Hoel Gard

Hoel Gård has been a part of Norway’s story for centuries. Evidence shows that people have lived and farmed on this land since as early as the 600s, and the first written mention of the farm appears around 1390. Back then, it was owned by the church. After the Reformation in 1537, ownership passed to the Crown, and by the late 1600s, it had moved into private hands. It was during this time that the Hoel family began shaping the estate into the manor and farm that visitors recognize today.

The main house, which still stands at the heart of the estate, was built in 1719. Over the years, owners added their own touches, including Peter Wessel Wind Kildahl in the late 1800s, who constructed the large U-shaped barn with its bell towers.

In 1932, the Sandberg family took ownership, and today Sabine and Christian Fredrik Sandberg Hoel run the farm. While it continues to function as a working farm, producing grain, potatoes, and tens of thousands of chickens each year, it has also evolved into a welcoming farm hotel. Hoel Gård is proud to be part of De Historiske Hotell og Spisesteder, and in 2023, it was recognized as one of Norway’s top three historic hotels.

Hoel Gård’s architecture is a beautiful mix of historic style and practical farm buildings. The main house, built in 1719, showcases classic Norwegian manor style, with spacious rooms, high ceilings, and large windows that fill the interiors with sunlight. One of the estate’s standout features is the terrace garden, laid out with stones brought from Hamar’s cathedral gardens. It creates a unique, almost storybook setting, perfect for a morning coffee, a stroll, or an outdoor gathering. The garden complements the house’s symmetry and elegance while blending seamlessly into the natural slopes leading down to Lake Mjøsa.

The large U-shaped barn, added in the late 1800s, is a striking example of functional farm architecture. Its bell towers are both decorative and iconic, giving the estate a distinctive silhouette. Today, this space has been thoughtfully repurposed to host events, conferences, and dining, retaining its historic character while serving modern needs. Inside, guests will find warm wooden floors, carefully restored details, and cozy furnishings that complement the building’s historic atmosphere. Many rooms offer views of the cultivated fields, the lake, or the terrace garden, allowing visitors to feel connected to the farm’s surroundings. The estate has been designed so guests with mobility challenges can explore and enjoy the key spaces.

At Hoel Gård, it’s all about fresh, local ingredients. The chefs rely on what the farm and nearby area have to offer, such as potatoes, barley, chicken, rhubarb, and grapes from the garden. Beyond that, they choose the best Norwegian produce around. Menus change with the seasons, and every dish is made with care, pride, and a real love for cooking. Lunch is simple and comforting, full of flavors that might remind you of home. Dinner, on the other hand, is more of a celebration. You can choose anywhere from two to eight courses, perfectly paired with drinks to complement each dish.

Most of what you eat comes straight from the estate or local farms, from chicken, potatoes, wheat, barley, cherries, Nordic fruits, honey, and herbs, all make their way onto the plates. The restaurant team, led by manager Amalie, who’s training to become a sommelier in 2025, makes sure every meal is served with warmth and attention. They also take care of dietary needs and food allergies, while you enjoy the lovely views and relaxed atmosphere.

A wedding at Hoel Gård is set in a peaceful farm environment, with plenty of space to enjoy the day without worrying about the details. You could have the ceremony in the historic garden overlooking Lake Mjøsa or inside the main ballroom, and there are facilities to handle most practical needs for the celebration. After the day is done, the bride and groom have a dedicated retreat in the Garden Suite, a quiet and romantic spot right on the property.

The farm has hosted weddings since 1993, with close to 400 events of different sizes, so the team knows how to manage everything from seating to catering. The farm can seat around 110 people indoors in the restaurant, and up to 120 outdoors under parasols with heat lamps. They also have a separate bridal suite and other additional rooms for staff or larger groups.

Meals for weddings feature fresh, seasonal ingredients, often sourced from the farm and local area, with dishes that highlight natural flavors. A unique touch is the farm’s own grape sorbet, made from grapes grown on the estate. The surroundings are particularly scenic for photography. The historic garden, sloping down toward the lake, is a favorite spot for ceremonies, and the property offers several areas for capturing the celebration. For those interested in something different, it’s possible to hire the historic Skibladner steamer, which can dock at the farm’s private jetty for the wedding day.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Hoel Gård offers a wide range of experiences right on the property, combining relaxation, activity, and local culture. One unique option is the outdoor bathtub by Lake Mjøsa, where you can enjoy a peaceful soak with views of the sunset and the farm’s own little island. The bathtub is reserved for 45 minutes and comes with luxurious toiletries, creating a quiet, atmospheric experience for couples or friends. For those who enjoy wellness by the water, the bathhouse and sauna are right at the lake’s edge. You can spend up to two hours here, relaxing by the fireplace lounge, taking a dip in the lake, enjoying the sauna, or warming up in the outdoor hot tub. The bathhouse is inspired by an old summer barn and the farm’s potato cellar, blending naturally into the landscape, while the sauna connects you closely to Lake Mjøsa.

For a bit of fun on the lawn, try the three tee mats for practicing golf, or head out to nearby 18-hole courses at Mjøsen Golf Club and Atlungstad Golf Club. And don’t miss the chance to enjoy a picnic or lunch platter, with homemade bread, local cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, and sweet treats. You can take it to the garden, the pier, or under a tree with a view of Lake Mjøsa, making it easy to relax and soak in the surroundings.

The farm also offers a wine and beer course, where you can explore recommendations for pairing drinks with meals. There’s a small gym in the bathhouse, fully equipped and with attached changing rooms, so you can stay active while enjoying the scenic surroundings. For guests who want to explore further, electric bikes are available for rental, offering a chance to see the cultural landscape of Nes and Helgøya. Suggested stops include the farm café Skafferiet at Hovinsholm Gård, the award-winning Hovelsrud Garden, and other scenic spots along the lake.

Nearby experiences within a 15-minute drive include a climbing park, local restaurants and cafés, guided tours of historic gardens, the paddle steamer Skibladner, and local shops and artisan studios. The farm can also arrange transport to these locations if needed. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, visitors can walk down Northern Europe’s longest linden avenue to the fire pit and shelter, where a fire is lit, and refreshments can be enjoyed. Hoel Gård also offers a tasting platter, called Lunsjfjøl, featuring homemade breads, pickled vegetables, local cheeses, cured meats, and chocolate fudge, perfect for two people, with drinks available on request. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, physical activity, or a taste of local culture, there’s plenty to do at Hoel Gård and the surrounding area.

Hoel Gård also works well for other celebrations and gatherings, whether it’s a family milestone, a birthday, or a corporate retreat. The estate has several meeting and event spaces that can be arranged for different group sizes, along with modern equipment for anyone planning workshops or presentations. You can pair the day with meals in the garden, a long-table dinner, or something simple and relaxed. If your group wants a break, they can set up activities like canoeing on Lake Mjøsa, walks through the fields, or time at the bathhouse and sauna too. It feels comfortable and easy to bring people together here, no matter the occasion. Reach out to the team in advance so they can get everything ready for you.

Hoel Gård is a certified Eco-Lighthouse, meaning it follows strict environmental standards for energy, waste, transport, and sourcing. The farm uses careful farming methods to protect the soil, limit pesticides, and keep Lake Mjøsa healthy. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly purchasing are all part of daily operations. The estate aims to balance farming productivity with respect for nature, creating a stay that’s both enjoyable and responsible. By focusing on sustainable practices, Hoel Gård helps protect the environment today and for future generations.