Utne Hotel

Utne Hotel has been welcoming travelers since 1722, when it was built by Peder Larson and Elisabeth Børsem as a small timber inn with a living room, kitchen, hallway, and one bedroom. Today, it’s Norway’s oldest preserved wooden hotel and has been in continuous operation for over 300 years. Over the years, the hotel has been shaped by generations of owners. After the founders, Johannes Sveinson Winæs and Sara J. Brandt, ran it until 1829. Johan Winæs and Torbjørg Utne and their family took over until 1918. Then came Guri and Lars Aga, who managed it until 1956, followed by Hildegunn Aga Blokhus and family until 1996.

The hotel has always had strong female hosts at its heart, most famously “Mother Utne,” as everyone called her. Her real name was Torbjørg Johannesdotter Utne and she ran the hotel for an incredible 70 years. She was known for her warmth and strength, and people remembered her from far and wide. When she passed, the locals gathered money for a silver wreath to honor her. That wreath still hangs in the restaurant today, a quiet tribute to the woman who helped shape the soul of this historic house.

Utne Hotel feels warm the moment you walk in, with timber walls, creaking floors, and old beams telling stories. The building has a touch of Swiss-inspired architecture, seen in its wooden details and classic design. It’s a bit like visiting your grandmother’s house with lace curtains and quiet corners. Upstairs, there are 17 rooms, and no two are the same. Each one has its own furniture and little details from different times. Some look out over the fjord, others face the garden where it’s calm and still. The rooms have modern tiled bathrooms, but the rest keep that old charm with wood, color, and a feeling that someone has cared for this place for a very long time. The hotel is also wheelchair-friendly and makes sure every guest feels comfortable and cared for. It’s simple, cozy, and real.

Utne Hotel has an on-site restaurant that offers dishes with ingredients from Hardanger and nearby farms, like fish from the fjord, local fruit, and produce that changes with the season. The food is simple, honest, and rooted in Norwegian tradition, with a few modern touches that keep it fresh. Dinner begins with a short story about the hotel’s long history before a five-course meal is served. Cider is a natural choice here. The restaurant serves carefully selected local ciders that pair beautifully with the food, though wine pairings are also available.

Guests can also join a cider tasting at 6:00 pm in the hotel’s side cellar. The tasting explores the history and craft of Hardanger’s cider producers and is open to hotel guests and non-guests alike. Age limit is 18 years, and a fee of NOK 399 (USD 40) per person is applicable. A five-course dinner is priced at NOK 1,150 (USD 115), with cider or wine pairing at NOK 895 (USD 90). Guests with allergies or special requests can mention them ahead of time, and the kitchen will gladly make adjustments.

Utne Hotel is a cozy spot for small weddings. They take groups of up to 60 people and can set up the place to fit the day. Couples can have a simple dinner in the Mor Utne Lounge, a bigger party in the restaurant, or a quiet get-together in the Grønnstova. Every wedding feels personal and relaxed. The chefs use fresh ingredients from Hardanger to make a menu that fits the couple and the celebration. They also take care of the little things like the décor, flowers, music, and seating, so everyone can just enjoy the day without worrying about the details.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Utne Hotel makes it easy to experience the best of Hardanger through its food, art, culture, and nature. Art lovers can visit the Art Annex, where six local artists have transformed rooms with their colors, textiles, and artwork. You can simply browse or even take home a piece of Hardanger’s creativity. Just a short walk away, the Hardanger Folk Museum offers a glimpse into local traditions with exhibits on folk costumes, wood carving, embroidery, and music. Visitors can also join workshops like krumkake baking or rent a Norwegian bunad for photos. Another nearby highlight is Agatunet, a preserved cluster of historic houses beautifully set between the fjord, mountains, and fruit trees. Here, guests can join tours, cider tastings, film screenings, or try hands-on activities such as craft making and pizza baking, all surrounded by apple orchards and a timeless landscape.

Utne Hotel also arranges several excursions. The Utne Story Tour takes guests on a four-hour journey through the village and the local churchyard before ending back at the hotel with a glass of cider. The Aga & Cider Journey invites visitors to explore the charming village of Aga, learn about its Nordic roots, and finish with a cider and cheese pairing. For those drawn to the outdoors, the hike up Oksen rewards with sweeping 360-degree views of Hardanger, while Queen Sonja’s Trail offers one of the most stunning panoramic walks over the fjord and Folgefonna National Park. The Husedalen Waterfalls route reveals four cascading falls in one breathtaking valley, often called one of Norway’s most beautiful hikes. And for a soothing end to an adventurous day, Heit Sauna in Grimo offers an authentic sauna experience surrounded by calm, scenic beauty.

They also celebrate the Christmas season, filled with good food and old traditions. Guests can enjoy the Grand Family Christmas Buffet with classic dishes and local flavors, priced at NOK 695 (about USD 65) for adults and NOK 300 (about USD 28) for children. There’s also a three-course Christmas dinner featuring trout, roasted pork belly, lamb ribs, and cherries for NOK 895 (about USD 84) per person. For something lighter, a two-course Christmas lunch is served at NOK 595 (about USD 56).

Other Celebrations

They host all sorts of gatherings at Utne Hotel, like birthdays, anniversaries, or just special days with friends and family. The spaces can be arranged to fit what you need, from a cozy dinner to a big meal or a quiet get-together. For meetings or group events, there are bright rooms with fjord views, good sound and screen setups, strong WiFi, and flexible options tailored for small or mid-sized groups.