Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri, Aurland

Pros  

• Enjoy a series of historic clapboard buildings with antique-filled interiors and a pretty garden with fjord views.
• The location is in the heart of Aurland, a short stroll from unique shops, hiking trails, and a small beach for swimming.
• Choose between a range of room types—many with majestic fjord views—including two-bedroom units (called fisherman’s cabins) with balconies overlooking the waterfront.
• Dine at the hotel’s gastropub with indoor and outdoor seating serving local meats, seafood, and house-made pizzas.

Cons

• The 2nd bedrooms in the cabins are lofts and may be tricky for guests with mobility issues to access and move around. 

Authenticity

The Vangsgaarden takes up a few neighboring clapboard buildings from the 18th century that used to host British salmon anglers who fished the Aurland River. Today, the family-run hotel retains its old-world charm, especially in the antique-filled sitting rooms with occasional sightings of the resident cat. Current owners keep things fresh with guestroom updates and brand-new fisherman’s cabins along the waterfront in 2018.

Location

Located steps from the Aurlandsfjord, this small hotel offers wonderful views of the sea and mountains, as well as easy access to the small town of Aurland. Guests can walk to the ferry terminal, a bakery, a traditional glassblower, and a famous shoe factory that makes the original penny loafer called “Aurlands” (great for souvenirs) in under 10 minutes. There’s also a grocery store, a movie theater, and a small beach area for swimming and picnics. As for nearby day trips, the village of Flåm and the Flåm Railway is less than 15 minutes away by car. Guests can park for free in front of the hotel; cabin guests have their own parking space.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The main hotel offers single, double, and superior rooms. No two rooms are the same and they offer various configurations and decor, including vintage wallpapers, original wood details, and contemporary furnishings mixed with antiques. The superior rooms are bigger, with separate seating areas, and have fjord views. There’s also one deluxe room on the corner with a balcony and a coffeemaker. Just below the main house is a row of modern cabins with balconies overlooking the waterfront, equipped with kitchenettes, living rooms, and two bedrooms including a loft room for sleeping two people (accessed by a step ladder). Each unit has its own parking space. Another option is the one-bedroom apartment on top of the Annex house with a kitchen and private balcony. 

Other Highlights

A light, elegant breakfast spread is offered each morning in the charming Aabelheim House for hotel guests (but not those staying in the units with kitchenettes). Meanwhile, the next-door gastropub team works closely with local suppliers to create a seasonal lunch and dinner menu focusing on traditional Norwegian cuisine. The restaurant and bar offer indoor seating and a covered outdoor area with panoramic views. Guests can swim in the fjord by using a hidden beach next to the cabins, while a larger beach is a short walk away. There is also a private garden surrounded by flowering plants with tables and chairs for relaxing.