Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand

Down by the lower end of Havnegaten, where the road meets the sea, you’ll find the Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand with stories tucked into every corner. However, it wasn't always a hotel. Back in 1798, shipowner Christen Endresen built a farmhouse here with his wife, beginning what would become an Åsgårdstrand landmark. Around 1860, the place was sold to Truls Krogh, the local customs officer. His daughter, Carstense, later turned it into a small guesthouse in the 1880s, calling it Frk. Kroghs Privat-Hotel. In 1905, Bernhard Johansen, who owned the Victoria Hotel nearby, bought the property and gave it a grander name. He called it Grand Hotel, using it as an annex to Victoria. By 1919, though, Grand became independent, running on its own with steady business.

Then came May 1930, when a fire swept through the building. But Åsgårdstrand didn’t let it stay down for long, and it was soon rebuilt, this time in concrete, solid and bright against the harbor. Things slowed a bit by the late 1970s, but in 1986, new owners stepped in with big plans. They expanded and refreshed it, and by 1988, it reopened as Åsgårdstrand Hotel. In 2004, it joined the Thon Hotel chain, and today it’s part of Unike Hoteller, proudly carrying its original name again — "Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand".

The Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand sits by the harbor, with light walls and big windows that catch the sea light. It’s got a simple coastal style, with open terraces and glass fronts looking straight out to the fjord. There are 78 rooms, each with a seaside feel, but what really stands out are the two specially designed rooms for guests with reduced mobility. The hotel also offers allergy-friendly rooms, using clean materials and air systems that keep the atmosphere fresh. You’ll find soft carpets, patterned wallpapers, and a touch of color in every corner. The lobby and lounge spaces carry that same essence, with views that change with the weather. The restaurant and terrace face the water, so the light shifts through the day, mornings feel bright and fresh, evenings glow with the sunset.

The Grand Restaurant serves cozy seaside dining with classic Scandinavian comfort food and international favorites. You can enjoy à la carte dishes or go for their seasonal multi-course menus, paired with a thoughtful wine list. In the summer months, guests often sit out on the terrace or head down to Grand Brygge, the hotel’s pier restaurant by the waterfront, for a more casual meal in the open air. The Grand Bar is a nice spot with cocktails, wine, and local beer in a laid-back setting. The restaurant stays open Monday to Saturday, with lunch from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, à la carte dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and the bar from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am. On selected Sundays, there’s a buffet lunch from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm, while in winter, shorter weekday hours apply.

Groups can also pre-book Munch’s Menu, inspired by Edvard Munch, who spent many summers in Åsgårdstrand. The kitchen also prepares seasonal 3- and 5-course menus with highlights such as aquavit-cured salmon, pan-fried cod, and fallow deer fillet, finishing with the hotel’s signature iced Flensburger dessert. They also offer different wine packages, from the simple house ones to the fancy picks.

They also do a really nice Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s cozy lounges. You get sandwiches, warm scones, and small cakes made by their pastry chef, all served on a three-tier stand with tea and a glass of sparkling wine on the side. It’s served on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and you can book it together with your stay and breakfast, or ask for another day if you book a day ahead for at least two people.

The hotel offers a full wedding package that covers nearly everything, so you can just relax and enjoy the day. They have different spaces you can choose from, depending on how many guests you’re inviting, and the team sets it all up nicely with your choice of style. Guests are welcomed with a glass of Crémant when they arrive. You get to choose your own three-course menu, picking what you like for the starter, main, and dessert. With the food, they serve white wine with the starter and red wine with the main, and after dessert, there’s coffee and a bit of Baileys or Braastad VS.

There’s also a free bar that stays open from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am, and the team handles everything from room setup and linens to candles, *lassware, and service. You’re free to bring in your own cake and *lowers. They can also help you set up music equipment or adjust the menu and drinks to fit your taste. Even though they cover all the main stuff, you can still add your own touches like flowers, table cards, or whatever makes it feel like your day.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

There’s always something happening around Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand, whether you want to take it easy or get out and explore. Guests can join bus tours, walking tours, or even a class about local culture to get a feel for the area. The hotel sometimes hosts themed dinner nights and temporary art displays, keeping things lively through the seasons. Outdoors, it’s all about the fresh air, the beach is just a short stroll away, and you can go cycling, try some fishing, or play a few rounds of billiards back at the hotel. Not far from here is Borrestranda Beach, a long, sandy stretch that’s great for a walk or a swim on warm days.

If you’re exploring nearby, stop by the Preus Museum in Horten, Norway’s national museum for photography, set in an old naval base. In Tønsberg, climb up to Slottsfjellet, the big medieval ruin with great fjord views and a summer music festival. Karljohansvern is a quiet spot by the sea with old navy buildings, little museums, and nice walking paths. You can stroll past boats and docks and see bits of Norway’s naval past.

The hotel gets real cozy around Christmas, with food, lights, and that warm holiday feeling all around. They serve proper Norwegian Christmas dishes, and there’s music, laughter, and plenty of treats that kids love too. These dinners are popular, so it’s smart to book a table in advance.

The hotel’s got plenty of space for all kinds of gatherings, whether big or small. They’ve got conference rooms in different sizes that can be set up just how you want, with all the needed equipment. It’s also a nice place for private celebrations like birthdays, proposals, baptisms, or small family get-togethers. The team’s pretty flexible and helps arrange things the way you like.