Bårdshaug Herregård

Built during the reign of Queen Victoria, Bårdshaug Herregård has long been a landmark in Orkland. It began as a modest farmhouse in 1860 and was later transformed in the 1890s by Christian Thams, an architect and businessman with a passion for design. Known for exporting Norwegian log buildings and designing homes for figures like King Leopold of Belgium and Gustav Eiffel, Thams brought his creativity home to Orkland.

Thams spent fourteen years turning the old farmhouse into a grand manor, blending Norse details with Louis XVI elegance. The manor reflected his interests, from the game-themed library and intricately carved dining room to a modern-for-its-time bathroom with a water thermometer. Together with his wife, Baroness Sarah de Spengler, Thams filled the house with art, music, and design that gave it a lively, cultured feel. Over the years, Bårdshaug Herregård became known as a welcoming home for distinguished guests. Though Thams eventually left for Paris after facing legal troubles, the manor has remained much as he created it.

By 2015, the third generation of hosts took over, a local family who grew up around the manor. After gaining experience elsewhere, they returned to continue its legacy, caring for the historic house while bringing in new ideas for the future. Today, Bårdshaug Herregård remains family-owned, with the same parlors that once hosted Thams’ guests now used for weddings and celebrations, still full of warmth and that timeless old-world vibe that never really went away.

The majestic Bårdshaug Herregård from the early 1900s stands tall like a little castle on the hotel grounds. Built with Swiss-inspired architecture, it is known for its charming rustic appeal and timeless character. Both the manor and the old station buildings are part of the stay, and each room feels like a small trip back to the old times.

At Bårdshaug Herregård, guests can pick between historic or modern rooms. In the original manor house from 1904, you can stay in charming spaces like the Baroness Room or the King’s Room, which still hold treasures from Christian Thams’ travels, like art pieces, old furniture, and unique decorations collected along the way. The station buildings, dating back to 1908, bring a touch of Norway’s railway history and have a cozy, nostalgic feel.

The newer hotel wing blends the historic atmosphere with updated amenities. It has step-free access, an elevator, and automatic doors at the main entrance. Guide and service dogs are welcome, and six rooms are built for wheelchair users, making it easy to move. Guests with allergies can choose from 23 allergy-friendly rooms with wooden floors, fragrance-free products, and careful cleaning routines.

Inside the old Bårdshaug Manor, you’ll find Restaurant Ministeren, a down-to-earth place where food is made with real care. The kitchen sticks to Norwegian traditions but also likes to play around with new ideas and flavors from around the world. The autumn menu, served from September 12 to November 20, changes with what’s fresh that week.

The culinary team works with nearby farmers and producers, and most ingredients come straight from local farms, the Trøndelag countryside, and even the hotel’s own garden. You’ll often find fish and shellfish from Hitra and Frøya, cheese from Orkladal Ysteri, vegetables from Lensvik, meat from Renskleiv Gård, and eggs from Storkvikne Gård. They even smoke their own salmon, bake sourdough bread, and make old-style pastries and cakes in-house. The drink list is just as thoughtful, with wine from around the world, beer and mineral water from Trøndelag, and Norwegian cider, aquavit, and alcohol-free drinks that pair perfectly with the food.

There’s also a kids’ menu with smaller portions and flexible options if your child wants something special. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, 5 PM to 9 PM. Take-away and catering are also available with a varied selection of freshly made dishes. Orders should be placed in advance for smooth delivery or pick-up.

On the last Saturday of every month, the manor hosts Afternoon Tea in its old historic rooms. It comes with filled finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream, and plenty of homemade tarts, cakes, and sweets. The idea comes from the tea gatherings once hosted by Christian Thams at Bårdshaug Herregård.

A wedding at Bårdshaug Herregård comes with everything you need for a smooth and easy day. The team helps set up the venue for both the dinner and the reception and gives you a wedding planner who keeps things on track. You can also add extras like flowers, bar service, special menus, or rooms for guests who want to stay overnight. You can book a full tour of the place and talk with one of the planners about what you want for your big day and they’ll make a custom plan for you.

The Manor

Venue type and style: The manor offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere for an elegant celebration. Dinner can be served in the dining room or library, and the historic parlors are open for guests to enjoy.
Capacity: Up to 40 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Around Bårdshaug Herregård, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do through the seasons. The hotel has its own fishing spots just a few minutes away, with quiet surroundings and a nice place to sit by the water. The team can help with gear, firewood, or even food. Back at the manor, evenings often start with storytelling about Christian Thams and his fascinating life before ending with a hearty dinner served in one of the old parlors.

In summer, the sunny backyard becomes the place to gather for easygoing outdoor meals with seafood, grilled dishes, and music. You can also head out for a walk or rent an e-bike to explore the Orklaparken trail, or take a ride on the old Thamshavn Line, one of the world’s first electric railways that still runs through the valley today.

For something different, join a guided tour of the old mine at Løkken and step into a hidden world of colorful rock formations, winding tunnels, and over 400 years of mining history. If you’re drawn to the water, try a RIB ride in the fjord, a thrilling way to see the coast up close. And just across from the manor, visit The Norway Building, a stunning stave church-style pavilion designed by Christian Thams for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. After spending 123 years in the United States, it returned home to Orkanger, where it now stands as a proud reminder of Norway’s craftsmanship and history.

Bårdshaug Herregård turns festive from mid-November with cozy decorations, homemade treats, and special stay offers. Guests can enjoy elegant Christmas parties with three to five-course menus, traditional buffets, and festive lunches. The family Christmas buffet on December 7 is a highlight, bringing everyone together for hearty food and holiday cheer.

Bårdshaug Herregård has plenty of spaces you can use for private events or work gatherings. You can celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion in these rooms. The Library in the manor is perfect for smaller, cozy get-togethers, while the Banquet Hall works great for bigger dinners or parties with music and dancing. There are also modern rooms like Orkanger, Fannrem, Gjølme, Svorkmo, and Evjen, all fitted with AV equipment and easy wheelchair access.