Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel
The traditional building housing Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel dates back to 1937 and overlooks a stellar view of the Fjaerlandsfjord (a narrow branch of the Sognefjord). There are 14 minimalistic-chic rooms spread out over the top two floors, each slightly different. Most have original clapboard walls painted white, along with pops of color from local textiles and vintage books (a nod to Fjærland's many bookstores). Guests are encouraged to get out and enjoy the surroundings, as rooms do not have TVs, coffee makers, or minibars.
Like the rest of the property, the spacious lounge and restaurant received a slow makeover in recent years and boasts a chic Nordic design with wood and leather furnishings, jute rugs, and textiles with different patterns and materials. The main room has enormous windows for views that lead to an outdoor patio with tables that are next to the waterfront. The fjord-side setting offers swimming and fishing, while the front desk can provide kayak and bike rentals or organize hiking and glacier excursions. Learn more
Hotel Aurlandsfjord
Surrounded by fjord views, Hotel Aurlandsfjord is within walking distance of Aurland's charming attractions, including a bakery, a shoemaker, and a small beach for fjord swims. The hotel completed a major interior renovation in 2021, and the 30 modern Scandinavian-style rooms are a significant draw with caramel leather accents, mirror backlights, and hardwood-style floors. They also feature local bath products in eco-friendly dispensers (request rooms on the third and fourth floors with private balconies overlooking outstanding views of the fjord).
Guests can start each day with a complimentary breakfast that focuses on locally-sourced ingredients while enjoying the fjord views. This main restaurant space, which is also open for lunch and dinner, has new tilework, leather furnishings, and rattan chandeliers, as well as a range of seating options from tables, cushy booths, and al fresco dining on French bistro chairs. Learn more
Fretheim Hotel
Framed by a white picket fence in Flåm village, Fretheim Hotel is the largest hotel in the southern Sognefjord area and stands out for its sprawling size against a steep mountain backdrop. With 122 rooms, guests can choose between various categories—including the elegant historic wing, carefully restored to offer charming rooms with unique details, traditional furnishings, and no TVs. Meanwhile, the modern wing has more contemporary decor, including TVs, and many rooms have balconies and terraces with fjord views. Suites have more space, as well as bathrobes and slippers.
When not in the rooms, relax in the fireplace lounges or seated garden, though most guests are out and about enjoying outdoor activities during the day. The hotel is steps from the famous Flåm Railway and fjord cruises along the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. For meals other than the complimentary buffet breakfast, there is an a la carte restaurant with views serving local Norwegian fare, optional multicourse menus, and a full bar. Learn more
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Hofslund Fjord Hotel
Dating to 1912, Hofslund Fjord Hotel stands out for its classic Swiss-style exterior on the northern side of the Sognefjord. On a nice day, guests can enjoy the manicured lawn and garden with an outdoor pool facing the sea—the only outdoor pool on this list. Rooms are unique with a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings, but what they do have in common are flat-screen TVs, work desks, and armchairs. A higher category of standard rooms offers seated balconies facing the fjord.
Breakfast is served daily in the dining room, free of charge, and next to it is a charming lounge with wicker furnishings and added views of the fjord, which is pretty special at sunset. A full bar is operated by the front desk staff when needed, though lunch and dinner are not served unless arranged for a tour group. Luckily, the location is within walking distance of Sogndal's restaurants and conveniences, like basic shopping and electric vehicle chargers. Learn more
Leikanger Fjord Hotel
The 55-room Leikanger Fjord Hotel is a year-round property, though it's perhaps best experienced in summer when guests can use the private beachfront and dock for sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. For cooler months, there's a fire pit, sauna, and hot tub. Rooms are getting a slight face-lift from new owners, with new bedding and Rituals bath products. Many rooms have large windows and fjord views—and the deluxe category adds private seated balconies.
Drinks and meals are served in the cozy a la carte restaurant and bar, focusing on local produce (berries, peaches, apricots, and walnuts) and seafood from the surrounding waters. A simple buffet breakfast is offered every morning for free, and there are popular Sunday lunch buffets that draw locals. Bike rentals are available, and a small spa offers a handful of treatments, including massages and nail services. Learn more
Flåmsbrygga Hotel
The Flåmsbrygga Hotel is a rustic-chic hotel in the heart of Flåm, surrounded by walking paths and gardens facing the fjord. The property opened in 2008 and offers 34 rooms with fresh lodge decor thanks to a range of natural materials like woodwork, driftwood, stone, and glass, along with coffee machines and furnished balconies for enjoying the views. Superior rooms even have double balconies facing the fjord. Meanwhile, two peaceful family rooms are available in a separate building above the breakfast room that can sleep four guests each.
Conveniently located next door is the award-winning microbrewery, Ægir Brewpub, which serves local beers brewed on-site along with impressive fare often procured from local farms. First-timers often choose a tasting option that pairs five beers with five small dishes starting with a memorable salmon tartare. In addition, a complimentary breakfast buffet is served daily for guests, and an all-day café serves lunch items, ice cream, and coffee for guests and visitors, including cruise ship passengers who often migrate through the property to get to other attractions in Flåm. Learn more
Quality Hotel Sogndal
The Quality Hotel Sogndal stands out in Sogndal with its six-story height and glass and cube design, providing a reliable option for those seeking modern conveniences while enjoying nearby fjord adventures. The hotel has 226 rooms in several categories, either renovated or located in the new wing, completed in 2019. Rooms in the new wing have recent furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows; the superior category and above often have French balconies.
This hotel is set back from the waterfront but close to the main intersection leading toward Balestrand or Fjærland. Though it lacks fjord views, the hotel offers three restaurants open to the public, providing some of the best dining and drinking options in the area. The lobby restaurant has billiards and shuffleboard, as well as seasonal outdoor dining in the spacious garden. An Italian restaurant has warm, wicker furnishings and potted olive trees. A third more trendy restaurant serves a range of gourmet burgers, gin cocktails, and steak and vegetarian dishes. Learn more
Dragsvik Fjordhotel
A 10-minute drive outside Balestrand is the peaceful, family-owned Dragsvik Fjordhotel, situated on a narrow peninsula with stunning fjord views in both directions. Simple, bright rooms come in various categories with charming historical touches and unique configurations. There are also five private cabins dotted along the hillside, which tend to draw couples. These units have private decks, kitchenettes, lounges, and dining areas.
The best views are available at the hotel restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the fjord and, on a clear day, Jostedal Glacier. Dinnertime has a romantic ambiance due to the soft music, low lighting, and candles where guests can choose between a handful of rotating options that will likely include fresh seafood and a house burger, as well as local beers and a wine list. Learn more