Once a secluded Viking village, Geiranger grew into a sought-after destination after travelers during the 19th century discovered the paradisiacal beauty of the Norwegian fjords. Over a hundred years later, it is now one of Norway's beloved locations, especially after the Geirangerfjord was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the initial tourism boom, keen entrepreneurs capitalized on Geiranger's potential and in 1891 built Hotel Union Geiranger. This certified Eco Lighthouse hotel stands to this day, with its original Dragestil architecture replaced with sleek, modern aesthetics. Yet its tradition of hospitality endures, carried onward by the family that has owned the hotel since 1899. They promise luxurious stays and exciting adventures amidst one of Norway's most enchanting natural landscapes.
The very first incarnation of Hotel Union Geiranger was constructed in 1891 to take advantage of the region's developing tourism industry. The many visitors arriving in Geiranger came from all walks of life; some were wayfarers traveling from one part of Norway to another, others were foreigners captivated by what they heard about the fjords. What greeted them was a beautiful hotel built in the Dragestil (Dragon) architectural style, which took heavy inspiration from Norway's early Christian and Viking heritage. The original building also took cues from Swiss chalets, creating a rustic yet luxurious alpine ambiance.
An enterprising couple by the names of Julie and Karl Mjelva bought the hotel in 1899. They saw further potential and opportunities in modernizing the hotel, and thus expanded their facilities by building their own hydroelectric power plant in 1907. They also partnered with the German industrialist Adam Opel to create a special line of cars capable of traversing Norway's steep mountain roads. Målfrid and Hans Mjelva soon took over their parents' business and were able to weather the tumultuous decades brought about by the Second World War.
The third generation of Mjelvas, led by Gjertrud and Karl Mjelva, took over the management of the hotel in 1964. During the 1970s, they also made the lofty decision to tear down the aging wooden structures and rebuild Hotel Union using sturdier modern materials. Monja and Sindre Mjelva, who are the fourth-generation owners, currently lead Hotel Union Geiranger. They began managing the business in 2002, and made their own contributions by expanding the hotel's wellness facilities in 2008.
While the original structure of Hotel Union Geiranger was replaced with modern construction, we can still admire its original Dragestil and Swiss-inspired architecture through old paintings and photographs. What we have today is still heavily influenced by Swiss chalet styles, but with modern conventions and safety considerations. The use of contemporary engineering and materials made it possible for the hotel to expand with multiple stories, as well as upgrade with wonderful facilities and amenities, such as the dance hall and playroom. Hints of its old-world charm can still be found here and there, as some of the suites and rooms integrated old timbers and planks for decorative purposes.
Along with the modernizations are considerable additions to accessibility. Guests with mobility needs are provided with wheelchair-friendly rooms. The hotel's facilities, particularly the spa amenities, have also been adapted for mobility-friendliness. These areas feature adapted showers, access ramps, and railings for support.
Restaurant
Room service
Bar
Sauna
Fitness centre
Garden
Terrace
Family rooms
Spa and wellness centre
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Bar
Sauna
Fitness centre
Garden
Terrace
Family rooms
Spa and wellness centre
Swimming pool
Parking
Free parking
Electric vehicle charging station
Parking
Free parking
Electric vehicle charging station
24-hour front desk
Laundry
Ironing service
Packed lunches
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
24-hour front desk
Laundry
Ironing service
Packed lunches
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
Solarium
Massage
Children's playground
Billiards
Table tennis
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Hiking
Hammam
Indoor pool
Indoor pool (all year)
Open-air bath
Beauty Services
Facial treatments
Waxing services
Make up services
Manicure
Pedicure
Body treatments
Body scrub
Body wrap
Spa facilities
Steam room
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Foot bath
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness
Solarium
Massage
Children's playground
Billiards
Table tennis
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Hiking
Hammam
Indoor pool
Indoor pool (all year)
Open-air bath
Beauty Services
Facial treatments
Waxing services
Make up services
Manicure
Pedicure
Body treatments
Body scrub
Body wrap
Spa facilities
Steam room
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Foot bath
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness
Outdoor pool
Outdoor pool (all year)
Outdoor pool
Outdoor pool (all year)
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Lift
Heating
Allergy-free room
Non-smoking throughout
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Lift
Heating
Allergy-free room
Non-smoking throughout
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Pool with view
Heated pool
Shallow end
Sun umbrellas
Kids' pool
Pool with view
Heated pool
Shallow end
Sun umbrellas
Kids' pool
Breakfast takeaway containers
Breakfast takeaway containers
First aid kit available
First aid kit available
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Restaurant Fjorden
At the main restaurant of Hotel Union Geiranger, guests can expect a delicious breakfast service and buffet dinner service prepared by skilled chefs using seasonal ingredients.
