Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, Norway

As you approach Balestrand, a village set along the dramatic Sogneford in Western Norway, the first thing you notice is the enormous mountains cupping glacial remnants as the backdrop. And then you notice the Kviknes Hotel, which sits just a few steps from the ferry terminal. At night, the hotel’s interior emits a warm glow, beckoning against the inevitable chill outside.

© Bosc d’Anjou | Flickr

The façade of the hotel’s original building is decked out with ornate balconies and pointed gables, and painted all white, giving it the appearance, somewhat, of an elaborate wedding cake. Luckily, this historic wing, which dates to 1752, all but obscures the newer, less architecturally inspired, building. The newer wing’s rooms are a bit nicer, and more modern, than those in the older wing — some which are decent, while others could use an upgrade.

Woodcarving and Architecture by Ivar Hoyvik © Bosc d’Anjou | Flickr

What truly stands out about the hotel is the lawn’s wide views across the fjord, where steep mountains rise precipitously from deep blue water. Pockets of glaciers hang improbably above, and on clear days you can make out their crevasses and folds. The scenery gives the town an ethereal, far-away feeling. Lucky you if you score a balcony with this view; otherwise, you can enjoy it from the hotel’s dining room (where you can dive into a multicourse dinner or simply visit for the impressive spread at the buffet breakfast) or the many sitting rooms.

© Bosc d’Anjou | Flickr

Speaking of sitting rooms: The first floor of hotel’s original building has several, and each are more fantastic than the last. They’re filled with neo-baronial furniture (many items have Viking flourishes) and Norwegian paintings almost as captivating as the scenery outside. These spots make a nice place to warm up (with complimentary coffee and tea) if the weather isn’t great, or to unwind after a long day in the mountains.

View of the Sognefjord © Bosc d’Anjou | Flickr