Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel, Fjærland

Pros  

• Enjoy this well-designed boutique hotel with pinch-me-now views in the heart of Fjaerland, a charming fjord village with 300 residents.
• Minimalistic yet chic rooms have original details like clapboard walls and floors, and memorable views of the mountains or fjord.
• A seasonal, organic restaurant serves breakfast (free), lunch, and dinner, along with a full bar that sells its own brand of beer and a specialty wine from Bordeaux.
• The fjord-side setting offers swimming and fishing, while the front desk can provide kayak and bike rentals or organize hiking and glacier excursions. 

Cons

• There is no elevator to get to the rooms, though staff can assist with luggage.

Authenticity

Opened in 2013—and renovated bit by bit over the years—this seasonal property stands out in Fjærland with few other hotel options in the area. Its new rustic-chic look is even featured in an interior design book that includes some of the most design-worthy properties in Norway (look for the book in the lobby). Case in point: The hotel hosted the Queen of Norway in 2022, who stayed overnight in the suite. While stylish, it still has an approachable, homey vibe with freshly baked cookies sold at the front desk. A large map by the entrance allows guests to put a pin on their hometown, and you might overhear someone from Seattle striking up a conversation with someone from Poland. Though it's a seasonal property, the hotel is available for large groups throughout the rest of the year. 

Location

Fjærland is a small village of about 300 residents on a narrow branch of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. This is an incredibly scenic area with dramatic views, and the area comes to life in the summer months when visitors arrive for glacier tours and hiking trails. Fjærland is also known as the Norwegian Booktown, with over 10 bookshops in various places on the main strip. Another area highlight is the Norwegian Glacier Museum, designed by architect Sverre Fehn, which opened in 1991. Parking is free at the hotel, or you can catch the bus at the Fjærland station, just over a mile away. Staff can also assist with excursions and airport transfers.  

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has 14 rooms spread out over the top two floors, and each one is slightly different. Most have original clapboard walls that are painted white along with pops of color from local textiles and vintage books (a nod to the village's many bookstores). There are mostly single and double rooms, while two family rooms can sleep four guests each. There's one corner suite with a private terrace. Rooms do not have TVs, coffeemakers, or minibars, as guests are encouraged to get out and enjoy the surroundings. Bathrooms have eco-friendly toiletries. 

Other Highlights

Like the rest of the property, the spacious lounge and restaurant received a slow makeover in recent years and boasts a Nordic design with wood and leather furnishings, jute rugs, and textiles with different patterns and materials. The main room has huge windows for views that lead to an outdoor patio with tables that are literally next to the waterfront. 

Sustainability

The hotel is Eco-Lighthouse certified, and the staff members are actively working to reduce energy consumption, produce less waste, and reduce water usage and pollution. The kitchen team also works closely with local suppliers, including farms within walking distance from the hotel.