Breakfast: Monday to Saturday: 7 am – 10 am; Sunday: 7:30 am – 10:30 am
Union Buffet: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm; Seating times at 6:30 pm and 8 pm
Restaurant Julie
Restaurant Julie offers a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, serving international favorites like burgers and pizza for lunch. They also hold a dinner service with a la carte menus
Lunch: 12 pm - 5 pm
Dinner: 6 pm - 9:30 pm
Loungebar
For those on the go, they can grab a quick bite or bring their food with them on their trip by ordering pizzas and refreshments at the lounge bar.
Café Løsta
Café Løsta serves delectable course lunches in a poolside setting. During the warmer months, diners can also admire the magnificent vistas of the Geirangerfjord while enjoying an alfresco meal on the third-floor terrace.
Wine Cellar
Hotel Union Geiranger boasts its own wine cellar with an extensive collection of vintages from Norway and all over the world. Guests can book a wine-tasting session during the colder months as a way to enjoy classic vintages and warm up at the same time.
Why not make your wedding day all the more special by celebrating it at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immortalize your Happily Ever After by setting it at the Geirangerfjord and using its magnificent natural beauty as your backdrop. Aside from the location, the hotel also offers inclusive packages that cover catering and various wedding services. You'll also have options for the event and ceremony venues, with the largest configuration capable of accommodating 500 attendees.
Geirangersalen
The most spacious function hall, suitable for large weddings that include performances and presentations as part of the program.
Capacity: 160 - 600 guests
Buick
A moderately sized seminar hall with a bright yet cozy ambiance, more suited for intimate gatherings.
Capacity: 36 - 140 guests
Preikestolen
The most compact option of the hotel's event venues, offering a lively ambiance for small yet tight-knight celebrations.
Capacity: 36 - 110 guests
Foremost among the reasons to visit Geiranger is to explore the Geirangerfjord, which is one part of the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site, the other being the Nærøyfjord. Yet before you head out to discover the region's natural splendor, you can also take advantage of Hotel Union Geiranger's amenities and services.
One of the hotel's best-regarded experiences is its exquisite Union Spa. Here, guests can relax and unwind using state-of-the-art facilities while gazing at Geiranger's impressive beauty. You can choose to use amenities like the sauna individually, or opt for spa packages that include treatments and other services. Also at the hotel is a Vintage Car Museum, showcasing the hotel's collection of automobiles from the 1920s and 1930s and used for touring the region.
Once you're ready to be out and about, you can go to the concierge and arrange for a variety of tours, activities, or just ask for recommendations on places to visit. You can pair a day of hiking or biking with trips to the area's best lookout points, such as Eagle´s Bend or the Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba. You can also book tickets for fjord ship cruises, access to the Norwegian Fjord Centre, or take fjordsafari rides together with your friends and family.
Hotel Union Geiranger offers bespoke and highly customizable conference halls that can be configured for a wide variety of events and functions. From the outset, you'll be coordinating with a dedicated staff member who'll assist in everything from transportation, accommodations, and meal menus. You'll also have options for technical equipment and office facilities, as well as partner services like decorators or performers.
Geirangersalen
The largest function hall for large events, featuring a wide stage, a high ceiling, and tall windows with amazing mountain views.
Capacity: 160 - 600 guests
Buick
A moderately sized seminar hall with enough space for large parties and seminars.
Capacity: 36 - 140 guests
Preikestolen
The smallest of the hotel's conference halls, but can still accommodate over a hundred guests.
Capacity: 36 - 110 guests
Meeting Rooms
Groups can also book a meeting room for their gatherings, instead of the much bigger conference halls. Cadillac is a large meeting room with a veranda and a capacity of up to 70 guests. Nash is much more compact, with a maximum space for 26 guests. Should you prefer a refined and exquisite lounge or salon, the Foaje, or foyer, is situated next to the Geirangersalen and features beautiful indoor spaces integrated with the mountain bedrock.
Hotel Union Geiranger knows the immaterial value of the Geirangerfjord and its pristine majesty, and is proud to do its part in preserving this beauty. The hotel is a certified Eco-Lighthouse establishment and able to meet the organization's strict standards for waste management, energy efficiency, and other sustainability benchmarks.
When it comes to waste management, Hotel Union Geiranger operates its own composting facility, turning food waste into nutrient-rich soil used in local industries and projects. They also introduced the use of ozone water as a cleaning and disinfecting solution, providing a method for eliminating harmful organisms without relying on dangerous chemicals.
Visitor center and museum with detailed information about the Geirangerfjord, part of the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site. (2-minute walk)
Local crafts and art gallery within a historic home owned by artist Ola Liland. (13-minute walk)
Marina with shops and restaurants, as well as services where travelers can book local boat tours and charters. (14-minute walk)
Ålesund Airport (AES) is the nearest airport to Hotel Union Geiranger, 128 minutes by car from the hotel.
The closest ferry terminal is the Geiranger hurtigbåtkai, a 13-minute walk from Hotel Union Geiranger.