Fleischer's Hotel

Fleischer's Hotel dates back to the year 1889, when the actual building was constructed, but the Fleischer family's tradition of hospitality goes back further. Before the modern building we know of existed, Fredrik Lyth Ørum Fleischer founded the first iteration of Fleischer's in 1864. The development of railway lines fostered growth and prosperity in Voss, and Fleischer's Hotel became a well-regarded establishment.

Unfortunately, the original buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1888, but instead of becoming disheartened, the Fleischers chose to start anew. They commissioned the Norwegian architect Peter Andreas Blix, famous for designing railway stations across the country, as well as restoring the Bergen Cathedral and Akershus Castle. The reborn Fleischer's Hotel was completed in 1899, designed with Swiss-inspired architecture much like its contemporaries, such as the Walaker Hotel and the Kviknes Hotel.

The next expansion to the hotel was in 1938, but during Germany's occupation of Norway, Fleischer's was used to house officers and soldiers. It proved fortunate in the end, as the hotel was not targeted by attacks or bombs and stayed intact. Olaf Fleischer Tønjum took the reins in 1957, representing the fourth generation. He had a new wing constructed in 1959, opened Fleischer's Motel in the 1960s, and added leisure facilities such as a pool, dance restaurant, and a conference center in 1977.

The hotel celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2014, along with the launch of its special anniversary book detailing the stories of the Fleischer family and their hotel.

Fleischer’s Hotel, as it stands today, derives much of its visual identity from the Swiss-style architecture that became popular in Norway during the latter half of the 19th century. It was an aesthetic that was heavily inspired by the Swiss Alps with its snowcapped mountains and lush forests, a trait shared by Norway's majestic glacial valleys. Though the design was originally used for mountain lodges, it was scaled up for massive buildings like hotels, while keeping many of its hallmarks. These include characteristics like a high floor height, extended verandas, a façade clad with plowed panels, as well as carved details and richly profiled moldings.

While the original hotel burned in 1888, the one we see today was built soon after in 1889. It was designed by Norwegian architect Peter Andreas Blix, who was already a renowned figure entrusted with some of the country's notable restoration projects. Somewhat similarly, a fire in 2008 destroyed the kitchen facilities of the hotel, inspiring its owners to remodel it with a new, high-tech kitchen, as well as the addition of a service and buffet area.

Following expansions over the decades, Fleischer's Hotel is now a 110-key establishment offering a good variety of accommodations. It features modern comforts complemented by vintage-style decor, and embellished with period pieces that, when combined, create a sense of heritage and continuation.

With over 160 years of hospitality tradition, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Fleischer's Hotel is committed to authenticity and heritage. Guests can expect wonderful Norwegian and continental cuisine prepared using fresh local ingredients and seasonal acquisitions. They also support native industries like brewers, distillers, and winemakers with their well-stocked bar.

Reservations can be made through email or the hotel's phone contact. Operation schedules are also adjusted slightly during the summer.

Magdalene Restaurant

The signature restaurant of Fleischer's Hotel, Magdalene is a noted member of Vossameny, a regional organization that helps promote local culture. Each season offers a menu of authentic Norwegian delicacies, such as pinnekjøtt (dried and salted mutton ribs), and fenalår (cured leg of mutton).

Breakfast: 7 am - 9:30 am (weekdays); 7:30 am - 10:30 am (weekends)
Dinner: 6 pm - 8:30 pm

Seckman

This private dining hall is named after Johan Seckman Fleischer, the clan patriarch who arrived in Voss back in 1760. Although available daily, it is only accessible to guests who have made prior reservations for groups of at least 10 diners. The dinner service leans toward carefully prepared high-end Scandinavian and Norwegian cuisine, prepared with the best ingredients and served with the finest samples of local beverages and drinks.

Frederik's Bar

Like the Seckman dining hall, Frederik's Bar is named after a notable member of the Fleischers - this time Fredrik Lyth Ørum Fleischer, the founder of the hotel. Though modernized, the designers retained its classical ambiance by using period-style furniture and fixtures, creating a wonderful old-world atmosphere that hearkens back to the 19th century. Sip your choice of delicious beers, spirits, and cocktails, and nibble on light yet delectable fare of burgers and pizza. Also, look forward to live music to accompany your tipple every evening, from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Opening hours: 1 pm - 11 pm (daily)

The Terrace

The hotel's outdoor seasonal dining venue with amazing views of Vangsvatnet Lake and the mountains of Voss. Open every spring and summer, enjoy meals in a refreshing alfresco setting, with items like healthy sandwiches and salads, to original pizzas.

Opening hours: 1 pm - 11 pm (daily)

While Fleischer's Hotel offers venues for company conferences and retreats, these same locations can be adapted to celebrate weddings. In fact, Fleischer's lakeside setting creates an amazing backdrop for your nuptials and receptions. Their conference hall is the primary venue, with a capacity of 250 guests. Other possible options for reception venues include: the Terrace, which opens every spring and summer; the Magdalene Restaurant, which handles up to 70 guests; and the Seckman dining hall, capable of accommodating up to 40 people.

Decor, layouts, and catering will be handled by the hotel's management and staff. On top of the main event, you can also book various activities for yourselves and your entourage.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Voss region is a big place, one known for its natural beauty, but in recent decades, also for its adrenaline-pumping extreme sports. But before you go out and explore, it's worth knowing what options are offered at the hotel, and in the town of Vossevangen.

Compared to the rest of the region, Fleischer's Hotel's amenities are geared more toward relaxation and winding down. There's an indoor swimming pool with a children's pool section, as well as a hot tub and a sauna. For guests who'd like to keep fit and active, they can also hit the gym or make new acquaintances with friendly matches at the outdoor tennis court.

Vossevangen is home to several heritage sites, including Norway's oldest non-ecclesiastical wooden structure. Known as Finnesloftet, this ancient banquet hall is said to have been built in 1295 and is unique in its architecture. The Voss Church is slightly older, having been built in 1271, but it is a stone structure that has remained resilient through the centuries and is still in active use. The Voss Folk Museum, on the other hand, is a museum complex consisting of several old farmstead houses, filled with exhibits and collections showcasing the industries and daily lives of the local folk. The museum also offers hands-on experiences during special programs, letting them immerse in activities rooted in Voss's history.

Now for adventures, you won't easily run out of options when visiting Voss. The mountains are popular as biking and hiking destinations from spring until autumn, and as prime ski resorts come winter. Vangsvatnet Lake attracts plenty of swimmers during the warmer months, and those with fishing licenses can also try challenging the water's denizens. Now for the more extreme options, the rivers around Voss are famous for whitewater rafting, challenging even experienced teams. The valley also accommodates airstrips that offer skydiving lessons.

Other Celebrations

With so much natural beauty and plentiful options for exciting activities, Fleischer's Hotel is a fantastic choice for a company retreat or private celebration. The hotel's conference hall can accommodate up to 250 event attendees, and offers customizable layouts and decor to fit your desired theme and agenda. You can also privatize the dining areas for receptions or parties, including the Magdalene Restaurant, which has a capacity of 70 people, and the Seckman dining hall, which accommodates up to 40 guests.