Leikanger Fjord Hotel, Leikanger

Pros  

• Enjoy a friendly and photogenic waterfront hotel next to Leikanger’s ferry terminal with seasonal express boat service to Flåm and Bergen (a great base in the area).
• Many rooms have large windows and fjord views—and the deluxe category adds private seated balconies.
• Guests can relax in the garden or swim in the fjord from either the private dock or beach; kayaks, SUPs, bicycles, and basic spa services are available for a fee.
• A cozy restaurant serves cocktails and locally-sourced à la carte fare, plus free breakfast. 

Cons

• Guests with mobility issues (or a lot of luggage) should know that the upper floors are accessible by stairs only. 

Additional Notes From Lilly

I passed this white clapboard property on my way to Balestrand and realized it was a historic hotel that I did not know existed. I made a sudden u-turn and walked in unannounced to see if I could get a tour. The lobby had original wood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and antiques mixed with plush new furnishings and chandeliers that added a contemporary vibe. There was a warm ambiance from a wood-burning fireplace, and the staff welcomed me with open arms, apologizing for the rainy weather. They took time to show me the restaurant, a few rooms, and a large event setup on the lower level that was dressed for a wedding reception arriving later in the day. Despite the soggy conditions, you could tell that the lawn and rose garden leading to the waterfront was a major highlight, and the setting seemed to take advantage of one of the best views on the Sognefjord.

Authenticity

A local family bought the property in 1920 during a time when the only mode of transportation was by steamship through the fjord. Since then, three generations of the same family have run the Leikanger Fjord Hotel through decades of change, including the addition of roads and electricity, as well as historical events. The hotel was even a base during WWII for an intelligence organization working on behalf of the Allies. In 1973, the family added an extension on the property where most of the rooms are located, yet the original building, with photos, antiques, and memorabilia, remains intact. In 2020, the hotel was bought by a small hotel group with nine properties in Norway, so mild changes are in the works.

Location

The hotel is a two-mile drive (or bike ride) from the town of Leikanger on the main road that connects Sogndal and Balestrand. Leikanger has a few shops and restaurants and is said to have one of Norway’s mildest climates thanks to its southern exposure with uninterrupted views. The location is a convenient base for exploring the area including hiking trails, fjord tours, and adventures in Jostedal Glacier National Park. Parking at the hotel is free. There’s also a ferry terminal right next to the hotel with seasonal express boat service to Flåm and Bergen. From the hotel, there’s also a historic walk with Viking history that leads to Leikanger Church.  

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are several room categories in both the original wing and newer wing that date back to the 1970s. The decor includes a mix of classic and contemporary furnishings that have a nautical navy blue and white theme. Most rooms in all categories have hardwood-style floors while others have carpeting. Some bathrooms in all categories have showers while others may have bathtubs (request your preference upon check-in), and all come with Rituals bath products. Guests can choose between single rooms, twin rooms, double rooms, family rooms with sofa beds, and deluxe rooms with seated balconies facing the fjord (worth the splurge). There’s also a Viking suite with a canopy bed.

Other Highlights

Guests have access to a private sandy beach, a lawn space with tables and sun loungers, and a dock with a staircase into the water. Activities include bike rentals, as well as kayak and SUP rentals; yoga classes may also be available. There is a small spa offering a handful of treatments including massages and nail services. Drinks and meals are served in the à la carte restaurant and bar on the lobby level focusing on local produce (berries, peaches, apricots, and walnuts all grow in the area), and seafood from the surrounding waters. A simple buffet breakfast is offered every morning for free, and there are popular Sunday lunch buffets that draw locals.