Photo courtesy of @kristaelvheim / Vangsgaarden

Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri, Aurland

A charming, fjord-side hotel and gastropub in the heart of downtown Aurland.

Overview

With direct views of the Aurlandsfjord, this seasonal, family-owned property in Aurland once hosted British salmon anglers in the 19th century. Today, there are 22 rooms that come in a few different categories (and buildings) including charming hotel rooms with antique furnishings to modern cabins with kitchenettes. The onsite gastropub serves gourmet local fare, while a simple breakfast is offered every morning (free for guests staying in the rooms but not cabins).

Kimkim's Take

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

Hotel Information

3.5-star Hotel
+47 57633580
Nedstagata 1

Traveler Reviews

Overall Rating (11 reviews)
4.5 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.8
Location
4.6
Staff
4.7
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.7
Owen
Owen B.
Peoria, IL | Reviewed on May 23, 2023

Overall the hotel was incredible. The restaurant was a little less impressive although still decent. It is a little difficult to get around if you don't have a car although we were able to figure out the electric bikes and the bus. Read more

Overall the hotel was incredible. The restaurant was a little less impressive although still decent. It is a little difficult to get around if you don't have a car although we were able to figure out the electric bikes and the bus.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great but hard to get around without a car
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
T
Taylor B.
Kalispell, MT | Reviewed on May 20, 2023

This Inn was a 5 star review all around! We had rented two of the cabins right on the water and it was literally a dream. Everyone at the inn was so nice and welcoming, and the food at the Gastro Pub was some of the best we had on the trip! Read more

This Inn was a 5 star review all around! We had rented two of the cabins right on the water and it was literally a dream. Everyone at the inn was so nice and welcoming, and the food at the Gastro Pub was some of the best we had on the trip!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
Ernesto
Ernesto A.
Mexico | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023

Small hotel with fantastics team.
They even open earlier the restaurant so we can take our breakfast.
The cabin is so nice and comfortable.
What a view
Read more

Small hotel with fantastics team.
They even open earlier the restaurant so we can take our breakfast.
The cabin is so nice and comfortable.
What a view

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
S
Seth O.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2022

Quaint, unbelievably quiet, comfortable bed, nice breakfast and functional room with an unchanged classic charming style. Cool place to stay in this old sleepy town. Close to trails and good access to Flam. Good restaurant on the grounds too and the view of the fjord was awesome! Read more

Quaint, unbelievably quiet, comfortable bed, nice breakfast and functional room with an unchanged classic charming style. Cool place to stay in this old sleepy town. Close to trails and good access to Flam. Good restaurant on the grounds too and the view of the fjord was awesome!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2022
R
Richard L.
Sarasota, FL | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2022

Very small property in a very small town (800 people) The view of the fjord from our room was amazing. Very gracious staff and we ate both nights at the hotel gasthous, which was quite reasonable in price but delicious food and and extensive bar list.

Breakfast was included in our rate, and was a buffet typical for Norway.

If you like hiking/biking this is the place for you. If not into hiking/biking the town does not have much else to offer. Read more

Very small property in a very small town (800 people) The view of the fjord from our room was amazing. Very gracious staff and we ate both nights at the hotel gasthous, which was quite reasonable in price but delicious food and and extensive bar list.

Breakfast was included in our rate, and was a buffet typical for Norway.

If you like hiking/biking this is the place for you. If not into hiking/biking the town does not have much else to offer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very quiet with beautiful views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2022
Keeke
Keeke R.
Indonesia | Reviewed on May 23, 2022

Nice little hotel with nice breakfast and amazing view.

Stayed in May 2022
J
Jodi S.
Sudbury, MA | Reviewed on May 06, 2022

STAY HERE, in the fisherman's cabin. Very small, but comfortable and (essentially) IN the fjord. We loved this cabin! Read more

STAY HERE, in the fisherman's cabin. Very small, but comfortable and (essentially) IN the fjord. We loved this cabin!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central to town, able to walk everywhere!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2022