When choosing a place to stay in Flåm—a village in Norway's fjord region—views are likely a priority. These four charming hotels are surrounded by steep mountains in the Aurlandsfjord (a branch of the famous Sognefjord) and offer direct access to hiking trails and fjord excursions, plus a vintage-style railway with one of the steepest train routes in the world.

At a Glance

  Fretheim Hotel Flåmsbrygga Hotel Flåm Marina Heimly Pensjonat
Best For Storied history Authenticity Amazing views Peace and quiet
Pros

–Grand 19th-century fjord hotel

–Charming rooms in a historic wing

–Great breakfast

–Amenities like fitness center and garden

–Small hotel with a spacious waterfront setting

–Nice in-room features like minibars and blackout shades

–Microbrewery featuring Viking-inspired menus

–Waterfront location away from the crowds

–Fjord-facing balconies and terraces

–Relaxed restaurant with awesome views

–Small, seasonal guesthouse away from the crowds

–Renovated rooms

–Included breakfast and 3-course dinner with fjord views

Cons

–Modern wing has less character

–Less peace and quiet

–Room noise

–Adjacent to the cruise ship port

–Limited dining outside of summer months

–Small beds and bathrooms

–Closed during off-season

Budget Tier $$ $$ $ $
Authenticity ***** ***** **** ****
Location **** **** ***** ****
Rooms & Bathrooms **** *** *** **
Other Highlights Lookout viewpoint at the top of the hotel Popular microbrewery Dock for swimming and relaxing 3-course locally-sourced dinners

Fretheim Hotel

MID-RANGE

Fretheim Hotel is the largest in the area (photo courtesy of Fretheim Hotel)

Framed by a white picket fence, Fretheim Hotel is the largest hotel in the area and stands out for its sprawling size against a steep mountain backdrop. With 122 rooms, guests can choose between various categories—including the elegant historic wing, carefully restored to offer charming rooms with unique details, traditional furnishings, and no TVs. Meanwhile, the modern wing has more contemporary decor, including TVs, and many rooms have balconies and terraces with fjord views. Suites have more space, as well as bathrobes and slippers. 

When not in the rooms, relax in the fireplace lounges or seated garden, though most guests are out and about enjoying outdoor activities during the day. The hotel is just steps from the famous Flåm Railway and fjord cruises along the waterfront. For meals other than the complimentary buffet breakfast, there is an a la carte restaurant with views serving local Norwegian fare, optional multicourse menus, and a full bar. Learn more

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Flåmsbrygga Hotel
MID-RANGE

Warm room interiors and private balconies (photo courtesy of Flåmsbrygga Hotel)

The Flåmsbrygga Hotel is a rustic-chic hotel surrounded by walking paths and gardens facing the fjord. The property opened in 2008 and offers 34 rooms with fresh lodge decor thanks to a range of natural materials like woodwork, driftwood, stone, and glass, along with coffee machines and furnished balconies for enjoying the views. Superior rooms even have double balconies facing the fjord. Meanwhile, two peaceful family rooms are available in a separate building above the breakfast room that can sleep four guests each.

Dine at the award-winning on-site microbrewery, Ægir Brewpub, which serves beers brewed on-site along with impressive fare often procured from local farms. First-timers often choose a tasting option that pairs five beers with five small dishes starting with a memorable salmon tartare. In addition, a complimentary breakfast buffet is served daily for guests, and an all-day café serves lunch items, ice cream, and coffee for guests and visitors, including cruise ship passengers who often migrate through the property to get to other attractions in Flåm. Learn more

Flåm Marina

STANDARD

This small hotel has a swimming dock (photo courtesy of Richard Harris / Flåm Marina)

You can't get much closer to the fjord than the Flåm Marina, which is slightly removed from the cruise ship crowds, yet still within walking distance of Flåm village. The year-round property offers 12 units—a mix of rooms and apartments (great for families) with simple, contemporary furnishings—each facing the fjord with a private furnished balcony or terrace. 

Guests can also kick back at the year-round bar and restaurant with a seasonal outdoor terrace attracting boaters who take advantage of the little marina in front. It has a cool, laid-back vibe with blankets and candles that add warmth and coziness after dusk. The dock in the front of the property is a nice spot to catch some rays, and there is a ladder for swimmers. There's also a floating sauna on a boat—often docked near the hotel—available for a fee. Learn more

Heimly Pensjonat
STANDARD

This restaurant overlooks the fjord and serves three-course dinners (photo courtesy of Heimly Pensjonat)

The Heimly Pensjonat is a peaceful guesthouse offering striking views of the Aurlandsfjord—and like the hotel listed above (a neighbor), is located on the other side of town, removed from the near-daily cruise ship crowds that are often spotted across the vista. The hotel's 22 rooms were renovated in 2018 and have sparsely furnished yet contemporary decor with hardwood-style floors and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Most rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. 

Common areas include a seated garden with vistas and a lounge with board games, while the Nordic-style dining room offers hardwood tables topped with rattan chandeliers. You'll be here a few times a day, as the rate includes complimentary breakfast buffets and gourmet three-course dinners focusing on local, organic, and Norwegian cuisine. A bar is available in the evenings for wine, beer, and spirits (for a fee). Learn more