"You're going to disappoint the children. They expect a fat Santa." ~Mrs. Claus, Rudolph the Red…read moreNosed Reindeer When travelling close to Flåm, a restorative and quaint side tour for regular humans (or pit stop for fjamous men in red suits needing to fatten up before a worldwide tour) is a trip to Fjaerland by passengerboat. Fjaerland is a fjolksy village of about 300 people, sitting along the Sognefjord where it meets the Jostedahlsbreen glacier. The town, dubbed "Norway's Book Town", is known for its secondhand bookshops...some even set in old cow sheds and pigpens! If you haven't come for the books, you are likely there to see and experience the surrounding magical scenery by kayak or by hiking through the mountains or glaciers. Whether you've worked up your hunger by hiking, bumming around bookshops, or delivering presents, you'll eventually be fjamished for lunch. There is no fjiner choice than to dine at Fjaerland Fjordstove. Fjabulously situated overlooking the fjord and glacier, Fjordstove hotel and restaurant charms with its amazing setting and shabby chic décor. At the reception desk, we met the fjastinating and hospitable hotel owner, Bard Huseby, who promptly guided us to a seat outside on the wrap-around deck. We felt like we were sitting in the middle of a live postcard with unbelievable views in every direction! Bard was quick to make us feel at home and ensure that we swiftly had beer in our hands to help us cool down and relax. We had grown so fjond of Hansa beer that we all ordered it without a second thought. Unfortunately though, we all regretted that choice later once we found out that Bard makes his own craft beer, Fjaerlands Ale. Hansa glasses in hand, we considered ourselves very fjortunate to enjoy such a tranquil spot where time seemed to stand still. The scene almost fjelt fjictitious, but our hungry stomachs quickly brought us back to reality. While looking over the menu, we appreciatively noticed that the hotel procures its ingredients locally (beef will come from grass-fed cattle in fields close to the hotel), including the reindeer meat in the burgers we ordered. Let's hope none of that meat came from everyone's favorite reindeer, or there will be a lot of sad boys and girls (and adults) this Christmas! So what is reindeer meat like? Our burgers were very flavorful and juicy with no hint of reindeer game-iness or tinsel at all. There was a fjaint aftertaste of wrapping paper, but that quickly crumpled away. I wouldn't say the meat glowed, but it was very lean and tender--definitely a burger that would go down in history! Our lunch and the great views at Fjordstove were some of our fjavorites from our trip! Though we likely won't be back in the fjorseeable fjuture due to the remoteness of the village, you should definitely pop in for fjeast here if you are in the area. If you're lucky, maybe you'll get to peek at Santa's "Naughty or Nice" list!

Amazing dinner - way more inventive and delicious than anyone would expect to find out here in…read morebeautiful, remote Fjærland. Three course dinners are served here each evening with seasonal, local ingredients at 7:30 sharp. This charming hotel has a farmhouse feel overlooking the water and nearby glaciers, and the setting is intimate with about a dozen tables. We weren't guests at the hotel but we decided to make a reservation as this was a quick walk from where we were staying. It was a relaxed fine dining experience, definitely one of the best meals of our Norway trip and worth a detour if you are wandering the fjords. I would recommend making a reservation in advance using the contact number on their website, note the price for dinner was 550 kr per person as of Aug 2017. Tonight's menu was smoked fish to start with a lovely beetroot creme, a hearty plate of braised ox and cabbage, and finally a creative dessert of rhubarb topped with ice cream and a delightful sweet wafer. This was the type of food we hoped to enjoy in Norway!

We stayed a night at the Kviknes hotel in the "new" (in 1960) section with an eye popping view down…read morethe fjord. Because of the lack of king beds (queens only at this property) I decided to save a few bucks here and apply them to a splurge elsewhere. The motel-6 chic of the new section with tiny room , 2 cot-sized twin beds and balcony was perfectly fine for a one-night stay and to give us a bit of a rest from the 5-hours on the train from Oslo via Myrdal and Flam. As there is no AC, to cool the room one needs to leave the patio door open which was ok given the typically cool climate here. The room was in good shape and clean but very austere-more like a dorm room with older bath fixtures and small spaces. Don't expect the spa treatment here-just one all-purpose gel for body and hair and thin utilitarian towels. We also dined in the restaurant for dinner (there's not much else in "town") and were delighted with the 4-course, pre-fixed menu that include local foods and preparation. At $85/pp it was a bit pricey but hey-we saved on the room right? Because of the large size of the hotel you can expect to encounter so me large bus tour groups from china and elsewhere during your stay. A big plus is the hotels proximity to the dock where the ferry arrives-2min walk-and they have a bellman there to grab bags if you need help. I was a bit surprised when we arrived on the ferry (not a random occurrence) and made our way to the hotel along with 20 other guests, that we waited several minutes for any staff to appear to start the checkin process. Now, they did have all the keys ready so the process moved quickly.

