Flåm Marina, Flåm

Pros  

• Enjoy a waterfront hotel that is slightly hidden, yet still within walking distance to Flåm village.
• All rooms and apartments—some with kitchenettes and bunk beds for kids—have balconies or terraces facing the fjord views, plus Nespresso machines and Rituals bath products.
• The relaxed year-round restaurant offers local Norwegian fare and fantastic views.

Cons

• The free breakfast is only offered during the summer months, as of 2022, but guests can purchase items from a nearby store or bakery the rest of the year.

Additional Notes From Lilly

I questioned myself when making my way to this property, thinking I had walked too far from Flåm. But the 10-minute jaunt felt just far enough away from the enormous cruise ship docked on the other side of the village. My first vantage point of the hotel was stepping out onto the spacious dock where the wood was wet. The manager pointed to the swim ladder and said that a few of the guests had just taken a dip in the fjord. I observed the 360-degree views—perhaps the best view in Flåm—and couldn’t help but feel that this nook felt like a secret gem in one of the most popular fjord towns in Norway.

Authenticity

Photographs are a common activity at the Flåm Marina with its white exterior contrasting against the vivid green and blue mountains and sea—best viewed from the dock for a stunning vantage point. Owners keep the property looking fresh and up-to-date with ongoing renovations, yet the vibe still feels approachable and laid back. Guests will find a quieter and more peaceful ambiance on this side of the village, though summer weekends will likely draw locals and boaters who dine at the indoor/outdoor restaurant, equipped with blankets in case of chilly weather.

Location

Flåm is a picturesque fjord village with fewer than 400 residents situated between Oslo and Bergen, and this hotel has one of the best views in town. Though it’s just outside the village hubbub, guests are still within walking distance from the train station, as well as shops, restaurants, and other conveniences, plus a wide range of tours and excursions in the mountains and fjords. Onsite parking is free for those arriving by car. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

A small mix of both rooms and apartments (great for families) offer simple, contemporary furnishings—and each faces the fjord with a private furnished balcony or terrace. What they do have in common are mini-fridges, Nespresso machines, tea kettles, small bathrooms with shower stalls, and Rituals bath products (though no conditioner). The smaller rooms have a seating area facing the view, and the apartments have a kitchen and living room, as well as two bedrooms (one with a set of bunk beds). Apartment kitchens are equipped with microwaves, stovetops, plates, glasses, and utensils for four people. Self-serve laundry and detergent are available for a fee. 

Other Highlights

The year-round restaurant has a cool, laid-back vibe with blankets and candles that add warmth and coziness after dusk. You can either sit inside the glass pavilion or outside on the seasonal terrace—and either option takes advantage of the tremendous fjord views. Lunch and dinner have separate a la carte menus featuring salads, seafood, steaks, burgers, pizzas, and a few local favorites like fish soup. There’s a small selection of liquors, wines, and beers (including those from a local Flåm brewery) on hand. Free breakfast is served during the peak summer months. The dock in the front of the property is a nice place to catch some rays, and there is a ladder for swimming. There’s also a floating sauna on a boat—often docked near the hotel—available for a fee.