Tørvis Hotell

I’d come here for the thoughtful atmosphere alone. The hotel has recently reopened under new ownership, and you can feel how much care has gone into the details. Inside, everything feels calm and full of character, as if each piece has a quiet story. It’s cozy, but there’s something soulful about it too. I arrived cold and exhausted after a long hike, hoping to sit for a while and maybe get something simple to eat. The owner greeted me warmly and offered to make a fresh sandwich even though the kitchen wasn’t officially open. It was generous in size and delicious, clearly made with care. That unexpected pause, and the kindness I was shown, meant a lot. It felt like being met as a person, not just a guest. A lovely place by the fjord, especially if you’re after somewhere personal and heartfelt.

The manager was friendly and tried to meet our requests, and the setting is peaceful, with lovely views away from the crowds. Those are the reasons I’m giving it three stars. For a pricey four-star hotel, though, we expected more comfort. The rooms were basic, with a bed, nightstands, plain clothes hangers and a bulky old piece of furniture that took up space without being useful. They felt neither cozy nor modern. There was no hair dryer, fridge, kettle or glasses. After a long day hiking, getting tea meant asking reception and carrying hot cups up stairs and along long corridors. Often nobody was there, so it could take 20 minutes. There was no Wi-Fi in the room. The small bathroom is poorly laid out. The shower is part of the floor, so water spreads across the whole room, and the lighting is so bad you can barely see. Toiletries were a questionable all-in-one product, with no separate shampoo, conditioner or body lotion. Breakfast was okay but basic, often with empty plates and few vegetarian choices. There was only filter coffee, no coffee machine. We did enjoy the waffles with caramelized cheese, the only dessert option. We travelled with a dog. Although the hotel says dogs are welcome, we didn’t feel that way. On arriving to check in, the first thing staff told us was that dogs weren’t allowed inside, and we were asked to always enter our room from outside. The main hotel building is historic and charming, but most rooms are in an extension without that old character or modern facilities. Our first room smelled of mold and we couldn’t sleep the first night. Thankfully, the manager moved us on day two. The hotel has potential, but the owner needs to upgrade it or classify it as a basic three-star.

We were impressed by dinner here one night, and breakfast was wonderful too. The service felt warm and personal, fitting the cozy lounge and dining room. Our room had an incredible view, and the town was peaceful for evening walks along the water. It’s a lovely quiet getaway, and for us it was also conveniently close to Nigardsbreen glacier, where we went for an ice hike the next day.

The fjord views are incredible, the amenities are wonderful, and the staff are very friendly and know the area well. Built in 1639, it’s the oldest hotel in the region and has had lovely recent renovations. I’d consider it a five-star hotel. The food is world-class and rooted in Norwegian tradition, and the wine selection is fabulous. I say that as someone from California.