Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Pros  

• Enjoy a classic fjord hotel from the 19th century that is next to the famous Flåm Railway, and steps from the waterfront and a local brewery.
• Many room categories, starting with the standard option, have hardwood floors and private balconies or garden terraces.
• An impressive buffet breakfast is free for guests each morning, featuring local, organic items when in season including berries, cured meats, and cheeses from nearby farms.
• The hotel has the only fitness center in Flåm (ideal for rainy days), otherwise, stay active outdoors with a range of walking and hiking trails in the area.

Authenticity

The hotel has a long history dating back to the 1800s when the land, owned by Christen Fretheim, was used as a large farm for hunting and fishing. Over time, the farm began to attract English lords who came to the area for salmon fishing. Eventually, in 1879, Mr. Fretheim began the construction of a Swiss-style manor. Today, it’s still the largest hotel in the area, and you can find photography, paintings, and antiques scattered around the common spaces. Though there have been additions and modernizations to many areas of the property to keep pace—including a sleek new meeting and conference center that wouldn’t feel out of place in Oslo—the historic wing is well-preserved and feels like stepping back in time. There are even rumors of a female ghost named Marthe Fretheim, a cousin who managed the hotel after the hotel owner’s wife passed away. The friendly spirit is said to continue watching over daily operations, and you can see her portrait in the historic wing.  

Location

Flåm is a picturesque village on the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, with fewer than 400 residents. The Fretheim Hotel is in the heart of the village at the end of the renowned Flåm Railway—a popular route for tourists and adventure seekers who ride the train up to Myrdal and bike, hike, or zipline back down. Guests are within walking distance from the train station, as well as a few shops, restaurants, a local brewery, and other conveniences, plus a wide range of tours and excursions. You can also choose one of the walking and hiking paths directly from the hotel. A large parking lot in front of the hotel is free for guests. Also good to know: Flåm is a cruise port and there is often a large ship docked at the end of the village, adding daytime crowds, especially during the summer months.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 122 rooms located on different wings with varied decor and amenities. The oldest part of the hotel has been carefully restored to offer charming rooms that have unique details, traditional furnishings, and no TVs. The modern wing has more contemporary furnishings, including TVs, and many rooms have balconies or walk-out terraces on the first floor leading to the garden. All rooms have kettles for coffee and tea, and most rooms have bathtubs (clawfoot tubs in the historic wing), though some have showers only. Family rooms can sleep four guests with a set of bunk beds. Suites have more space as well as bathrobes and slippers. There’s also a romantic bi-level suite with a jacuzzi tub that’s on the far side of the hotel for privacy. 

Other Highlights

In addition to the free breakfast, there is an à la carte restaurant with views serving local Norwegian fare for lunch and dinner, with multi-course menus available, and a full bar. The hotel has various common spaces to spread out, like fireplace lounges, a seated garden, and a fitness center. There’s also a lookout viewpoint at the top of the hotel. Staff can assist with a wide array of activities and excursions including ziplining and mountain biking and fjord boat tours.