Fretheim Hotel

The opening of Fretheim Hotel, which was established in 1870, is thanks to the entrepreneurial aptitude of Christen Fretheim, a wealthy farmer living in Flam. Although he had been accommodating many British travelers at his farm manor, Christen immediately realized the opportunity and converted the large house into a proper hotel. As the business prospered and became more hectic, Christen's cousin, Marthe Fretheim, joined him in managing the hotel. Apart from assisting Christen, Marthe helped cultivate the hotel's hospitality culture and planted the lovely gardens on the property that exist to this day. Christen passed away in 1916, leaving the hotel in Marthe's capable hands. Two decades later, Marthe would also join her creator in 1933, and ownership of the hotel passed on to other members of the family.

Through the 20th century, upheavals took place at the hotel, including an expansion in the 1960s, and a short-lived rebranding as the Langseth Hotel. In 1999, the property was acquired by Norwegian tourism company Aurland Ressursutvikling AS, now the Norway's Best Group. Under their management, the Fretheim hotel was thoroughly restored and renovated in 2000. Though the hotel boasts a modern façade, it has retained parts of its classic elements, such as the antique furnishings and fixtures, as well as the use of period fireplaces.

The architecture of Fretheim Hotel is mostly modern, displaying a glass facade that incorporates contemporary styles and materials, yet also maintains the hotel's earlier years with its Swiss chalet aesthetics. Much of its classical look is retained over at the historic wing, which was the original manor-turned-hotel from the 1870s. It is here where you'll find the Historical Rooms, which are equipped with antique furniture and gilded bathroom fixtures.

Apart from the oldest rooms, there are also the America Rooms, which were part of the 1960s expansion. These were heavily inspired by the first-class cabins of early 20th-century cruise ships traveling the Atlantic. The Fretheim Storehouse is another notable accommodation, a fully restored storage building from 1928 that has been converted into a full-fledged guesthouse with period decor.

Fretheim Hotel is committed to sustainability practices, especially when it comes to food service. Living up to its Eco-Lighthouse certification, the restaurants of the hotel support local industries, use humanely sourced meats, and acquire organically grown produce for its dishes.

Restaurant Arven

As the main dining venue of Fretheim Hotel, Restaurant Arven aims to impress. Chef Bjarte Finne ensures that guests will savor delectable Norwegian cuisine made fresh using locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes throughout the year, incorporating seasonal specialties such as fish during the winter, along with vegetables and fruits during the summer.

Restaurant Utsyn

For a more casual dining experience, Restaurant Utsyn offers a wide variety of grilled treats and meat products. While their specialty is a classic burger, they also offer vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options.

Lobby Bar

Situated conveniently next to the restaurant, guests can grab a beverage of their choice from the bar's well-stocked menu. Perk right up with a cup of coffee in the morning, unwind with a nice afternoon tea, or end your day with a tasty nightcap with one of the bar's signature cocktails.

For the couples out there looking for a unique and magical setting for their destination wedding, why not celebrate it amidst the magnificent landscapes of Nærøyfjord World Heritage Park? Fretheim Hotel can accommodate your banquets at one of its bespoke venues, providing a beautiful, decorated location for your reception and party. The hotel also has an in-house wedding coordinator service who will assist in the planning and execution of your event. The coordinator will also help you choose the perfect place for your ceremony, be it a traditional church wedding in one of the local historical churches, or a civil ceremony on on the fjord or mountain.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

A stay at Fretheim Hotel provides endless possibilities to enjoy the abundant and enchanting natural beauty of the Nærøyfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take advantage of the amazing packages offered by the hotel, such as the fjord sauna package that includes access to a sauna facility right on Nærøyfjord. If you're an outdoor lover, you can book a Rallar Road or Aurland Hiking package, letting you explore the beautiful slopes and forests of the region. Fretheim also hosts community events at the hotel, including Christmas festivities and music concerts.

If you are planning to be out and about, the concierge can help arrange a variety of activities with partner services. You can take a fjord safari and go wildlife spotting on a boat, or take a luxurious cruise on a special, environmentally friendly custom yacht. You should also visit the Njardarheimr Viking Village and witness reenactments and themed presentations.

Other Celebrations

Apart from weddings, Fretheim Hotel also gladly hosts company conferences and private events. They can accommodate particularly large celebrations at their banquet halls, which can accommodate 200 or 100 attendees. They also offer small dining rooms for more intimate gatherings.