"If I'm going to die of anything, it's going to be gluttony."…read more (Justin Timberlake) At the outbreak of WWI, frequent guest Kaiser Wilhelm II received his daily news from the comfort of the Kviknes Hotel, no doubt over some local beer and spirits. Lording majestically over Balestrand's harbor, the historic hotel was certainly fit for a king with its regal façade and stunning Sognefjord setting. In fact, throughout its history, the hotel has hosted many royals, celebs, emperors, and presidents. Book early to snag a room in the historic part of the hotel, rather than in the concrete addition. Wander throughout the building to feast your eyes on antiques, carved wooden furniture, and oil paintings, before feasting on dinner. ROCK THE BOAT: Most travel to town via bus or by the Norled express boat. The hotel is steps away from the ferry terminal. DINNER IS SERVED: One may eat at the Balholm Bar Bistro, or choose the famous smorgasbord, 4-course set menu, or order à la carte in the dining room. The dining room seats hundreds; reserve a table of two or more in the private attached room to avoid the chaos, and to enjoy window seats with views of the Sognefjord, as we did. I recommend trying the plum dessert wine or one of 300+ other available wines from the Bistro after dinner. BUT IT WILL COST YA: Approx. $75 US--this affords you the opportunity to sample various traditional dishes that you would otherwise miss out on. The only complaint we had was that some of the hot dishes were lukewarm. THE FIRST RULE OF FIGHT CLUB: Put on your Brad Pitt game face and prepare to battle a sea of rude, aggressive tour groups (other reviews have mentioned this as well). We attempted chess-like maneuvers to navigate the hostile food station area, but were checkmated by one particularly rude dude. He puffed his chest and threw his hands in the air for extra effect, challenging us for approaching the island in the opposite direction as him (plates were on both ends of the island). There were many of his species, so we dared not approach the buffet alone. Safety in numbers, people. THAT DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS LOOK: The buffet islands were beautiful and beckoning, displaying local traditional meats, such as lamb, juicy pork tenderloin, beef, reindeer, baked and smoked fish (including many types of salmon), and shell fish. We were able to try many types of fish we had never heard of before, and we agreed all were tasty and prepared perfectly, Not to be outdone by the meat stations, there were salad, hot dish, and bread choices aplenty, along with a charcuterie station with local sausages, cheeses, and deer pate. LET THERE BE CAKE: Leave room for dessert, friends. Share bites of your crème brûlée or chocolate mousse with your companions to experience as many of the endless delicious puddings, flans and cakes as possible. Overall the hotel could use quite a few updates, and the tour groups are insufferable, but a jaunt through the building at the very least is worthwhile (or stay and pig out like Timberlake)! 5 salmon fillets for the scenic setting and art collections 3.5- 4 salmon fillets for the buffet and service 0 salmon fillets for the rude buffet guy. May there be karmic buffet retribution in his future. "Life is a glorious banquet, a limitless and delicious buffet." (Maya Angelou)

This hotel is excellent. Think classy outdoors person who wants to enjoy proximity to amazing fjord…read moreviews without sacrificing quality of hospitality, interesting architecture, delicious food, and decor that suits this all perfectly. My partner and I attended a wedding weekend here, enjoyed the feast of a reception and morning buffet, rested well in the neat and comfortable rooms, and loved the balcony view.

Beautiful hotel nestled between the mountains, walking distance to the fjords. The scenery and…read morelocation is beyond awesome. The rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The decor is from times gone by and brings you back to the elegance of yesteryear. Plenty to explore in the hotel and surrounding areas. They have goats too! Extremely friendly and accommodating staff. Delicious breakfasts and dinners onsite.

We were staying nearby at the Storfjord Hotel (a sister property) but came here by boat for lunch -…read moreit was really fantastic - everything was fresh and flavorful, service was kind and attentive, portions were among the most generous we experienced on our visit to Norway. The setting was gorgeous (obviously) and our party of ten had a great time! Special thanks to Alexandra for providing my husband with a clean shirt after a dramatic soda / milk spill - above and beyond for sure!!!

