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History

Discover the Sundvolden Hotel, which was originally founded as a modest stopover inn during the 17th century.

Sundvolden Hotel was constructed during an era marked by global exploration that defined much of the 15th through the 17th centuries.

Dating back to 1648, Sundvolden Hotel is among the most historic in Norway. Originally a modest stopover inn, Sundvolden Hotel was mainly occupied by migrant workers transporting coal from Ringerike to the iron works of Bærums Verk. The inn provided the basic demands to satisfy thirst and hunger until 1805, when a new road opened up across from Krokskogen. Sundvolden quickly became a desired vacation destination when the prominent political figure Thomas Bennett began arranging tours in 1848. Many international luminaries followed in Bennett’s footsteps, as they were awestruck by the region’s overwhelming beauty. Among the many noteworthy individuals to visit the area was Victor Hugo’s mistress, Madame Biard. Her appreciation of the hotel’s great character is made evident in a letter that she wrote in 1838:

“...on the northbound road from Christiania you travel through one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Sundvolden, where we stayed, deserves to be as famous as Interlaken and Chamonix. The village is hidden in a green valley that opens up to a wonderful scenery and great fjords with small islets. Far away you can spot the green twigs of spruce in the mountain hills against the pale blue sky.”

a man in a car in front of a hotel

Hotel Timeline

Sundvolden Hotel’s hospitality tradition is documented from 1648, when Marte Kroksund reportedly operated a modest inn and an adjoining ferry service across Kroksundet. The inn primarily served workers transporting charcoal from Ringerike to the ironworks at Bærums Verk.

The next identified record dates to 1788, when the inn belonged to Gaute Sundvollen, whose name became associated with the surrounding village.

The opening of the Bergen Royal Road across Krokskogen increased travel through Sundvollen and strengthened the inn’s role as a lodging and refreshment stop.

Owner Ole Blyberg obtained a royal license to operate a guesthouse, formalizing the property’s lodging operations along the important travel route.

Madame Biard, associated with French author Victor Hugo, stayed at Sundvolden and praised the surrounding landscape in a written letter, comparing the area favorably with Interlaken and Chamonix.

British-born Norwegian tourism pioneer and political figure Thomas Bennett began arranging tours through the region, helping transform Sundvolden from a roadside inn into a recognized vacation destination.

Sundvolden became a favored stop for European royalty and other distinguished travelers, including Queen Désirée, King Charles III John, King Edward VII, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. 

Rising tourism and improved transportation links encouraged the hotel to expand with a new wing containing a dining hall and a detached social building known as Societeten.

Sundvolden Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 300 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries.

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Famous Historic Guests
  • Victor Hugo, renowned author known for publications like Les Misérables and the Hunchback of Notre-Dame.