Walaker Hotel, Solvorn

Pros  

• Enjoy a stay in the oldest hotel in Norway, which has been run by the same family since the 17th century.
• Guests can make reservations for the nightly four-course dinners with rotating menus that feature local ingredients from small-scale producers. 
• Freebies include breakfast, afternoon tea, and outdoor activities.
• Choose between a few different room types, including the main building’s historic rooms with antique-filled interiors.

Cons

• This is the only hotel and restaurant in Solvorn and it tends to sell out fast (book early).
• Guests seeking historic charm should choose rooms located in the main building and avoid the newer rooms in the Annex building.

Additional Notes From Lilly

I knew I had arrived somewhere special when entering the tiny village of Solvorn and spotting the pale yellow clapboard exterior and picket fence of the Walaker. Friendly guest-only reminders greeted me as I made my way to the main building’s front porch through the flowering garden. Hearing the screen door shut behind me, I found myself moving through one charming room after the next. Guests dining at the elegant breakfast were hushed and relaxed while a polished staff took care of them. Though I didn’t stay overnight—they were unfortunately sold out during my dates—I vowed to return someday and have dinner at the restaurant, which has been featured in many travel shows. 

Authenticity

This is a classic summer hotel tucked into the western fjords, and most of the buildings date back to the mid-17th century. Since then, the hotel has been inherited from generation to generation by the Nitter family making it the oldest family-run hotel in Norway with more than 370 years of history. The charming interiors, beautiful grounds, and local food and beverage program are noticeably higher quality compared to other hotels in the area. In other words, the Walaker is worth the splurge for those who can afford it (and are smart enough to book early).  

Location

Without a cruise ship in sight, the hotel is a hidden gem in Solvorn, located on the Lustrafjord, an arm of the Sognefjord, which happens to be Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Solvorn is a small village of under 300 residents surrounded by lilac trees and dramatic fjord views. Visitors are drawn to Solvorn for its well-maintained nature trails and a small ferry that transports passengers to and from the 12th-century Urnes Stave Church. There are a few retail shops on the small strip including a cafe and bakery near the ferry terminal.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Guests stay in one of three different buildings on the property, and each room has its own look with different furnishings and decor. Some rooms have shared or private patios and all rooms offer views of the mountains, fjord, or garden. The two original buildings offer old-world charm with antiques, patterned wallpapers, and original elements like clapboard walls and tilework, while a newer building called the Annex has traditional 20th-century decor. All rooms have private bathrooms with either a shower and/or claw-foot tub. Families can opt for the three-bedroom house called the Midgard.

Other Highlights

Simple activities include a lovely nature trail—steps from the entrance—that wraps around the fjord passing various viewpoints and swimming spots. Guests also have free access to bicycles and kayaks and can book fishing and boat cruises through the front desk. The restaurant’s four-course dinner is a popular experience for guests and non-guests and begins at 7:30 pm each evening focusing on local ingredients like seafood, cheese, and produce. It’s highly recommended to book reservations in advance given the focus on quality and the fact that it is the only restaurant serving dinner in town. Guests also dine on complimentary breakfast buffets in the morning using local ingredients, as well as afternoon coffee and tea. Make sure to check out Walaker’s art gallery with exhibitions by local and nationally known artists for potential souvenirs.