Heimly Pensjonat, Flåm

Pros  

• Enjoy a quiet guesthouse with direct views of Flåm’s striking fjord setting, surrounded by mountains and sea—a 10-minute stroll to the village center and famous railway.
• Renovated rooms (some that accommodate families) have hardwood-style floors and contemporary decor, and it may be worth the splurge to request a fjord view.
• Guests receive free breakfast and a three-course dinner with the rate; there’s also a bar in the evenings, and a pleasant garden for enjoying free coffee and tea. 

Cons

• The twin beds in family-friendly rooms are narrow, and all bathrooms are compact with limited bath products.

Authenticity

While most visitors in Flåm flock to the village center, this peaceful white clapboard guesthouse is on the other side of town, wonderfully removed from the near-daily cruise ship crowds that are often spotted across the vista. The property offers a flat, grassy lawn across the street from the waterfront from which to enjoy the views, and friendly small-town hospitality with local cuisine for both breakfast and dinner, which are included in the rate. Meals are when conversations between guests are common, often in the form of shared travel advice. Nightly rituals are as simple as ordering a tea or nightcap from the bar and wandering outside, or playing a board game in the lounge. 

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 center, guests are a 10-minute walk from the Flåm Railway, 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

The hotel’s 22 rooms were renovated as of 2018 and have sparsely furnished, yet contemporary decor with hardwood-style floors and bathrooms with walk-in showers and limited bath products. Most rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains and may be worth the splurge compared to the rooms facing the rear. Double rooms can accommodate couples, while families have options that can sleep three or four with either twin beds or bunk beds. Keep in mind that the twin beds are rather narrow.  

Other Highlights

The 2018 renovations included a new dining area with a Nordic design, where several hardwood tables are topped with rattan chandeliers. The kitchen staff offers free breakfast buffets in the morning and gourmet three-course dinners focusing on local, organic, and Norwegian cuisine. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Coffee and tea are available for free, and a bar is available in the evenings for wine, beer, and spirits (for a fee). Staff members can assist in booking excursions and boat cruises.