Photo courtesy of Norway's best AS 
Photo courtesy of Norway's best AS 

Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

A historic hotel in the center of Flåm surrounded by mountains and fjord views.

Overview

With 122 rooms, the biggest hotel in Flåm stands out for its sprawling size and white clapboard exterior against a steep mountain backdrop. Guests can choose between various wings and room types—including the elegant historic wing—and many have balconies and terraces with fjord views. When not in the rooms, relax in the garden or cozy lounges, or take part in a range of activities like hiking, boating, and even zip lining.

Kimkim's Take

Lilly
Lilly Graves kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, June 2022 (Learn more)
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.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 576363 00
Hotel address icon Nedre Fretheim
Free wifi
Free parking

Traveler Reviews

22 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.6 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.8
Location
4.9
Staff
4.7
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.6
Nicole
Nicole D.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2023
This was probably my favorite hotel on the trip! It was so warm and cozy. Read more

This was probably my favorite hotel on the trip! It was so warm and cozy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2023
E
Elizabeth C.
Fort Collins, CO | Reviewed on Nov 05, 2023
There aren't a lot of hotel options in Flam, so this seems like your best bet. Overall a nice hotel but the rooms could use some updating. Read more

There aren't a lot of hotel options in Flam, so this seems like your best bet. Overall a nice hotel but the rooms could use some updating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2023
Steve
Steve S.
Sun Prairie, WI | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023
Very nice hotel and convenient. Read more

Very nice hotel and convenient.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2023
Linda
Linda S.
Greensboro, NC | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2023
A very pretty property. Beautiful grounds. Most rooms, including ours, had a lovely Mountain View. The staff in the restaurant were very lovely - front desk was ok. The property was a short 5 min walk to the Norwegian sauna we experienced. Awesome. Read more

A very pretty property. Beautiful grounds. Most rooms, including ours, had a lovely Mountain View. The staff in the restaurant were very lovely - front desk was ok. The property was a short 5 min walk to the Norwegian sauna we experienced. Awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2023
Chris
Chris D.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023
Unbelievable views! Absolutely totally and completely amazing hotel! Clean and comfortable and exceeded our expectations! Read more

Unbelievable views! Absolutely totally and completely amazing hotel! Clean and comfortable and exceeded our expectations!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect location to everything you wanted to see and Flåm!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2023
M
Michele C.
Holly Springs, NC | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2023
The Fretheim hotel is a charming, pretty hotel that dates back quite a way. The grounds are lovely and full of all types of flowers along with a little pebble walkway through the grass. The lobby has a nice array of comfortable chairs and large windows that allow for a nice view of the water and that bring in lots of natural light. The restaurant had an abundance of food and drink options as well as courteous, cheerful staff. The concierge was very helpful as well. The room had its own... Read more

The Fretheim hotel is a charming, pretty hotel that dates back quite a way. The grounds are lovely and full of all types of flowers along with a little pebble walkway through the grass. The lobby has a nice array of comfortable chairs and large windows that allow for a nice view of the water and that bring in lots of natural light. The restaurant had an abundance of food and drink options as well as courteous, cheerful staff. The concierge was very helpful as well. The room had its own little balcony that allowed for a nice view of the water. Overall, it was a great place to stay in Flam.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
Permenthri
Permenthri P.
Australia | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023
Great place for an overnight in Flåm. Very help and stunning views. Read more

Great place for an overnight in Flåm. Very help and stunning views.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2023
Peachy
Peachy T.
Daly City, CA | Reviewed on May 12, 2023
beautiful hotel, view was amazing. Very neat and rooms were spacious. The service was top line and breakfast selection was great Read more

beautiful hotel, view was amazing. Very neat and rooms were spacious.

The service was top line and breakfast selection was great

Authenticity & Character
little details in the hotel .
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Tom
Tom W.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on May 06, 2023
After switching out of a room that did not have a tv or a shower, our room had a great view of the bay and the town.
The breakfast pancakes were very good, the pastries were very average. Clean. Very close to everything.
Read more

After switching out of a room that did not have a tv or a shower, our room had a great view of the bay and the town.
The breakfast pancakes were very good, the pastries were very average. Clean. Very close to everything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Gerri
Gerri S.
Eugene, OR | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022
Friendly staff and beautful views. No crowds in mid October, practically had the place to ourselves. Read more

Friendly staff and beautful views. No crowds in mid October, practically had the place to ourselves.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Stayed in October 2022