Hardanger
Hotel Ullensvang: the fjord hotel where Grieg wrote music
Founded in 1846 by a 14-year-old boy, with views of the Folgefonna glacier and fruit blossom right outside. Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus is one of Norway’s best-known fjord hotels. Here is its history, its pools and the hikes from the hotel.
In 1846 a 14-year-old boy, Hans Utne, rowed across the fjord to Lofthus and opened a small guesthouse with room for two guests. Today Hotel Ullensvang still stands in the same spot on the Sørfjord, looking towards the Folgefonna glacier, with Hardanger’s fruit blossom right outside the window. Edvard Grieg was a regular, and his composer’s hut still stands in the garden.
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Short answer: Hotel Ullensvang
Where: In Lofthus on the Sørfjord in Hardanger.
History: Founded in 1846 and run by the Utne family for five generations.
Known for: Views over the fjord and Folgefonna, the spa and pools, and Grieg’s composer’s hut.
Nearby: Around 30 kilometres to Trolltunga and around 45 kilometres to Vøringsfossen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Ullensvang
The history
Hans Utne started with a small room above the steamship office. Over the years the house grew, and Ullensvang became one of the great fjord hotels, welcoming kings, emperors and artists. Edvard Grieg came here from the 1870s and found the peace to write music in the little hut in the garden, looking towards the glacier.
The pools and the garden
The Ullensvang Bath has pools both indoors and out, and a sauna with views over the fjord. The garden has its own beach on the fjord, and in summer you can borrow a rowing boat and swim in the fjord.
The pools by the fjord.
The fruit blossom
Lofthus lies in the heart of Norway’s largest fruit-growing district. From mid-May to mid-June apples, plums and cherries blossom all along the fjord, and that is when Hardanger is at its most beautiful. In autumn the fruit ripens, and many farms sell cider and juice directly.
Hikes from the hotel
Dronningstien (the Queen’s Trail): A steep and beautiful hike from Lofthus up onto the mountain, taking five to six hours.
Trolltunga: Around 30 kilometres away. Read our guide to Trolltunga.
Vøringsfossen: Around 45 kilometres away, on the road towards Hardangervidda.
Who is it for?
Hotel Ullensvang suits anyone who wants to stay on the fjord with plenty of space, good facilities and history in the walls. It is a large hotel, so expect a lively summer season. For something more intimate, there are smaller hotels further along the fjord.
Book your stay
The hotel is popular during the blossom in May and June and in the summer hiking season, so book early. Ask for a room with a fjord view. Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Ullensvang
Frequently asked questions about Hotel Ullensvang
Where is Hotel Ullensvang?
In Lofthus on the Sørfjord in Hardanger, around two and a half hours from Bergen.
Does Hotel Ullensvang have a pool?
Yes, both indoors and outdoors, as well as a sauna and its own beach on the fjord.
Is Hotel Ullensvang a good base for Trolltunga?
Yes, the hotel is around 30 kilometres from Trolltunga, so many use it as a base.