Hotell Utsikten, Geiranger

• Utsikten's best feature is its location high above Geiranger, giving you those panoramic vistas over the namesake fjord.
• Though it's in a rural setting, you won't have to go far to check out the iconic Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, which offers some of Norway's most photographed vistas.
• The well-praised, if not pricey, in-house restaurant focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, providing a true taste of Norwegian cuisine.
• You can enjoy an excellent (and free) cooked-to-order breakfast.

• There isn't an elevator, so you'll have to lug your luggage up one or two flights of stairs to access rooms on the second and third floors.
• Past kimkim guests have noted that some rooms are quite small, and bathrooms could use an update.

Authenticity

Soon after the first arrival of some of the first "tourists" in 1869, construction began on mountain roads connecting Geiranger to elsewhere, and Hotell Utsikten Bellevue, as it was then known, was born. Over the years, the 1893 property has expanded and undergone numerous renovations, but you might consider the lack of an elevator and (some) of the tiny en suite bathrooms add to the historic charm. On-site Restaurant Utsikten serves regional food prepared from ingredients sourced from the area's nearby farms and waterways. 

Location

Located a 5-minute walk downhill from the renowned Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, Hotell Utsikten is in a rural setting yet close enough (by car) to key attractions like Fossevandring Geiranger, Norwegian Fjord Centre, and the Geiranger Galleri. It's right on Fv63, part of the National Tourist Route that connects Åndalsnes to the Valldal valley via mountain passes and hairpin turns. Geiranger is a 7-minute winding drive away or about a 20-minute trek downhill on foot 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms are divided into three categories, each offering a mix of fjord or garden views. Rooms are somewhat traditional with patterned wallpaper, hardwood floors, and upholstered furniture, focusing on comfort rather than modernity. As for a larger room if space is a concern. Some bathrooms, too, are in need of a refresh. 

Amenities

What Hotell Utsikten lacks in amenities it makes up for it in its on-site restaurant, aptly named Restaurant Utsikten. You can enjoy a made-to-order breakfast as well as come back for an elevated dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients, like salmon from the Geirangerfjord. The lobby bar is a nice space to unwind with a drink, and the small garden is another spot to take in the natural beauty. There isn't an elevator on the premises, the tradeoff for a historic property. The attached parking area has EV chargers for those renting electric vehicles.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel's location and views are highly rated by families visiting with children. There are Family Room options that are a more spacious than other room configurations, accommodating up to four guests, and depending on availability, you can request a cot for your infant. Note that due to the lack of an elevator, families with young children or strollers might find it challenging.