Dal Gjestegaard

A great spot for a quiet, relaxing stay.

For tent campers, the site was unappealing, with nowhere particularly nice to pitch and poor access to water. Women’s toilets and showers weren’t available to me: the women’s room was full of beekeeping gear and beer brewing equipment, so I had to use the men’s facilities. I was the only woman tent camping there. The campers’ only room with water was messy, and the rubbish bins had clearly been left uncleared for a while. The pool was empty, too, despite our visit on the sunny first weekend in May. It didn’t look anything like high season, though that’s what we were charged. They refunded the difference after I pointed out the website said otherwise. There was also no internet or electricity for our tent. The website says tent campers can use both, but we never received the internet codes. I’d already called them so many times that I didn’t want to get back in touch. It also says all camping prices include electricity and mentions three-point connections, but tent campers couldn’t charge their phones, so that information needs updating. On Saturday evening, two carpenters kept using power tools, sawing and hammering until after 9 pm. We went over to ask when they’d finish. Who works that noisily all Saturday evening? Apparently anything goes at an unstaffed camping and cabin site. If the owners want people to camp in tents, they should add a shared area with power outlets, a basic outdoor kitchen, and better access to water.

We loved the pool, with its great views across the Vestfold countryside. A perfect place for a family or a group of friends.

I spent two weeks here. The standards are very good, and the people working there are really nice, though it’s a bit expensive. The location is great too. If you want somewhere quiet and peaceful but still near the city, Dal Gjestegaard should be your choice.