord in the beautiful area of Stryn. Visnes Hotel, originally a an inn, is today run by the 6th generation of the Visnes family. In 1999, the family bought the neighboring hotel, Villa Visnes and a magnificent and unique building in the dragon style from 1898.
Home-made meals from Norwegian raw ingredients, inspired by the continental cuisine, are served in the distinctive rooms and dining halls. The wine list has a wide selection. Fully licensed. There is an à la carte restaurant in the peak season.
The hotel rooms are in original style but with present day demands for comfort.
Visnes Hotel and Villa Visnes are ideal for parties, conferences and for individual guests who want a different type of hotel stay.
N-6783 Stryn. www.visnes.no
Tel.: +47 57 87 10 87, Fax.: +47 57 87 20 75.
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