Gudvangen Fjordtell, Gudvangen

Pros 

• The hotel's location in Gudvangen puts you next door to the region's popular Viking Valley and right on the shores of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.
• Choose from several different room styles, including rustic Viking-themed lodgings and modern family apartments with kitchens.
• You'll have access to five diverse dining options, including a seafood restaurant, a bakery and pizzeria, and a fun Viking-themed eatery.
• The adjoining Viking village of Njardarheimr offers plenty of immersive activities and experiences for all ages, from archery to storytelling.

Cons

• The rooms with large skylights can be challenging to sleep in during bright summer nights, but eye masks and ear plugs are provided.
• Some rooms and bathrooms feel dated and could use an update.
• There's free WiFi throughout the property, but guests report it can be unreliable.

Authenticity

Gudvangen Fjordtell immerses you in the rich heritage of southern Norway, and you can witness Viking history come to life through interactive activities and reenactments in the neighboring ancient village of Njardarheimr. The hotel's facilities are dotted throughout multiple buildings alongside the river and fjord, including a lobby and bar area with rustic, Norse-themed decor, five different dining options, and 30+ rooms, studios, and apartments. For a truly authentic experience, you can book one of the Viking-style rooms, sleeping under a glass ceiling in a carved wooden bed draped with reindeer skins.

Location

Gudvangen sits at the southern end of the Nærøyfjord, where the UNESCO-listed fjord meets the Nærøydalselvi river. The town is a perfect base for exploring the area's natural beauty and attractions, with plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking on your doorstep. It's a short walk to the ferry terminal, where you can embark on fjord tours, and a scenic 20-minute bus ride takes you to the nearby village of Flåm. Most drivers access the region via the scenic E16 road, which connects you to Bergen in 2.5 hours. There's free parking near the hotel, including EV charging stations.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 30+ rooms at Gudvangen Fjordtell offer something for everyone, from bare-bones singles to rustic Viking-inspired lodgings and modern apartments with kitchenettes. Viking-style rooms feature wood paneling, handcrafted furniture, large skylights for watching the night sky, and reindeer skins draped over the beds. For a more contemporary feel, opt for the bright and airy apartments, with clean, Nordic-style decor, kitchenettes, and the option to sleep up to eight. Bathrooms for the smaller rooms can feel dated and offer simple showers, but the modern apartments have more updated facilities. 

Amenities

Gudvangen Fjordtell offers five different dining options, including a seafood restaurant with heated glass pavilions and spectacular fjord views. Viking Veikro serves traditional Norwegian dishes, while Café Gudvangen is a handy spot to grab quick bites like baked goods and pizza. A simple breakfast is included in the room rate and served buffet style overlooking the fjord, and all of the property's restaurants aim for organic and sustainable, often sourcing meat, vegetables, honey, and beer from local suppliers. The property also features a large terrace, a fully stocked bar, and a souvenir shop. 

Family-Friendliness

Gudvangen Fjordtell welcomes families, and the neighboring Viking village is a hit with kids of all ages, offering activities like archery, storytelling, and Viking wrestling. There are plenty of room options for larger groups, with duplex studios and apartments that sleep up to eight, and the multiple on-site dining options will keep even the pickiest young eaters happy.