Walaker Hotel

Walaker Hotel has been in the Nitter family since 1690. Christen Nitter, from a Scottish family that settled in Bergen in 1603, returned to Solvorn after training as a goldsmith and rented the trading post at Vollåker. With his wife Birgitt, he started a merchant business and inn, which later became the hotel. It was built to serve as a trading post and a place for travelers to stay. Christen’s youngest son, Ludvig, took over and brewed beer stored in a cold cellar for the summer. After his death, his wife, Øllegård, ran the inn. Later, Henrik, then Erik, and then Mette Malene inherited the hotel. Mette died young, and her son Erik ran it before passing it to nobleman Wilken and his wife Inga Ragnhild Mo, who became legendary as a hostess, running the hotel, boat trips, and the post office. They modernized the property, rebuilding the old innkeeper’s farm in the 1930s.

Tourists started coming in the mid-1800s, including Crown Prince Carl XV of Sweden-Norway in 1865, captured in early photos by Mathias Hansen. In 1964, the annex Hagefløyen was added for more rooms. In 1990, the old barn was turned into Galleri Walaker 300, marking the hotel’s 300th anniversary under Hermod and Oddlaug, the eighth-generation hosts. Today, Ole Henrik and his wife, Astrid, run the hotel, keeping the family traditions alive. The 10th generation, Theodor Nitter Walaker, confirmed in 2021, is being trained to take over.

The hotel has also been recognized for its exceptional service, earning two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide.

Walaker Hotel follows the traditional Norwegian vernacular style, known as byggeskikk, using old construction techniques that have been passed down through generations. The hotel feels very much like a piece of history, with wooden beams, period furniture, and wallpaper that give the rooms a real sense of character. The hotel’s rooms across the Main House, Garden Wing, and Tingstova all carry a sense of old-world charm, each with its own unique character. Guests can enjoy views of the Sognefjord, the rose garden, or the valley, with private terraces or outdoor seating in many rooms. From historic doubles and the only twin room in Tingstova to the newly renovated Premium rooms in the Garden Wing, each space blends history and scenic surroundings.

A big highlight is Gallery Walaker 300, opened for the hotel’s 300th anniversary. The gallery is in a heritage building from 1883, made with wood from a church built around 1600, and it shows works by local and national artists. It’s a piece of history in itself, just like the rest of the hotel.

Walaker Hotel offers on-site dining in the Main House restaurant, where meals are served daily in a relaxed, historic setting. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch (on request), and a four-course dinner, all made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients inspired by the fjord and mountains. Breakfast combines À la carte dishes, like freshly cooked omelettes, Eggs Benedict, or the chef’s oat dream with local apple juice and seasonal berries, with a buffet featuring homemade breads, fresh waffles**, spreads, and seasonal jams. When the sun shines, breakfast can be enjoyed outdoors on the terrace by the Glass Veranda, overlooking the quiet fjord.

Lunch, offered on request, is a two-course personalized meal and includes access to Galleri Walaker 300 and the garden. Reservations for lunch must be made at least seven days in advance, with a minimum spend requirement. Packed lunches are also available on request for guests heading out for the day. Dinner is served at 7:30 PM in the restaurant and features a daily-changing four-course menu with wine pairings. The menu is adapted to the season, ingredient availability, and guest dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

For wine and Champagne enthusiasts, the hotel has a small curated wine cellar and a dedicated Champagne cellar in the old potato storage, featuring vintage and non-vintage Champagnes from both well-known and boutique producers. Private visits to the Champagne cellar with Ole Henrik Nitter Walaker can also be arranged.

Walaker Hotel offers a cozy, historic setting for a romantic wedding by the fjord, surrounded by mountains and gardens. Couples can hold their ceremony in the idyllic garden with the fjord behind them, or in the Hayloft on the third floor of Galleri Walaker 300 if the weather isn’t great. For something extra historic, Urnes Stave Church, Norway’s oldest stave church from the 1130s, is just a short ferry ride away and makes for an atmospheric venue.

The hotel caters to weddings and special events, with food playing a central role and the wine cellar offering a fine selection of exclusive wines to complement every meal. With 26 unique rooms, both couples and guests can stay on-site and enjoy a relaxed, luxurious experience. The hotel can also organize activities over several days, from fjord cruises and mountain hikes to visits to Galleri Walaker 300. A wedding at Walaker Hotel is a special experience in Norwegian nature and history, with friendly staff making sure every little thing is taken care of.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Walaker Hotel has plenty to do right on-site. Wine lovers can join private courses with certified sommelier Steffen Hilleren, tasting everything from Champagne and Chablis to Italian wines and rare fine wines. The hotel’s Galleri Walaker 300 shows works by local and national artists like Rolf Nerli, Nico Widerberg, and Magne V. Kristiansen. Every evening after dinner, Ole Henrik Nitter Walaker, the ninth-generation host, gives a lively tour through the gallery and hotel, sharing stories about the hotel, Solvorn, and the local history.

Outside, there’s plenty to explore, too. Guests can go on RIB boat trips on Veitastrondsvatnet, a green glacial lake surrounded by mountains, with guides telling stories of life on the remote farms. There’s also a RIB and e-bike tour that lets you ride back to Hafslo, plus bicycle rentals for self-guided trips. Hiking trails in Mørkridsdalen or Bergsetdalen and Bergsetbreen show off the stunning scenery of the region. For history lovers, a visit to Urnes Stave Church, Norway’s oldest stave church from the 1130s and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must.

Walaker Hotel has a bunch of unique spaces for meetings, parties, or private dinners. the restaurant in the Main House is where daily meals happen and can fit up to 64 people for bigger dinners. There’s also a small glass veranda that opens onto the garden—perfect for breakfast outside when the sun’s out. The lounge is cozy, with nostalgic furniture and a fireplace for chilly days. Inside, a little chambre séparée can seat up to eight people for a private meal or meeting.

Tingstova, from the 1620s, has a traditional long dining table for up to 16 guests. The Smalahuset, the old sheep barn from 1883 behind the main house, has rustic vibe and can fit up to 36 people. Up on the third floor of Galleri Walaker 300, Høyloftet it’s great for smaller meetings. Meals and drinks can be added to make the day even more special.