29/2 Aurland

The farm has been in the family for generations, and owner Bjorn and his family give the hotel a friendly atmosphere and are committed to its eco-friendly ethos. The scenery around the hotel is stunning, made of mountains, fields and the majestic fjords for which this region is famous.

Rooms and suites are divided between the Riverside Farm Lodge, the new Goat Barn, and the standalone Svansborg Cabin. All have been designed to be luxurious while remaining traditional in style, with local wood walls and floors and a mixture of new and antique furnishings. Nowhere is this more evident than the Goat Barn, where an 18^th-century cog-jointed smokehouse meets a tower newly built from recycled windows from houses that owner Bjorn has renovated.

Food is served in the estate-s old smoke house, which has been restored into a homely dining lounge with large windows overlooking the farm. Breakfast is accordingly hearty, with eggs, bacon and freshly pressed coffee alongside fresh fruits and locally produced meats and cheeses. The smoke house is also an inviting place to warm up with a bowl of soup after a day breathing in the mountain air, or to relax with a glass of wine in the evening.

The Riverside Lodge, Goat Barn and Svansborg Cabin each have an outside hot tub, and there is also a sauna on site. You can also relax in the communal fireplace lounge, a cosy spot to unwind with a drink, meet other guests and exchange stories and tips about exploring the fjords and the surrounding countryside.

Guided outdoor excursions include bike trips down the renowned Rallarvegen cycle trail, the six-hour Aurlandsdalen trek, and a trip to the Stegastein lookout, which boasts sweeping views over the fjords. It’s the fjords themselves, of course, which are the main attraction here, and kayak or traditional Oselver row boat trips on the Sognefjord, the most famous in the world, are an unforgettable experience. In winter and spring, cross country fjord skiing is also available.