Fjords
N
orway’s world famous fjords
and more than 15,000 miles of
coastline make travel by cruise
ship one of the most popular
ways to visit the maritime
country. But a land-based trip,
following the National Tourist Routes
and staying in Norway’s historic hotels,
is another great way to experience the
stunning scenery, as well as the vibrant
Norwegian culture and local cuisine.
A select group of hotels belong to
Norway’s association De Historiske,
characterized by their history,
atmospheric charm and gastronomy.
From country manors and estates to a
walled fortress and a warehouse, the
varied properties have been
transformed into first-rate boutique
hotels with modern amenities and an
emphasis on authentic cuisine. Many of
the historic properties offer leisure
activities, including hiking trails, biking
and kayaking.
Combining air travel, ferryboat rides
and a driving tour, my springtime trip
took me to several outstanding historic
hotels between Oslo in southeastern
Norway and the west coast fjord town
of Ålesund. All offer unique experiences
and the chance to discover
Norway’s fascinating heritage
and outdoor culture.
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Near Oslo, Losby Gods is an 1850s
manor house built as a hunting lodge
during the heyday of Norway’s
timber trade. The cozy lounges in
the original house reflect the period
styles, and a large added wing
houses modern guest rooms. The
property and its picturesque
surroundings offer a choice of
recreational activities including golf,
hiking and cycling. The golf facility
includes an 18-hole course and a
special 9-hole course for soccer golf,
played with a soccer ball. Bikes are
available for guests to enjoy miles
of trails through the forest and
beautiful lake region.
Norwegian kings have stayed there.
High on a hilltop near the Swedish
border, the fortress was converted
in 2013 to a design hotel with
conference facilities and spacious
rooms overlooking Norway’s longest
river, Glomma. Inside the ramparts,
a small museum depicts the history
of Norway’s armed forces, and a
restaurant serves four-and fivecourse dinners in the former
commander’s residence. Wine tasting
is offered in the catacombs for small
groups, and golf can be arranged
at nearby Kongsvinger, on one of
Norway’s top golf courses. In winter,
the course offers lighted cross-
Losby is renowned for its wine
cellar and offers wine and craft
beer tastings, as well as tastings of
Aquavit, the national liqueur distilled
from potatoes and infused with
herbs such as caraway, cardamom,
cumin, anise, fennel and citrus zest.
My favorite was Losby Manor’s
private label, Hunter’s Aquavit,
produced since 2011.
BELOW
Captain at 62 Nord
I slept like royalty at Königs Winger ,
a one-of-a-kind accommodation.
The 1700s walled fortress played
a strategic role in Norway’s history
for 330 years, and since the mid17th century, 11 of the last 13
RIGHT
Historic Hotels
country ski trails.
One of the most charming, rustic
lodgings with 1700s farm buildings
is Røisheim Hotell near the
Jotunheimen National Park and the
town of Lom, a convenient stop
between East and West Norway.
Guests can choose to stay in the
original lodge, the converted
storehouse or a cozy stable room;
the inn’s historic dining room is
known throughout the area for
its traditional regional cuisine.
A pleasant hiking path leads up the
wooded hillside behind the property,