Brakanes Hotel

Brakanes Hotel started as a small inn by the fjord in 1860, run by a coachman named Sjur. His daughter and her husband took over in 1884 and added more rooms. When travel between Norway and Britain picked up in the 1880s, tourists started coming, and by 1891, the place had grown into a real hotel with 50 beds and a pretty Swiss chalet façade full of wood carvings. After Kari passed away in 1902, her daughters, Marta and Sara, ran the place. Once the road to Granvin and Voss opened in 1901, Ulvik became easier to reach, and ships and yachts began stopping by. Between 1928 and 1930, the hotel was upgraded with modern plumbing, more rooms, and a bigger dining hall. Then, during the war, German boats came into the fjord and shelled Ulvik. The hotel burned down along with most of the village.

The Lindebrække family rebuilt the hotel on the same spot in 1949, designed by Bergen architect Kristian Bjerknes. Tourism slowed in the 1970s, and by 1980 the family sold it. The Pedersen family later ran it, adding more rooms and a restaurant, and by 1995 there were 143 rooms. The Ulvik Conference Centre, built in 1988, was later merged with the hotel. After some tough years and a bankruptcy around 2015, DNB Bank took over, and Stay Tuned Hospitality ran it for a while until in 2018, Björn Kovacs and Ole Lilland bought it, gave it a full makeover, and renamed it Brakanes by Fjordtind. The restaurant, reception, and conference areas were all redone, and a new brand was launched. Now part of Fjordtind Hotels, Brakanes still stands by the fjord, rebuilt, reimagined, but carrying the same welcoming spirit it started with back in 1860.

The main building we see today was rebuilt in the 1950s, but its design still carries traces of the old Norwegian traditions it began with. After the war, the goal was to create something modern for its time yet still connected to the country’s building heritage. In Norway, this kind of traditional design is called byggeskikk. It’s based on using what nature provides, mostly timber, and keeping structures strong, straightforward, and close to the landscape. That same thinking shaped Brakanes The hotel’s solid frame, natural materials, and wide windows all reflect that idea.

The older hotel once had the classic Swiss chalet look with carved wood and steep roofs, but the new design went in a cleaner direction. Still, a few details remain, like the wooden accents, soft lines, and a roof that follows the hillside. Inside, everything feels open and calm, with pale woods, muted colors, and furniture that fits the Nordic sense of simplicity. Modern touches have been added over the years, which include an indoor pool and a small plunge pool that look out toward the fjord. The hotel also offers accessible facilities for guests with limited mobility and is equipped with an elevator, making it comfortable and inclusive for everyone.

At Brakanes, the on-site restaurant Draumen looks straight out over the water, and most of what’s served comes from local farms and the nearby sea. The menu changes with the season. In summer, fresh vegetables come from Undeland Farm in Ulvik, picked in the morning and cooked that same day. They work with farmers and fishers around Hardanger for fruit, meat, and seafood, so everything feels close to home.

You can pick from the à la carte options or try something off the lunch menu, which has everything from hearty burgers to flavorful mussels. The day starts with a breakfast buffet from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and on weekends until 10:30 AM. Lunch is served daily from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM during the summer season, while dinner runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM until the end of August. From September 1 to October 31, the kitchen serves a reduced à la carte menu from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

When the weather’s good, meals move outside to the garden or even the pier, surrounded by the fjord and mountains. In the quieter months, the restaurant opens on selected days and serves a daily dinner special. What’s on the menu is shared on social media, so guests can check before they visit. After a day out by the fjord, Bar Après is where people stop to relax. It’s by the reception, and serves local drinks like Hardanger apple cider, apple brandy, fresh juice, and craft beer. And for a more laid-back evening, Vaskeriet Pub is the place to go. It’s a cozy spot with a friendly crowd, good music, and a wide mix of drinks, perfect for ending the night

Weddings at Brakanes Hotel always start with the view. The fjord stretches out in front, with mountains all around. It’s quiet and beautiful without needing much else. Most couples say their vows right by the water and then move inside for dinner and dancing. The restaurant can seat around 280 guests and can be split up for smaller weddings. For really big celebrations, the conference hall fits up to 500 guests, and there are smaller banquet rooms for family dinners or private gatherings.

Sara & Marta Dance Bar is a favorite spot for wedding receptions. It can host around 200 guests and opens for weddings or after parties. It’s made for long nights, good music, and dancing. Food is a big part of every celebration here. The kitchen cooks with fresh, local ingredients straight from nearby farms. Couples can pick from the à la carte menu or work with the chef to create their own. Everything from the menu to the setup can be customized as per what the couple wants,

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Right down by the fjord is the wellness area, a quiet spot with a hot tub and sauna, perfect after a mountain hike or just to slow down for a while. There’s also a small bathhouse with changing rooms and an outdoor shower. Access to the hot tub and sauna can be booked at the front desk for a small fee. If you want a swim, the indoor pool is open all year. The fitness center is just 200 meters from the hotel, and guests can get a key at the reception and use it for free. Up the stairs from reception, there’s a cozy lounge where you can read or just relax.

Beyond the hotel, Hardanger is full of experiences. You can go cider tasting at local fruit farms, visit the famous Olav H. Hauge Center, or take a day trip to see the Hardanger Glacier. There are hiking trails for every level, from easy walks through orchards to tougher climbs in the mountains. For families, there’s a nearby climbing park, farm visits, and gentle cycling routes that run between the fjord and the hills. On the water, guests can kayak or take a RIB boat ride and in winter, you can head to Voss Resort for skiing and snowy hikes

Local art and craft lovers will enjoy places like Syse Glas, where you can see glass being blown and even try it yourself, or Kvemmadokkje Homestead, a restored farm high above Ulvik that offers tours and outdoor activities. The Trade Union also sells handmade goods everything from jam to knitted jackets. Hardanger really has it all, food, nature, art, and calm.

Every year during Christmas, the kitchen serves a big traditional Christmas table filled with homemade pork knuckle, pork roll, lamb roll, and other favorites made from recipes that have been used here for over 40 years. You can book a Christmas table with live dance music or a cozy family dinner setup. Kids can decorate gingerbread and watch Christmas movies in the lobby, and if they’re lucky, Santa Claus might stop by too. Sara & Marta Dance Bar opens for larger Christmas celebrations, bringing everyone together for good food, music, and that warm holiday feeling.

Apart from the seasonal events, the hotel hosts all kinds of gatherings throughout the year. The conference center works for both big and small events, from corporate meetings to private parties. There’s a big hall for dinners and plenty of smaller rooms that can be set up however you need. All rooms come with projectors, screens, and other equipment. Guests can contact the hotel for more details on customization or event planning.

Along with hosting events, Brakanes Hotel also cares for the nature around it. The hotel works to protect the environment and support the local community. It’s certified as an Eco-Lighthouse hotel and approved for Green Conferences, a sustainable meeting alternative designed for organizations seeking to lower their environmental impact.