Flatheim

Flatheim lies along the scenic Gaularfjellet mountain road, welcoming visitors as a charming guesthouse and working farm. However, its roots reach deep into the history of Western Norway. One of the buildings on the farm contains timberwork dating to the late 1500s, making it among the oldest surviving farm structures in the region. For much of its history, Flatheim was for generations a smallholding sustained by mixed agriculture, livestock, and resourceful craftsmanship.

Its modern history began in 1949, when Heidi Vallestad’s grandparents, Selma and Jens, began hosting travellers, combining traditional farming with growing interest in tourism after World War II. By the early 1950s, Flatheim had become a natural stopping place for motorists crossing the Gaularfjellet route, offering food, lodging, and genuine rural hospitality. A small petrol kiosk was added to the roadside in 1963, where guests and tourists can purchase local products, snacks, and drinks, adding to the property's charm.

Today, Heidi Vallestad and Sigurd Årskaug are the property's third-generation owners who took over in 2005. Under their care, the farm underwent restoration, including work on the historic log houses, gardens, and landscape. Flatheim also eventually became certified as a Norwegian Ecotourism enterprise, a testament to its commitment to sustainability, reuse of materials, and the preservation of traditional building methods.

Flatheim’s architecture reflects the layered story of a Norwegian mountain farm that has evolved organically over centuries. Rather than a single, unified design, the property is a collection of timber buildings from different periods tied together by traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. At the heart of Flatheim stands its oldest building, a protected timber house dating back to the 1570s. The small 1963 petrol kiosk is also another design highlight, serving as a shop and café, bridging Flatheim’s agricultural past with its touristic present. Some of the houses date from the 18th and 19th centuries, moved to Flatheim from nearby farms and neighborhoods, and are carefully restored.

Inside, Flatheim's interiors are rustic and cozy, with exposed timber beams paired with natural wool and linen. The color palette uses nature-inspired neutrals: soft greys, earthy browns, and muted greens paired with bright handwoven textiles to give it a pop of color. Picture frames, flower vases, and ceramics add a timeless touch to the rooms.

Aside from its rooms, Flatheim also offers glamping tents in summer, or guests can also pitch their tents outdoors for a simple and quiet getaway.

Dining at Flatheim is a continuation of the farm’s philosophy of authenticity, simplicity, and connection to nature. Start your day with breakfast, served buffet-style with homemade and locally sourced foods, fresh eggs from the farm's hens, local cheeses, and freshly baked bread. Meanwhile, dinner at Flatheim gives guests a taste of traditional Norwegian home cooking. The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting regional produce. But for guests who prefer cooking their own meals, all rooms offer access to kitchen facilities, so they can prepare meals at their leisure.

In summer, Flatheim opens a summer cafe where guests can buy coffee, drinks, lunch, cakes, and other snacks to keep them energized for the day. There's also the petrol station and shop selling interior decor, sheep furs, books, and other knick-knacks. Guests at Flatheim can also dine in on delicious stone-baked pizza at Gapahuk, a small cabin at the property, while admiring the riverside views.

Flatheim also emphasizes sustainability in its dining practices. Fish, meat, vegetables, cider, honey, and other products are sourced from local suppliers, and they use organic products. In winter, they maintain a flock of sheep, and use a portion of the sheep meat in cooking.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Flatheim, you’re not just staying at a historic farm-hotel; you’re immersed in nature. It's located near lush forests, quaint rivers, and plenty of walking trails. Start your day with a bike ride along Gaularfjellet, admiring the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls along the way. You can also go for a swim in the river or walk along the Fuglestien walking trail and spot birds and wildlife. If you prefer something more relaxing, try your luck at fishing and rent a boat or canoe from Flatheim and catch trout in the lakes or river. At the end of the day, head back to the hotel and enjoy hot soup with homemade bread. You can also take a dip in the hot tub located at the edge of Gaularvassdraget, providing panoramic views of the mountain.

Other nearby adventures include the scenic viewpoints at Utsikten, located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet, a cider tasting session at Ciderhuset, and a visit to Sunnfjord Museum to learn more about the cultural heritage of the inner Sunnfjord villages. Balestrand, Gaularfjellet, and Førde are also other places recommended by the hosts for a worthwhile day trip. Not sure where to go? You can ask for itinerary suggestions from the staff and other personalized recommendations.

Set among the mountains and rivers of Viksdalen, Flatheim is an appealing venue for intimate gatherings and personal celebrations. The farm welcomes small groups for private events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and other special occasions, all arranged in advance. The surrounding landscape adds a serene, almost timeless quality to any event. Whether guests choose a candlelit dinner or a summer gathering by the river, Flatheim provides a setting that feels both natural and meaningful.