Thon Hotel Sandven

The story of Thon Hotel Sandven stretches back to 1857, when the original wooden hotel was built on the tranquil shores of the Hardangerfjord in Norheimsund. The building is a picturesque example of a 19th-century Norwegian mansion made in the Swiss style, popular during that era. Despite the decades, it has been lovingly preserved, earning it an award from the Norwegian Heritage Foundation. Although it remained in private hands for much of the 20th century, renowned Norwegian hotelier Olav Thon purchased the property in 2011. Under his management, Thon Hotel Sandven was restored and modernized, bringing its grandeur to the 21st century.

Thon Hotel Sandven today is a blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort, elegantly set right on the edge of the Hardangerfjord in Norheimsund. Its original 19th-century wooden building retains classic period features and traditional details, from which the rest of the hotel draws its aesthetic themes. Both exterior and interior spaces showcase the Swiss-style timber construction typical of Norwegian fjord-side hotels from the late 1800s. This historic core has been preserved and integrated into the hotel’s overall layout, with many original rooms and communal areas retaining period-inspired design elements that reflect its heritage and nostalgic atmosphere.

Complementing the historic structure are modern extensions built in the early 2010s that expand the hotel’s capacity and amenities. These newer sections feature a contemporary hotel design, with more spacious accommodations with balconies or terraces. These newer additions emphasize comfort, scenic views, and functional spaces, including conference facilities and areas with family-friendly layouts. Also considered are accessibility features, such as wheelchair-friendly aspects in rooms and spaces.

Restaurant Sandven

The hotel’s main dining venue, Restaurant Sandven, invites guests to savor their meals in a lovely setting filled with historical charm. It also accommodates group bookings and special celebrations, making it a versatile choice for both casual meals and more formal gatherings.

Opening hours: 6 pm - 9:30 pm

Sjøhuset Restaurant & Pub

For more relaxed dining, Sjøhuset Restaurant & Pub serves local dishes in a comfy pub ambiance with sweeping fjord views. It operates from midday into the evening, providing plenty of time to grab a hearty meal or a quick bite to eat.

Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am

Lobby Bar

The hotel also has an easily accessible lobby bar, offering a cozy spot for drinks and unwinding. Aside from alcoholic drinks, guests can also enjoy other beverages, including coffee and tea.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 1:30 am

Breakfast

Thon Hotel Sandven invites guests to begin their day with a comforting selection of food and drink at its daily breakfast buffet, featuring classic Scandinavian items. They also serve continental classics like pancakes, eggs, and bacon, giving you plenty of options for your plate.

Monday to Friday: 6:30 am – 10 am
Saturday & Sunday: 8 am – 11 am

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Thon Hotel Sandven’s superb location on the Hardangerfjord provides numerous opportunities for outdoor and cultural experiences. Just steps from the hotel you can explore the Norheimsund guest harbor, take scenic boat routes to villages like Odda or Utne, or join a RIB boat safari. The area also offers canoe, rowboat, and bicycle rentals in summer, letting you immerse yourself in the fjord’s waters and landscapes at your own pace. Nearby hiking trails range from gentle fjordside walks to more challenging routes inland.

Beyond natural wonders, Norheimsund hosts a variety of town attractions and cultural stops. There’s the postcard-perfect Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls. For museums, check out the region’s traditional boatbuilding heritage and maritime history at the Hardanger Maritime Centre. Plenty of local shops and cafes nearby as well, along with the sandy beach at the city’s center. Also close by is the Kvam Kino movie theater, perfect for downtimes and relaxing days where you’d prefer staying indoors.

Thon Hotel Sandven offers a selection of flexible meeting and conference facilities. There are five different rooms that can be configured for both small and larger groups, with the largest space able to accommodate up to about 140 people. All the meeting rooms are equipped with modern audiovisual equipment like projectors and sound systems. The hotel also coordinates with you through a dedicated conference host who will assist with logistical and technical support, as well as practical arrangements for the event.