Dalen Hotel

The village of Dalen sits at the end of the Telemark Canal and along Lake Bandak, providing a gateway into the hinterlands of southern Norway. Within this peaceful commune stands the grand Dalen Hotel, an edifice of Dragestil architecture that is over 130 years old.

Its story began in 1894, two years after the opening of the Telemark Canal. Though the canal was built to support the region's timber industry, it also created a bustling tourism industry that attracted wayfarers from all over. Famed architect Haldor Larsen Børve designed the Dalen Hotel, drawing upon notions of Norwegian Romantic Nationalism and Dragestil styles that embodied their people's Viking heritage. It was also renowned as Norway's first-ever hotel that fully featured electrical systems and plumbing.

Dalen Hotel's renown waned as Norway expanded its railway systems during the early 20th century. Many travelers, including their elite clientele, opted to support the faster and more versatile locomotives. The First World War forced changes to the country's transport networks, while the Second World War saw it occupied by German forces and damaged by fighting. By the latter 20th century, the hotel was abandoned and in disrepair.

The hotel was brought back to life when celebrity evangelist and musician Aage Samuelsen acquired the hotel and announced his intent to turn it into a cultural center for Christian activities and movements. Although his restoration project failed to garner funding, his efforts brought enough attention for his fellow Norwegians to consider the hotel important to preserve. Restoration was completed in 1992, just in time for the hotel's 100th anniversary in 1994.

In 2000, the hotel won the silver medal for the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage by Europa Nostra for its outstanding conservation. The Norwegian Hospitality Group acquired Dalen Hotel in 2006 and continues to operate it to this day.

Design and Architecture

Due to its incredible architectural beauty, the Dalen Hotel could easily be mistaken for a royal palace instead of a hotel. It is considered one of the masterpieces of the architect Haldor Larsen Børve, built in the Dragestil aesthetics that draws from a blend of Medieval and Viking romanticism. Aspects such as its soaring towers, dragon-head gables, and steep, multi-tiered roofs inspire images of fairy tales and fantasy novels. Elaborate wooden ornamentation can be found on its exteriors and interiors, featuring carved dragon and serpent motifs, alongside other Norse symbolism.

For its accommodations, the hotel offers standout rooms and suites full of character and old-world charm. These qualities include period furniture and fixtures set alongside modern comforts and amenities. Classic elements like the original woodwork and timbers are also integrated into the overall aesthetic, creating a sense of timeless luxury that served the esteemed royalty of the 19th century.

Restaurant Bandak

As Dalen Hotel's signature dining venue, Restaurant Bandak provides a rich, historic setting where guests can indulge in authentic Norwegian and European cuisine amidst a meticulously preserved old-world ambiance. Savor dishes served in three- or five-course meals, each influenced by French cooking techniques and made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Wine pairings are also offered and carefully curated to complement the menu.
Dress code: Smart with a suit jacket; guests may borrow a suit jacket from the concierge for the dinner service

Afternoon Tea & Lunch

Fancy a delicious lunch or a spot of afternoon tea? Dalen Hotel will be glad to serve you a midday meal at the lounge, the banquet hall, or on the terrace. Select your lunch from their menu, or try the delightful items prepared alongside the tea, such as sandwiches, scones, and chips.
Availability: 12 pm - 3 pm

Hotel Bar

The Dalen Hotel's bar isn't just a cozy place for a tipple; it is considered the heart of the hotel, where its many fascinating tales are told. Situated in the fireplace lounge, guests can enjoy some soothing piano performances every 10 pm. The lounge also hosts storytelling sessions upon request, so join in and socialize should the chance arise.

Reservations are required and can be made via phone, email, or along with your stay booking.

Your wedding should be unique and unforgettable, and Dalen Hotel will happily make sure yours will accomplish both. Make use of the hotel's fantastical architecture, creating an exceptional backdrop complemented by Lake Bandak and the surrounding mountains. They offer a lovely selection of venues and wedding packages, customizable for specific details that you'd like to make uniquely yours.

You'll have a variety of options and addons for the ceremony itself; set it along the lake and under the open sky, or hold a solemn indoor ceremony with your dearest loved ones. You can even hold a traditional church ceremony at the historic Eidsborg Stave Church, arriving in style with a pristine 1959 Jaguar MKII. Aside from the ceremony, you can also coordinate with their partner services, including wedding planners, decorators, photographers, and performers.

The Garden Salon

A small, cozy salon that's best suited for small gatherings and can host up to 14 guests.

The Victoria Room

Perfect for intimate ceremonies and receptions, this venue was the original king suite of the hotel and accommodates up to 26 guests.

Restaurant Bandak

The grand banquet hall of Dalen Hotel, holding an event at the restaurant requires privatization of the whole property. The hall itself can accommodate up to 100 guests.

M/S Henrik Ibsen

Make your Happily Ever After celebrations the envy of everyone for years to come by having it on a historic river cruise ship. You can book the saloon or even the whole ship and cruise around the canal as part of your festivities. The M/S Henrik Ibsen can accommodate up to 99 guests on board.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Dalen Hotel features a wide array of cultural experiences and travel packages that are certain to fulfill the culture vulture in you. The hotel itself is recognized as of historical significance by Europa Nostra, which thus extends to the hotel's 130-year-old gardens. The arboretum boasts rare maple trees planted during the hotel's inauguration, while the greenery offers playing areas for croquet, boccia, and cornhole. Guests will also easily spot Peking ducks, which live on-site during spring and summer.

A short walk from the hotel grounds is the Soria Moria Sauna, an artistically designed lakeside sauna house. Guests looking to enjoy a dip in the lake with a relaxing sauna session can also book the Sauna Escape Package for some extra perks. For the more outdoorsy types, the Hiking in the footsteps of the girls of Rui Package invites guests on treks up the nearby mountains, stopping at scenic vistas, and visiting the historic Rui Farm.

For a big day trip, you can choose between a majestic canal cruise or townhopping to visit local museums and heritage sites. For the Canal Packages, you'll hop aboard the M/S Henrik Ibsen, a lovingly restored and maintained river boat from 1907. You'll marvel at the wondrous beauty of Telemark as you make your way from Dalen to Skien, and again on the way back. For the Cultural Package, you'll be visiting Vest-Telemark Museum Eidsborg, along with other historic buildings like Stålekleivloftet and the Eidsborg Stave Church.

Whether you're a company looking for an interesting location for a corporate retreat, or a family or group of friends planning a holiday celebration, Dalen Hotel has the venues, services, and environment you're certain to fall for. They also have special packages inclusive of activities and accommodations, so be sure to reach out via their website's inquiry form, or through email or phone.

The Garden Salon

Suitable for small gatherings and seminars and has a capacity of 14 guests.

The Victoria Room

Accommodates 26 attendees and offers a refined lounge setting reminiscent of exclusive clubs for the elite.

Restaurant Bandak

You will need to privatize the hotel should you wish to hold an event at the banquet hall cum restaurant. The hall accommodates 100 guests and can be configured for your function.

M/S Henrik Ibsen

Available as a ship saloon or as the whole ship, the M/S Henrik Ibsen can accommodate up to 99 guests on board.