Lysebu Hotel

Lysebu Hotel and the estate it stands on were originally built in 1916 as the private residence of Anton Fredrik Klaveness, a Norwegian ship owner. The mansion was designed by architect Magnus Poulsson, who designed the building after Eastern Norwegian manors, with a dash of folklore elements.

Lysebu’s identity changed dramatically after the Second World War. During Norway's occupation under Nazi Germany, the Danish people organized extensive humanitarian aid to their neighbor. Though the Danes were also under German occupation, their deliveries of food supplies, particularly for children, helped sustain the Norwegians. When the war ended, money left over from this relief effort was used to establish the Fund for Danish–Norwegian Co-operation in 1946, to strengthen cultural and social ties between the two nations.

As gratitude for Denmark’s support, Norway gifted Lysebu to the Fund in September of 1947. Lysebu was no longer a private estate but a cultural institution where Danes and Norwegians could gather, study, and collaborate. Over time, the Fund expanded and modernized Lysebu, using it as a conference center, and later turned it into a full-fledged hotel.

When Lysebu Hotel was first built in 1916, both owner Anton Fredrik Klaveness and architect Magnus Poulsson envisioned an estate that represented Norway's traditional, rural aesthetics. The result was a timber mansion inspired by the manor farms of Eastern Norway and alluded to in Norwegian folklore.

When Lysebu evolved from a private residence into a cultural institution and hotel and conference center, its architectural development still adhered to Poulsson’s original vision. Modern expansions were harmonized with the traditional wooden buildings, breaking up the intended facilities and amenities into a cluster of complementary structures.

Lysebu Hotel extends these same principles to its interior spaces, such as the halls and rooms. Although modernized, it reflects that same blend of tradition and atmosphere, marked by woodwork and other handcrafted details. Many rooms feature architectural elements that hint at the estate’s history, such as vaulted ceilings and custom-woven carpets. Collaborations with the Henie Onstad Art Center result in beautiful artworks displayed throughout the property. These pieces come in a variety of styles, each carefully chosen to complement the theme or mood of a given area of the hotel.

Main Restaurant

Lysebu's restaurant focuses on traditional and contemporary Nordic cuisine, crafted using locally sourced ingredients and items picked from the estate's own organic gardens. Menus change throughout the seasons, but each dish is meticulously formulated to pair perfectly with the wines stored in the hotel's cellars.
Lunch: Mondays to Saturdays: 11:30 am – 2 pm
Dinner: Mondays to Saturdays: 6 pm - 9 pm

Breakfast

Guests staying at Lysebu Hotel can look forward to complimentary breakfast buffets every morning. Every item, from the breads, cuts, and salads, is sourced locally or made fresh at the hotel.
Monday to Friday 7 am - 9:30 am
Saturday & Sunday 8 am - 11 am

Afternoon Tea

This classic British tradition is one that has also been embraced in the Nordics. Enjoy a cuppa and a variety of desserts while relaxing and socializing in the historic lounges of the hotel.
Friday & Saturday: 1 pm and 2 pm
Sunday: 12 pm

Ever since it was converted into a conference venue and hotel, Lysebu has hosted numerous weddings. Your special day will be in good hands as you'll be assisted by experienced wedding coordinators and planners, as well as their partner services. Apart from the reception, Lysebu Hotel also accommodates the actual ceremonies in indoor and outdoor venues. Celebrations are available year-round, so even if a winter wonderland ceremony is part of your dream wedding, the dedicated teams of Lysebu will make that a reality.

Here are some of the lovely venues offered at Lysebu Hotel:

Jylland

A contemporary-rustic function hall with tall ceilings and carpeted floors.
Capacity: 70 guests

The Cavalier Hall

A large banquet venue with decor and aesthetics reminiscent of Viking feasting halls.
Capacity: 110 guests

The Library

A reading salon that can be prepared for small, intimate weddings.
Capacity: 14 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Surrounded by beautiful nature, Lysebu Hotel makes for a fantastic nature retreat while visiting Norway. Aside from the beautiful estate grounds, the hotel also has wonderful relaxation amenities to take advantage of. Take a dip in the swimming pool for leisure or exercise, or partake in the Nordic tradition of sauna baths. The spa also offers special massages and therapies that will help your body recover and stay healthy.

Aside from wellness, the hotel also hosts a wide variety of seasonal events. Christmas, for example, is a time for magical concerts and festive winter dinners. They also partner up with local organizations to promote festivals and arts.

When you're ready to go out and explore, check in with the concierge, as they can assist you in booking trips to museums or renting services for outdoor activities. You can go kayaking at Øvresetertjern Lake, or hiking and skiing up the nearby hills. Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower is a world-renowned ski attraction and often the site of international competitions. You could also take some Nordic recipes back home by availing the cooking classes offered at Lysebu's kitchens.

As one of Norway's well-regarded conference venues, Lysebu Hotel makes it a point to offer the finest services when it comes to preparing events. They have a wide selection of wonderful and well-equipped conference halls that can accommodate over a hundred attendees. Likewise, these venues are also available for private events, such as anniversaries, christenings, and baptisms.

Lysebu also offers a wide array of activities to enjoy with your teams, friends, or family. Get to spend a laid-back and leisurely time at a beer tasting, or pick up some new recipes by joining the cooking class. The winters turn the hills into the perfect ski slopes, while the summer months open up the estate grounds for friendly competitive games.

Lysebu Hotel has held its Eco-Lighthouse certification since 2012, the result of its dedicated efforts to green technology and other measures to protect the environment. The hotel embraces farm-to-table practices when it comes to food, establishing a greenhouse and a large kitchen garden on the estate grounds, which supplies the herbs and vegetables used in the hotel’s kitchen. Food waste is also turned into compost for supporting their kitchen garden, creating a natural loop of food production to consumption and soil regeneration.

Lysebu was also the first hotel in Oslo, and second in Norway, to offer Green Conferences. These conference packages emphasize environmentally conscious practices, such as vegetarian menus and the use of less-damaging cleaning products.