Hotel Aurlandsfjord, Aurland

Pros  

• A mid-range option for travelers seeking modern interiors as an alternative to nearby hotels that exude more rustic charm.
• Enjoy direct views of the Aurlandsfjord from the restaurant (breakfast is complimentary) and front-facing rooms.
• The hotel is within walking distance of Aurland’s attractions like a famous shoe factory and a small beach for fjord swims.

Cons

• The hotel’s free parking lot may fill up on summer weekends (first-come, first-serve), but there is street parking in the area. 

Additional Notes From Lilly

I arrived at the hotel’s traditional white entrance after walking through the small town of Aurland, with its glass shop, shoe factory, and bakery—all recommended—and was surprised to find modern interiors. The spacious lobby with soft music invites one to set up a laptop (if necessary) and relax with a drink purchased at the front desk or restaurant. I imagined that the chef’s kitchen, where breakfast is served, is used for a range of events, while the renovated rooms provide picky travelers with a sleek home base while experiencing the adventurous and remote surroundings. I loved that my host showed me the self-serve laundry area as a way to help hikers feel at home after a rugged day on the nearby trails. 

Authenticity

This is a family-run hotel. Despite the renovated interiors and more modern vibe than other area hotels, there are elements of Norwegian charm with historic photography lining the walls near the front desk. Rooms also have large nature photographs to balance the modern look. Staff will make you feel welcome offering suggestions for the area, as well as events in the hotel.

Location

Aurland is a town on the Aurlandsfjord—a scenic branch of the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord—with more conveniences than the smaller village of Flåm. From the hotel, guests can walk to the ferry terminal, a bakery, a traditional glassblower, and a famous shoe factory that makes the original penny loafer called “Aurlands” (great for souvenirs). There’s also a grocery store, a movie theater, and a beach area for swimming and picnics. Guests can park for free in a small lot in front of the hotel and there are electric vehicle chargers for a fee, though spots can fill up fast. Ask the staff for recommendations if you have problems parking.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 30 renovated, Scandinavian-style rooms are a major draw with caramel leather accents, mirror backlights, and hardwood-style floors. Sleek bathrooms are also a draw with black and white tile floors, new walk-in showers, and local bath products in eco-friendly dispensers. Families can opt for the junior suites that have sofa beds, while dog-owners can opt for the rooms with private terraces in the rear. Meanwhile, romantics may want to choose the front-facing rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors with private balconies overlooking outstanding views of the fjord. Self-serve laundry and detergent are available for all guests at no charge. 

Other Highlights

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. Drinks and snacks (including beer and wine) are sold at the front desk so you can sit and relax in the lobby any time of day. The adjacent communal lounge space has a large flat screen TV for movies and sporting events (rooms do not have TVs). There’s also a shuffleboard table!