Flåmsbrygga Hotel, Flåm

Pros  

• Enjoy a waterfront hotel setting in Flåm with direct fjord views and walking paths.
• Rooms have blackout shades (for white nights), Nespresso machines, mini-fridges for storing snacks and drinks, and seated balconies that face the views.
• Fuel up on the free breakfast buffet before outdoor activities, and then make dinner reservations at the microbrewery featuring Viking-inspired menus with local ingredients.

Cons

• Neighboring room noise is possible—light sleepers should request a room on the top floor.
• The adjacent cruise ship port often brings daytime crowds, though evenings tend to be more peaceful. 

Additional Notes From Lilly

I chose this hotel as my Flåm base for its location and popular microbrewery, which I thought might be a treat after a long drive from Oslo. Upon arrival, I excitedly pulled into a spacious parking lot and took my first look at the Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by steep mountains ribboned with waterfalls (pro tip: May and June are the best months to see waterfalls in Norway). The friendly staff, including a manager named Monna, helped me get situated with the on-site car charger, which was free for three hours and then took extra time to show me around the property. Monna also assisted me with securing a last-minute dinner reservation on a busy Friday night. The setting felt peaceful at the hotel after a cruise ship had been there earlier in the day, and I enjoyed a lingering sunset from my balcony well past 10 pm.

Authenticity

Flåmsbrygga has a charming if not slightly rustic, Norwegian appeal thanks to a range of natural materials like woodwork, driftwood, stone, and glass. The expansive location is right on the waterfront with walking paths and gardens (thanks to Monna and her gardener who tend the plants), with interesting art installations like the Tree of Life wood sculpture in the yard. It's a place that draws guests and locals in all seasons. Summer is all about capitalizing on the views from various aspects of the property, while winter gets atmospheric with holiday lights and a roaring fireplace at the brewery. 

Location

The hotel has a prime location in one of the most famous villages in the Sognefjord, next to the cruise port, which receives an influx of large crowds during the days when a cruise ship makes its way into the harbor. That said, guests tend to have the property to themselves in the mornings and evenings and are a short walk to the Flåm Railway, as well as shops and restaurants. Free parking is available at the hotel and there is one EV charger on the property; if it's available, ask the staff to let you charge your car for free for a few hours.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Most standard-sized rooms are located in the hotel's main three-story wooden building. (Tip: Light sleepers should request rooms on the top floor due to potential room noise.) The decor is rustic-modern, with hardwood floors, wood walls, beige plaid accents, and small seated balconies with views of the Aurlandsfjord and Flåm harbor (a few economy rooms do not have balconies and offer a slightly lower rate). Amenities include mini-fridges and Nespresso machines, and simple bathrooms have walk-in showers that come with luxury foam shampoo and body wash, though no conditioner. Superior rooms, however, offer conditioner, as well as double balconies facing the fjord. Meanwhile, two peaceful family rooms are available in a separate building above the breakfast room, which can sleep four guests each.

Other Highlights

Flamsbrygga is known for its award-winning microbrewery, Aegir Brewpub, serving local beers brewed and impressive fare often procured from local farms. First-timers often choose an experience-tasting option that pairs five beers with five small dishes starting with a memorable salmon tartare. In addition, a free 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. The friendly hotel staff—many of who have been working at the hotel for years—are happy to assist with a range of activities no matter how much time you have, from full-day excursions to free trails that can be accomplished in less than an hour. 

Sustainability

Flåmsbrygga is an Eco-Lighthouse Certified property, and it has fulfilled strict requirements within the areas of work environment, purchasing, energy, transportation, waste, emissions, and aesthetics. Guests will notice small touches like bath products in eco-friendly dispensers and beer sold in aluminum cans.