Close
1752
Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand, Norway
Kviknevegen 8, Balestrand, Norway, 6899
Original Property Opened in 1752
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2012
As the first known hotel in the Sognefjord, Kviknes Hotel is a fine example of traditional Norwegian hospitality. Owned and managed by the Kvikne family for over 135 years, the location has since grown into a marvelous vacation getaway that features hundreds of glorious accommodations. Hailed as the Pearl of the Sognefjord and one of the most distinguished hotels in the Nordic countries, numerous international dignitaries have frequented Kviknes Hotel, such as British Prime Minister Clement Attlee and the Japanese Imperial Family. This modern hotel with Old World sensibilities is located in Balestrand in the Sognefjord, Norway's largest and deepest fjord, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, the trip to Kviknes Hotel is often an experience in itself. To fully appreciate the journey, Kviknes Hotel recommends travelers take Fjord1’s express boat from Bergen and into the Sognefjord. Departures are offered twice daily, with the voyage to Balestrand taking about 4 hours.
Discover
- Discover the historical character and Old World charm of Kviknes Hotel. Located within the beautiful Sognefjord, Kviknes Hotel has been owned and operated by the Kviknes family for well over a century.
- Appreciate the duality of Kviknes Hotel's contrasting architectural styles. Built in 1894 and 1913, the property's wooden historic buildings are reminiscent of romantic Swiss chalets, while Kviknes Hotel's 1960s-era addition is constructed out of concrete and references Modernism.
- Admire Kviknes Hotel's impressive art collection, featuring original paintings, drawings, and prints by Nordic artists, during a self-guided tour through the hotel's corridors and common areas.
- Walk in the footsteps of royalty and international dignitaries who have frequented Kviknes Hotel in the past, including Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, the Japanese Imperial Family, and British Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
Explore
- Admire the Jostedalsbreen. Covering an area of 487 square kilometers (188 square miles), the Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in all of continental Europe and is part of the Sognefjord. Known as the King of the Fjords, the Sognefjord has the distinction of being the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, spanning 204 kilometers (almost 127 miles) inland and stretching as deep as 1,308 meters (4,291 feet).
- Gaze upon the majesty of Jotunheimen National Park. Filled with many gorgeous mountaintops, this picturesque outdoor destination is regarded today as one of Europe’s premier destinations for hiking and fishing. It is even home to two of the continent’s highest peaks: Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind.
- Step into Balestrand's St. Olaf Church. A vision with its wooden spires and stunning stained glass windows, this beautiful place of worship has quite a love story to tell. Built in 1897, the stave church was built by Knut Kvikne in honor of his beloved departed wife, Margaret. St. Olaf's Church is so captivating that it even inspired the coronation scene in the Oscar-winning Disney film, Frozen.
- Explore the historic Bryggen in the heart of Bergen. A medieval wharf, this postcard-perfect historic destination is celebrated throughout the world for its unique series of historic wooden boat houses. The Bryggen today is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the historic Bergenhus Fortress (Bergenhus Festningen). The impressive Bergenhus Fortress has overlooked the city’s majestic harbor since the late 16th century. Today, it houses a military museum that chronicles the local history of World War II.
- Travel to the Bergen Cathedral (Bergen Domkirke). Known for its stunning arched stained-glass windows and organ loft, this historic landmark has been an active place of worship since the 12th century.
Experience
- Embark on a driving tour by car or motorcycle across the region's beautiful terrain. Along the way, marvel at Norway's abundant natural beauty, from majestic mountain peaks to awe-inspiring fjords. Choose a different route each day for a truly unforgettable Norwegian adventure.
- Climb aboard a RIB boat or a kayak for a breathtaking on-the-water voyage through Balestrand and Sognefjorden. Throughout the journey, awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains meeting the fjord, stunning waterfalls, and the quaint village of Balestrand are sure to impress.
- Experience the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene in downtown Bergen. Housed within a historic house from the early 18th century, this fascinating cultural institution chronicles the life of the German merchants who called Bergen home during the Middle Ages. Guided tours of the Schøtstuene, the world's last remaining Hanseatic assembly rooms, give context to the experience.
- Tour the KODE, a cultural complex of three composers' homes and four fascinating art museums. The second-largest art museum in Norway, KODE contains one of the country's most extensive collections of Norse artwork and artifacts. All told, it features an expansive assemblage of more than 43,000 unique Scandinavian objects. Take in a special exhibit, lecture, or concert or go on a guided tour.
- Take a ride on a funicular to the summit of the renowned Fløyen. Known for its inherent natural beauty, this verdant mountaintop features some of the most picturesque views of Bergen and its surrounding fjords.
- Listen to the smooth sounds of jazz music as it ripples out over the fjord during Balejazz, Balestrand's annual jazz festival. Held since 1990, the festival is held on one weekend each May and features both Norwegian and international acts.
Taste
- Savor Fårikål, Norway’s official national dish. Cooked similarly to a casserole, Fårikål is made up of pieces of mutton that have been prepared with bone, cabbage, and whole black pepper.
- Taste another beloved traditional meal called kjøttkaker, which are Norwegian-style meatballs. This delicious Norwegian dish consists of richly seasoned minced meat and is served alongside a variety of ingredients like onions, mashed potatoes, and steamed cabbage.
- Indulge in a wine tasting in Kviknes Hotel's wine cellar, the largest along the Sognefjord. Start with a bubbly Champagne to awaken the palate while learning how to treat each wine for the best sipping experience.
- Enjoy some pickled herring when out exploring the area. Considered a delicacy in Norway, pickled herring is prepared in a multitude of ways, including with garlic and mustard. This uniquely Norwegian treat is typically served with dark rye bread, potatoes, and sour cream.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
