Hotel Wassilioff

Hotel Wassilioff in Stavern has a long story that goes back to 1844. It was started by Michael Wassilioff, a clerk from Riga who ran away from Russian military service before 1840. He came to Norway by ship and settled in Stavern, where he married Anne Marie Jacobsdatter in 1841. She owned a small place by the quay, and together they turned it into a bakery and later a hotel. Their son Ingebrigt took over the hotel in 1867 with help from his sister Tatjana, who worked as head chef.

A big fire destroyed the hotel in 1922, but it was rebuilt in 1923. Artist Asbjørn Aamodt painted murals in the new hall, later called Aamodtsalen. Over the years, many writers and artists stayed here, even royalty like King Haakon VII of Norway. After changing several owners, it was sold in 2012 to local families. Today, Hotel Wassilioff is owned by Morten and Camilla Christensen, continuing a story that began more than 180 years ago.

Hotel Wassilioff sits right in the middle of Stavern, a little historic town often called “Norway’s smallest.” The streets are lined with old wooden houses and that easygoing charm that only small coastal towns seem to have. The hotel has strong roots in local history and is connected to the old Fredriksvern Shipyard, which dates back to 1750. Some of the original barracks and buildings from that era are still standing.

Inside, the design keeps that coastal link alive. Large windows look out over the harbor and the sea, flooding the rooms with natural light and keeping the view part of the experience. The interiors balance classic character with modern comfort. The hotel is also designed to be accessible for everyone. There are facilities for disabled guests, including wheelchair access throughout common areas and toilets equipped with grab rails for easier use.

The on-site restaurant at Hotel Wassilioff brings a strong coastal influence. Seafood takes the lead, backed by fresh vegetables and seasonal ingredients. Their Fish Soup “Riga” is a local favorite, rich and creamy. You can go à la carte or try one of their buffets. The Sunday buffet, running all year from 1 to 5 PM, is a long-time favorite with locals, a mix of hot and cold dishes and a dessert table. In summer, they roll out the Summer Buffet, often alongside live performances. The menu changes with the season, but some dishes always stand out like the oven-baked halibut with apple butter sauce, roasted scallops with dill mayo, and fallow deer fillet with red wine sauce.

Another guest favorite is the Wassilioff Special Seafood Platter, a true showstopper featuring lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, mussels, crayfish, and king crab, and is ordered a day in advance. If you want something more relaxed, Palmehaven Bistro & Cocktail Bar is the spot. They serve house favorites like the Entrecôte Café de Paris, burgers with fries and aioli, and a few good pizzas. It’s casual, cozy, and just the right place to end a long day by the coast.

And if you’re around in the afternoon, don’t miss the hotel’s cozy Afternoon Tea, served in the lounges. You’ll get a stand filled with sandwiches, warm scones, and small cakes, along with tea and a glass of sparkling wine if you’d like. Soft music plays in the background. It’s served Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and it’s best to book a day ahead or pre-book for other days.

Hotel Wassilioff makes weddings easy and personal with a complete package that covers food, drinks, setup, and a beautiful coastal setting. The hotel has nine reception rooms to suit everything from intimate to large celebrations with up to 235 guests. They are welcomed with a Prosecco aperitif, served in the lobby bar or your own lounge. You can create your own three-course menu, and a tasting is available for up to four people to try the dishes and drinks ahead of time. Dinner comes with house wines with the starter and three glasses of red with the main course, plus coffee and a small drink like Braastad VS or Baileys after dessert.

A free bar runs from 10:00 pm to 1:30 am, and you can add a cake buffet or music setup if you’d like. A minimum of 20 guests is required, and the final menu must be submitted at least 14 days before the event.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Hotel Wassilioff offers plenty to do, whether you stay close or head out exploring. On-site, there’s live music, themed dinners, and evening entertainment for a warm, social feel. Guests can join local culture tours, stop by art exhibits, or take it easy with board games and puzzles. There’s also a sauna (extra charge) for some quiet downtime. The hotel can also help set up guided tours, making it easy to explore the best of Stavern’s coastal culture and outdoor charm.

Just a short drive away, Støperistranda Beach is ideal for a morning swim or sunset walk. You’ll also find options for diving, water sports, cycling, and fishing nearby. Around town, there’s plenty worth seeing. Staverns Fortress offers a glimpse into Norway’s naval history, and the Hvalfangstmonumentet stands as a tribute to the region’s maritime heritage. One of the real highlights is The Park at River Walk, a scenic spot with walking paths, open lawns, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts and local events during summer.

During the holiday season, Hotel Wassilioff turns into a warm and festive spot by the sea. Throughout November and December, they host Christmas parties with lutefisk dinner. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel ends the year in style with a special dinner, live music, and fireworks over the fjord. Come spring, the celebrations continue with their popular Easter Buffet, served from Maundy Thursday to the second day of Easter (12:00 pm to 5:00 pm). Guests can enjoy a generous spread of seasonal dishes, sandwiches, and cakes, perfect to pair with the local art exhibitions happening around Stavern during Easter.

Hotel Wassilioff hosts everything from birthdays and family dinners to meetings and conferences. They offer spaces of different sizes, all with Wi-Fi and setup ready. For private events, the hotel handles the décor, food, music, and seating, making any gathering easy and relaxed. Guests can get in touch with the team for personalized arrangements.