Straand Hotel

Straand Hotel’s story goes back to 1864 when Olav and Kari bought a rocky little farm above Lake Nisser and turned it into both a home and a stopover for travelers. Their place quickly became known for Kari’s hearty meals and good coffee, and despite the small space, guests always felt welcome. By the early 1900s, their son Johan and his wife Sigrid brought new energy, welcoming summer visitors to Vrådal. When a fire destroyed the old Swiss-style building in 1924, Johan rebuilt it in solid Telemark timber, which is the same sturdy core that still stands today. He also modernized local transport, bringing the first car and truck to the area and making Straand a lively hub for trade and travel.

In 1948, the next generation, Sigmund and his wife Jorunn, took over, steering the hotel into the growing post-war tourism era. Though Sigmund’s time was cut short, his son Johan carried the legacy forward, taking charge in 1973 after studying hospitality. From that simple farmhouse to a beloved lakeside landmark, Straand remains proudly family-run—five generations strong and full of history.

When the Straand family first built the hotel back in the late 1800s, they wanted it to feel both strong and welcoming, something that truly belonged to the land around Lake Nisser. They used old Norwegian building traditions, known as “byggeskikk,” which meant thick timber walls, steep roofs, and solid wood joints made to stand up to rough weather. It had the same soul as the old log houses and even the ancient stave churches, simple, handmade, and built to last.

At the same time, they gave it a softer touch, inspired by the Swiss chalet style that was popular across Europe then. Those chalets had carved wood details, deep balconies, and gabled roofs that made them look like something straight out of a storybook. Straand mixes alpine charm with Norwegian heart, which feels both rustic and warm. Inside, you can still see that history in the old living rooms with thick timber walls, worn furniture, and quiet corners where time seems to slow down. Even with its vintage soul, the hotel is built for present-day comfort. There’s an elevator, wheelchair-friendly access, and handicap rooms designed for easy movement. The hotel also offers allergy-friendly rooms, made with clean materials and fresh air.

Back when Kari Straand cooked for travelers in her little boarding house, everything was homemade and that same spirit still lives on today. The kitchen serves a mix of local dishes, old Norwegian favorites, and a few global touches. Mornings start slow with a hearty breakfast between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, either a buffet or a la carte, depending on the day. Around midday, the piano bar and roof terrace open up for lunch, which serves light dishes with a view of the hills and lake. In the afternoon, guests can enjoy Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s historic living rooms from 1864 or out in the apple orchard daily from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. They serve finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet treats, often paired with a glass of champagne.

Dinner shifts with the season, sometimes a three-course menu, sometimes a buffet packed with local favorites, especially in summer from July to mid-September. If you’re in the mood for something a little special, the five-course gourmet menu is worth the wait. Make sure to reserve in advance. For groups, there are banquet dinners and lunch menus, and if you want a little tradition with your drink, join an aperitif with storytelling, where the hosts share old tales from Straand’s early days. There’s also Spekeaften, or speaking night, a feast of cured meats and Norwegian flavors that feels rustic. When the weather’s warm, head down to the beach bar by Lake Nisser.

Surrounded by calm waters and soft green hills, it’s the kind of place where every view feels like a backdrop for “I do.” The hotel team helps plan everything from decorating the tables to arranging the food, drinks, and catering just the way you want it. You can choose between intimate rooms filled with history or larger halls that can fit up to 400 guests, suitable for a big celebration. The kitchen crafts menus using local ingredients, bringing the flavors of Fjell-Telemark to your wedding dinner.

For something truly special, you can sail away on the hotel’s vintage boat, M/S Fram, built in 1909. It can host around 90 guests and has both a sun deck and indoor dining, perfect for a sparkling toast or a light tapas-style meal on the water. Couples can also arrive in style with one of the hotel’s vintage cars, like the 1969 Cadillac DeVille Convertible, or rent a vintage bus for the guests, a fun and nostalgic way to get everyone to the party. Whether it’s a small gathering or a grand affair, Straand makes sure every wedding feels warm and personal

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Summer in Vrådal is something special. The water is calm, the hills are green, and the days feel long and easy. You can golf on Fossøy’s 9-hole course, go kayaking on Lake Nisser, or rent an electric bike to explore the trails. Many visitors hike up to Fyresdal for the treetop walk, and the view is really worth it. For slower days, stop by a local farm or join a cider tasting or just relax at Sommarland Strandbar by the water with a drink or something to eat. Families often head out to nearby parks and museums, while road lovers go for HUB riding through Telemark’s winding mountain roads. And make time for a trip on the vintage boat M/S Fram. It’s the hotel’s own historic ship that cruises across Lake Nisser with stories, coffee, and waffles along the way.

You can also take a dip any time of year. There’s an outdoor pool and a lovely indoor one that stays around 26 degrees. In winter, the ice baths can be heated or cooled as you like, and you can pair them with local food and drinks for that extra touch. The hotel can even set up a full wellness program just for you.

When winter arrives, Straand feels like a quiet little snow paradise. There are ski slopes for the family, a café and sauna on the top, and cross-country trails winding through the forest. For a cozy dinner, head to Trapper’s Cabin, the old barn turned into a small winter lodge. They serve moose stew, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and a sweet local dessert with stories by the fire. Starting in 2026, there will be new winter adventures too. You can go on a moonlight hike under the stars or try the Forest Barista, a snowshoe walk through the woods that ends with coffee made over an open fire. Inside the hotel, fondue nights are a favorite where Warm pots and shared plates make it the perfect way to end a winter day in Vrådal.

And when spring comes, the Vrådalsmila race brings people together from all over Norway. You can run, walk, or just enjoy the day with friends along with food and music. Throughout the year, Straand also hosts live music nights, dance evenings, and local gatherings that bring guests and locals together, a tradition that’s been part of the hotel’s social spirit for generations.

Straand hosts both Christmas and summer parties with the same warm, lively spirit. During Christmas, guests enjoy festive food and live entertainment. Parties can be booked with or without a stay, and team activities are available for groups. For summer parties, celebrations move outdoors with good food, music, and tailor-made experiences. You can add golf, paddling, or hiking to the program and end the day at the beach bar by the lake. The restaurant seats up to 370 guests, with smaller private rooms available for a more intimate gathering.

Straand Hotel has a modern conference and event area that can host up to 400 guests in one large hall or be divided into smaller rooms to fit your needs. The spaces are fully equipped with sound systems, projectors, and high-speed Wi-Fi, making them ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings. You can also host private celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or even a proposal. The hotel’s team helps with customized arrangements, from décor and dining to activities and entertainment.