Hotel Union, Geiranger

Pros

• Given Hotel Union's location above Geiranger, you're well placed to appreciate stunning views of Geirangerfjord and the surrounding scenery from common spaces and many rooms.
• Enjoy a spa treatment, relax in the sauna, or cozy up by the fire after you've swum a few laps in the indoor pool, and be sure to checkout the outdoor heated (and jetted) pool complete with fjord views.
• You'll have your pick of perks, one of which is the vintage car collection, which offers a unique glimpse into the region's history with classic cars available for hire.
• On-site dining options include breakfast (included in the room rate) and dinner buffets at Restaurant Fjorden, an a la carte menu at Restaurant Julie, light lunches by the outdoor pool at Café Løsta, and pizza to go from the lounge bar.
• Parents traveling with kids will be pleased to know that family-friendly amenities, such as a separate children's pool, a playroom, mini-golf, and a playground, are available.

Cons

• Furnishings (80s/90s-style loveseats, for example) can feel a bit dated.
• As the hotel is a large property, it can get busy during the peak summer months.

Authenticity

Originally built in wood in 1891 in the ornamented dragestil (Dragon style) architecture, Hotel Union is owned by the Mjelva family and run today by the fourth generation. Despite modern extensions and renovations, the hotel retains its traditional charm, with antiques and interesting furnishings (that you might find in your grandparent's house) scattered throughout. Culinary offerings, particularly at Restaurant Julie, highlight local ingredients. The vintage car collection adds a nostalgic touch, showcasing vehicles for hire that once toured the fjord in the 1920s and 1930s.

Location

Residing above the Geirangerfjord, Hotel Union offers exceptional views in an idyllic setting—open a window, and you may hear the rush of a nearby river and/or waterfall! It's less than a 15-minute walk (downhill) or a 3-minute drive to the village, providing easy access to local attractions like the Fossevandring Geiranger, Norwegian Fjord Centre, and the Geiranger Galleri, not to mention several waterfalls accessed by hiking paths and viewpoints. You're also conveniently located to explore the natural beauty of the area, with the Flydalsjuvet viewing point just 6 minutes away by car, and the highest fjord view by road, the Geiranger Skywalk on Dalsnibba mountain, is a 25-minute drive.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The seven categories of rooms at Hotel Union are spacious, with comfy, if not somewhat dated, furniture and drapes, wall-to-wall carpet, and nice touches like heated bathroom floors, plush bathrobes, and slippers. Upgrade to a room with a fjord view or to a Spa Suite for those views as you soak in the bath while indulging in your room's personal hammam experience. 

Amenities

The hotel boasts many amenities, including a large spa with an indoor pool, an outdoor heated therapy pool with fjord views, and a sauna. The vintage car museum is a special attraction with early 20th-century classic cars for hire, and the hotel also features a children's playground, a gym, and a number of dining options, from Restaurant Fjorden and Restaurant Julie to a pizza serving (lobby) bar and a café. The lobby bar offers a cozy setting with views of the fjord, and the wine cellar provides a curated selection of vintages the property's sommelier is happy to impart with. 

Family-Friendliness

Hotel Union caters to families with its indoor children's pool and pool toys, a playroom, outdoor playground, garden, and even a mini-golf course. The Family Room option sleeps four with a double bed and a sofa bed or bunk bed for the kiddos. 

Sustainability

Certified as an Eco-Lighthouse, Hotel Union excels in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and innovative eco-friendly practices, such as using ozone water for chemical-free cleaning and operating an on-site composting facility to turn food waste into soil for local projects. In 2022, it enhanced community support by building a residential complex for employees, fostering stability and growth in the area. Dedicated to reducing food waste and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, Hotel Union Geiranger creates meaningful change while inviting guests to be part of its eco-conscious journey.