Sandalsand Norge >>
This is part of a series about exciting accommodations in Norway. We have come to five very good alternatives in Western Norway, in Valdres and in Lofoten.
In the first article you were presented with what kind of establishments we are looking for. The hotels are usually wooden, many of them have long historical roots in architecture and decor – and they want to take care of it. At the same time, they can have elements of modern design. They also emphasise their proud history in the meeting with their guests and they want to give everyone an individual, unique experience. Customers expect high quality in everything from bedding to locally produced food. And they want hospitality.
The sample represents those that Sandalsand has visited and wants to highlight. This means that there are several good candidates around the country, but they will come on later trips.
The review of each hotel also includes links to the hotel, to booking rooms and to Sandalsand articles from the municipality we are in. The numbering continues from the previous article, and the order in this article is otherwise by the alphabet. Note that at the bottom there is a map showing the location of all the hotels mentioned.
This article was first published in Norwegian, on Sandalsand Norge.
31. Energihotellet, Suldal
In the hydro power municipality of Suldal in the heart of Ryfylke (in Western Norway), Norsk Hydro established a large power plant and a residential area in what is called the Kilen. This is a flat area separated from the old settlement. Here we also find the Energihotellet (literally the Energy Hotel).
The villas are in a kind of bungalow style and there are also sports facilities and community houses belonging to this “company town”. We are reminded of the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Rjukan and Notodden. They were built in the early 1900s, also by Norsk Hydro. The former canteen and the staff hotel have today been converted into Energihotellet. It is an exquisite accommodation and must be experienced. Ask for a guided tour. The power station down on the lakeside looks like a UFO.
These buildings and surroundings are important cultural monuments of our time. Not only locally but also nationally. Architect Geir Grung’s concrete brutalism is one of the most important manifestations of modern, Norwegian architecture. The contrast is enormous compared to the usual West Norwegian building tradition.
Go to the hotel’s website, book a room, and read articles from Suldal on Sandalsand (in Norwegian).
32. Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, Øystre Slidre
I my review on Booking.com I described Herangtunet as: Very good, a completely distinctive accommodation with top marks (10).
Furthermore, I wrote on the plus side: the mood, the surroundings, the hosts – everything adds up. We do not get the feeling of being very close to the main road, even though we are. The location in the forest and with all the traditional buildings from Valdres in this lovely yard, gave a very good feeling. The hosts were very nice and personal. It is clear that this place scores extra on being run by the owners.
On the downside I chose to mention this: We stayed in the New York suite, but it does not quite live up to being called a suite. There is a large double room, but some extra beds on the loft – up a ladder. Suitable for families with children, not young children, and most preferably for couples. Note that there is a steep and narrow staircase up to the room located on the first floor of this building, and the staircase does not make the room universally accessible.
Go to the hotel’s website, book a room, and read all articles from Øystre Slidre on Sandalsand (in Norwegian).
33. Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær
In short: Svinøya is the top attraction in Svolvær (town in Lofoten, North Norway). I highly recommend it for adventures, accommodation and food.
It is a very positive experience to walk from end to end on Svinøya and the extension out to Kjeøya, the islands just outside Svolvær. We stayed at the establishment called Svinøya rorbuer (traditional fisherman’s cabins). We find here a number of authentic fishermen’s cabins from the 19th century marked with the Olavsrosa symbol of Norwegian cultural heritage. During our visit we tried out the Børsen Spiseri (restaurant) on Svinøya, holding the best score on Tripadvisor. My rating: Brilliant.
Go to the hotel’s website, book a room, and read articles from Vågan on Sandalsand (in Norwegian).
34. Tyssedal hotel, Odda
“Brilliant views and historic charm”. This is how I described the hotel on Booking and I gave 9.2 in a total score.
What attracted me was the following. The view over Tyssedal and Sørfjorden towards the Folgefonna glacier is lovely. The art gallery and lounges are wonderful to walk through. The receptionist was very helpful when we needed assistance. Good breakfast and very good dinner in the evening.
On the negative side I wrote the following in my review: There is no elevator, so some universal accessibility was lacking here. That was a challenge for us, but it went smoothly. Otherwise we had nothing to complain about.
Go to the hotel’s website, book a room, and read all articles from Odda on Sandalsand (in Norwegian).
35. Witchy Bitchy AirBnB, Bergen
“This was a wonderful experience, out of the ordinary in every respect.” This is how I started my review of the rental apartment on AirBnB’s portal.
Further, I wrote: Neat, distinctive and pleasant. So clean that it competes with the best hotels. The apartment has everything you need for a few days. There is charm aplenty and the location is perfect. I had a car, but managed to secure a parking with the hostess’s help, even in this central part of town.
Book a room, and read all articles from Bergen on Sandalsand (in Norwegian).
What more?
The map below shows which hotels are included in this series, and randomly scattered around the articles.
A closing remark
This is not a sponsored article. The articles and the reviews are not paid by anyone. My own journeys and stays form the basis of the reviews. If you click on the booking link and book the accommodation, the booking engine will give a few pennies of their commission back to me.
Articles in this series
9 Norwegian hotels with distinctive character
8 Norwegian hotels with distinctive character
7 Norwegian hotels with distinctive character
