Hotel Refsnes Gods - by Classic Norway Hotels

Jeløy is a little island in the Oslofjord, part of the city of Moss, and Hotel Refsnes Gods has been part of its story for centuries. The spot started as a small farm way back in the 13th century and over time passed through a few owners before the Chrystie family turned it into a proper summer mansion in 1767. David Chrystie and his wife Sophie were lively folks. For decades, Refsnes was always bustling, welcoming guests from all walks of life. Later, the hotel got its distinct look when Lorentz Meyer added two towers in the 1850s.

In 1938, a restaurant opened in the main building, and by the late 20th century, the Salbuvik family turned it into a full hotel with over 400 artworks, mixing history with art and hospitality. Today, Hotel Refsnes Gods is part of Classic Norway Hotels and was awarded the Norwegian Heritage Foundation Olavsrosa for the preservation and promotion of the old main building, keeping centuries of Norwegian heritage alive.

Step into Hotel Refsnes Gods, and one of the first things that will catch your eye is the bronze sculpture ‘Nora dances the tarantella’ by Nina Sundby. The sculpture carries history, having toured the world in 2006 to mark 100 years since Henrik Ibsen's passing. Inside, the hotel is a true haven for art lovers.

All 61 rooms feature original works by Nordic artists, but they’re more than just galleries. Rooms are bright, cozy, and thoughtfully designed for comfort, with calming décor. Superior rooms have private balconies and sea views, while suites are designed around original artworks by Håkon Bleken, Frans Widerberg, Jacob Weidemann, and Therese Nortvedt, blending art with luxury.

The hotel’s exterior is as striking as its interiors. The mansion features elegant 18th-century architecture with the distinctive twin towers added in the 1850s, large windows that frame views of the fjord, and terraces overlooking the garden, creating a graceful blend of history and natural beauty. The hotel also offers wheelchair-accessible and allergy-friendly rooms, with elevators, higher-level toilets, toilets with grab rails, and other facilities for disabled guests.

Across the property, over 400 original pieces by more than 90 artists are on display. With vibrant artworks throughout the hotel, it’s clear that art is at the heart of Hotel Refsnes Gods, alongside comfort and thoughtful design.

Restaurant Munch
Restaurant Munch is on the first floor of the old main building, with soft colors and eight works by Edvard Munch giving it a really classic, relaxed vibe. Big windows and the glass veranda let you see the garden and catch sunsets over the Oslo Fjord. The food is French, European, and Norwegian, and they’ve got options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, plus meals for kids. Special diet menus can be arranged if needed. The menu changes with the seasons, always using fresh ingredients and keeping the flavors simple but thoughtful.

Opening hours
Dinner: Monday – Saturday 6:00 pm to 09:00 pm (Kitchen closes at 21:00)
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Afternoon Tea
Guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of Refsnes Estate. The service includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with homemade jam and whipped cream, sweet treats, and cakes, all served on platters alongside your choice of tea. It’s a relaxed, charming way to spend a Saturday afternoon soaking in the estate’s atmosphere.
Opening hours: Saturdays 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Hotel Refsnes Gods has a range of spaces for events, with up to 8 rooms and banquet halls that can fit 10 to 80 guests. The hotel has been hosting events for more than 250 years and has plenty of experience with successful celebrations. Guests can enjoy the food, the art, the decor, and the surroundings, and extra services or suppliers can be arranged if needed. Events can also be customized to fit individual needs and preferences. For music, the hotel works with Daryl McDade & SoulXL, whose roots are in the street music scene at Maxwell Street Market, and who have also sung backup for Tina Turner, performing live at events.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Guests at Hotel Refsnes Gods can enjoy a wide variety of experiences, both on the estate and nearby. The garden sauna offers views of the garden and Oslo Fjord, with two cold plunge pools to cool off. It’s open to all guests, with changing rooms and showers for comfort. The historic wine cellar, dating back to 1767, holds one of Norway’s largest wine selections. On select Fridays, it hosts private dinners, featuring a 4-course menu with paired wines.

Art lovers can join the weekly art tour, seeing over 400 works across the hotel, including original pieces by Edvard Munch, Warhol, and others. The tour usually visits a suite and the wine cellar while sharing history about the hotel and the Moss area. The estate also hosts concerts in the garden and art exhibitions across other premises, so there’s almost always something happening for guests to enjoy.

For active experiences, guests can cycle “In Munch’s footsteps”, which is a guided tour of Jeløy, or explore the surrounding nature with hiking to Dragonfjellet and Rødåsen. Water activities include paddling lessons on the hotel’s own beach in collaboration with Ut i det fri AS. The four-hour course is designed to help guests become confident in kayaking.

Sports enthusiasts can try golf simulators, climbing, yoga, and table tennis at Padel & Performance, while adventure seekers can enjoy alpaca trekking, safari, paintball, or escape rooms at nearby facilities. From relaxation to adventure, art, and history, Hotel Refsnes Gods offers something for everyone.

Hotel Refsnes Gods can host private celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays, and proposals, as well as corporate gatherings or workshops for groups up to 30 people. The hotel offers a range of meeting spaces, from the small Opdahl room for up to 8 guests, to the medium Bjørneboe with garden and fjord views, and the larger Christensen room. Guests are encouraged to contact the team for custom setups and any other special requirements.