The Villa Norangdal hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the nearest town in Norway’s western fjords region, but it feels far-removed from civilization. The historic hotel is surrounded by some of the country’s wildest scenery, which you can enjoy in improbable luxury. The hotel is also an excellent base for exploring the valley that stretches out beyond the front door.
Villa Norangdal’s storied history began in 1885, when it was built for tourists traveling through the area via carriages. Notable visitors in the hotel’s heyday were mountaineer William Cecil Slingsby and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. The hotel closed in 1965 and remained shuttered until 2007, when it re-opened after four years of extensive renovations.
Today’s boutique hotel respects the past while looking to the future. Each of the six rooms is resplendently decorated to match a specific decade: 1900, 1920, 1930, 1950, 1960 and 1970. Each room is more stunning than the last, with spot-on wallpaper, furniture, art and accessories that fully transport you the minute you step inside. Each room has a wide-angle view of the surrounding mountains.
Downstairs, you’ll be treated to an expertly prepared multicourse meal using local ingredients and paired with a well-curated wine list. Ask to have your dessert served by the fire in the hotel’s Slingsby Lounge, named for the venerable mountaineer and decorated with leather couches and a large bear pelt. You can almost smell his cigar smoke and hear him whispering tales of conquering the country’s challenging mountains as you sip coffee by the fire.
Save time to relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, where you can ponder the mountains that surround you. The hotel makes for a perfect spot to take a breather on a long tour of the region, or as a launch point for hiking, skiing, guided mountain climbing and more.
Read This Next
Must-See Spots in Norway’s Western Fjords
Destination
Oct 4, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedSlideshow
Mar 26, 20245 Must-See Sites in Tallinn, Estonia
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are five must-see sites in Tallinn, Estonia.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Destinations / North America
Mar 25, 2024What to Expect at the 2024 Beachlife Festival
If you’re planning to attend Beachlife Festival 2024, May 3–5 in Redondo Beach, California, you have a lot to look forward to. The three-day event offers a packed schedule of music, art and culinary fun.
Surveys
Mar 25, 2024Vacasa’s 2024 Spring Travel Trend Report
Vacation rental home platform Vacasa recently revealed the results of its spring travel survey.
Sponsored Content
Your Home Away from Home in Dallas
Open spaces, open thinking and open expression thrive at Aloft Dallas Downtown.
Destinations / North America
Mar 25, 2024Crawfish Season Begins: 4 of the Best New Orleans Restaurants for Crawfish
There’s one dish you won’t find better than in New Orleans: Louisiana crawfish. This sea creature became a significant source of food in the 18th century and, since then, has become integral to Louisiana cuisine. Whether eaten boiled, sauteed, baked or fried, the crawfish is versatile and tasty.
ShareThis