Yes...this is the hotel that was used for many of the indoor scenes in the movie Ex Machina,…read moreand...yes...the location near Valldal, Norway is every bit as stunning and tranquil as you would expect. This hotel has been as carefully thought out as Swiss watch. The rooms (cabins really) are functional and austere in a way that is uniquely Scandinavian, and they've been integrated into the landscape in such a way that every room has a breathtaking view. Furniture is minimal but so comfy that a day spent with a good book, pausing for occasional glances at the mountains and river, is as pleasant as a hike up those same mountain sides. But beyond the impression you get from the movie and the photos, you'll also find an owner eager to make each guest's stay special, astoundingly good food (which you'll really appreciate if, like us, you stay at the Juvet during the off-season when not much else is open), the wonderful company of the other guests, and...well...Norway!

I thought the landscape around the Juvet hotel was stunning. The view from our room was so…read moremesmerizing. I do want to say the cleanliness of our room and our sons room was not great. Hair, dust and just not very clean. It needs vacuuming, dusting... just a thorough cleaning. When we arrived I noticed in a review to ask for a robe so you can put it on over your suit when you go to spa. We arrived late in afternoon and I asked for a robe. Did not get one. The man who met us when we arrived told us where we were staying and I was anxious to see rooms. After seeing rooms I went back and asked again for a robe and the man seemed a little impatient but gave me 2 robes (one for me and my husband). Went to spa ... cover on hot tub. The sauna (steam room) was not turned on. I did not see any switch to turn it on. My son went back to find the man who greeted us. He wasn't happy about having to come to spa (according to my son). The man went to an electrical room and got it to work. My husband took off cover of hot tub and there were dead insects floating on top of water. Our 2 sons joined my husband and myself for dinner. One of my sons had a business call in the U.S . to attend to. He was 10 minutes late to dinner. The man who greeted us when we arrived at Juvet pointed to his watch and tapped it when my son walked in. This did not make my son feel good. The 1st course had just then been placed on the table. My son ate very little and left. He felt like he had been scolded and was looking forward to a relaxing stay but thus far after the spa experience and now being scolded for being 10 min. Late spoiled any relaxation. Juvet is not an inexpensive place to stay. I expect a clean and nice room and if there is a hot tub and steam room that it is operating, clean and no effort on my part to look for someone to help so we can use it. I don't think I'll make the effort or spend my money to stay there again but the view was beautiful and view from room beautiful. It's too bad it isn't operated like it could be.

If you're taking the ferry, you MUST stop here! This is a lovely hotel with a spectacular view and…read morecharming service from the husband and wife (I'm assuming their the owners). The food is delicious, the setting is convenient. We literally watched the ferry come in and hopped the in the car to cross towards Bergen after lunch. No doubt, park and have a glass of wine while enjoying the fjords! What could be better?

From the owner: - 10 comfortable hotel rooms - day's meny…read more - a la carte restaurant with fjordview - beautiful terrace with fjordview - meeting facilities - free parking - free Wifi - catering - bicycle rental - activities in cooperation with Sogn Tours

So if you're looking to stay in Skei, your choices are pretty limited. Limited to this hotel or no…read morehotel. At least, in the off season, that is. I'm not Norwegian, but I've seen Thon Hotels around Norway, so I assume it's a chain. Pictures in this hotel would lead you to believe it's been there for a long time in some form or another. This current place is weird. It's an amalgamation of several different buildings of varying age. There's a pool, sauna (that didn't work), sun beds, hot tub (that didn't work), fitness room, indoor bowling alley (1 lane), conference rooms, and some other various amenities. Parts of the hotel were new and updated, some were obviously 30+ years old and in need of some care. Our room was simple, overlooking the lake. Very small, no outlets by the bed. No little bottles of shampoo or soap. Very basic. The worst part was that our bathroom was the worst designed bathroom I've ever seen. The whole room flooded when you shower. Water gets everywhere, even around the toilet. Yuck! The result of this is that the bathroom smelled horribly strong like a musty high school locker room. The smell permeated the whole room and never went away. It was disgusting. The dinner is also 390 NOK (about $40 USD) and that's your only choice except for eating at the Circle K cafe. We ate at the Circle K. Breakfast buffet was surprisingly good. Earned back a star.

I would classify this place as a luxury lodge. I stayed in the old farm house that has been…read moreconverted into a lodge and I really enjoyed it. Amenties are amazing. Wifi is not available in all rooms but if you stay in the main building or very close to old building side in farm house then you may have a bar or two. The owner sets up a beautiful breakfast feast every morning with plenty of cheese, juice, bread and fish. All rooms also have lotions, scrubs and creams made by her and they smell good! :) It is really quite here and the room is decorated in a real tasteful fashion. The hotel is more on the expensive side but i loved my stay here.