Hotel Flamsbrygga is evocative of an alpine chalet, dwarfed by verdant – or snow-dusted – mountains. In any season, its stunning location in the heart of Norway’s emblematic countryside, surrounded by fjords and fells, means outdoor exploration is a must. But inside it delights, too, from the pine-clad walls of its ultra-cosy fjord-view rooms to the enormous central fireplace of the sprawling restaurant. Days spent exploring via kayak, hike or boat are perfectly rounded off with the hotel’s signature 5-course ‘Viking Plank’, matched with specially selected beers from their very own brewery.
Eat
Beer is celebrated at Flamsbrygga; they boast their very own Aegir brewery and matching pub. Its ultra-cosy interior is all driftwood walls with a towering feature fireplace in the centre – a wonderful setting to sample the signature 5-course tasting ‘Viking Plank’, with the likes of shellfish soup and smoked reindeer paired with five specially selected beers. There’s also the rustic Aegir tasting room that puts on beer and aquavit tastings, or the stone walls and cosy wooden features of the Flåmstova restaurant offers such delights as beer-marinated steak and fjord-fresh fish. Plus, there’s the Furukora Café for more casual dining right by the harbour – weather depending, there’s a huge terrace for hours of boat and train watching alongside a light lunch.
Sleep
The chalet-style Flamsbrygga’s rooms are not luxe, but focus more on rustic, Scandi simplicity. The most basic offerings are cosy with a dash of modern flair; dark grey walls are interspersed with bright murals and furnishings. We recommend upgrading to the wooden panels and squashy sofas of the balcony rooms, where you'll enjoy a wonderful terrace that overlooks either the surrounding mountains or impossibly vast fjords.
Do
Flamsbrygga’s location takes centre stage, and rightly so. One of the main stops on the picturesque Flam Railway tour from Oslo, Flamsbrygga offers endless adventure during any season. Winter’s icy clutches afford snowy fjord safaris to spot seals and eagles, cruises under snow-capped peaks and snowshoe hikes around the UNESCO-listed Næroyfjord. When summer finally rears its head, all swelled waterfalls and bright green verdure, it’s all about rib boat safaris, kayaking and biking around valleys such as the Rallarvegen, where you’ll race through stunning high mountain passes.
