Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Pros

• Enjoy a classic 19th-century fjord hotel next to the famous Flåm Railway, steps from the waterfront and a local brewery.
• Many room categories, starting with the Standard option, have hardwood floors and private balconies or garden terraces.
• An impressive buffet breakfast is free for guests each morning, featuring local, organic items when in season, including berries, cured meats, and cheeses from nearby farms.
• The hotel has the only fitness center in Flåm (ideal for rainy days). Otherwise, stay active outdoors with a range of walking and hiking trails in the area.

Cons

• Views of the port may often be obstructed by a large cruise ship, where you can expect to mingle with daytime crowds, especially during the summer months.

Authenticity

Fretheim Hotel dates back to the 1800s when it was first a farm used primarily for hunting and fishing until it began to attract English lords. In 1879, the land owner, Christen Fretheim, built a Swiss-style manor, which remains a key part of the now-modernized hotel. Today, it's still the largest hotel in the area, and you can find photography, paintings, and antiques scattered around the common spaces. Though there have been additions and modernizations to many areas of the property to keep pace—including a sleek new meeting and conference center that wouldn't feel out of place in Oslo—the historic wing is well-preserved. The hotel is also rumored to be watched over by the spirit of Marthe Fretheim, a former manager, whose portrait hangs in the historic wing.  

Location

The Fretheim Hotel is in the heart of picturesque Flåm village, steps away from the Aurlandsfjord waterfront and at the end of the renowned Flåm Railway, a three-minute walk away. It's a two-minute walk from the train station, as well as a few shops, restaurants, a local brewery, and other conveniences, as well as walking and hiking paths. A large parking lot in front of the hotel is free for guests. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 122 rooms located on different wings with varied decor and amenities. The oldest part of the hotel has been carefully restored to offer charming rooms with unique details, traditional furnishings, and no TVs. The modern wing has more contemporary furnishings, including TVs, and many rooms have balconies or walk-out terraces on the first floor leading to the garden. All rooms have kettles for coffee and tea, and most rooms have bathtubs (clawfoot tubs in the historic wing), though some have showers only. Family rooms can sleep four guests with a set of bunk beds. Suites have more space, as well as bathrobes and slippers. There's also a romantic bi-level suite with a Jacuzzi tub that's on the far side of the hotel for privacy. 

Other Highlights

In addition to the complimentary breakfast, there's an a la carte restaurant with views serving local Norwegian fare for lunch and dinner, with multicourse menus available, and a full bar. The hotel has various common spaces to spread out, like fireplace lounges, a seated garden, and a fitness center. There's also a lookout viewpoint at the top of the hotel.