Walaker Hotell

Set on one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, Sognefjord, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Walaker Hotell is Norway's oldest established hotels and has incredible views and a rich history. Nine generations of family hospitality are evident in the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Here, you'll be greeted like family yourself, enjoy a blissful night’s sleep in the charming rooms, and dine on exquisite regional cuisine while enjoying the otherworldly surroundings.

The main hotel building has stood in its current form since 1934, and its rooms reflect its heritage, with a traditional design, bespoke, handcrafted antique furniture, plush velvet, exquisitely detailed wallpaper and vintage English-style bathrooms. In the Tingstova building, which dates back to 1630, the rooms are similarly elegant and traditional, share a pleasant veranda, and showcase views over the gardens and the fjord.

The newer annexe building, dating from the 1960s, lacks the history of the other two but is home to the hotel’s Superior Rooms, which are particularly luxurious, where you can wake up to mesmerising views of the lush gardens and the valley below., with the majestic fjords in the distance.

The hotel’s family-like atmosphere extends to dinnertime at the charming restaurant, where hearty breakfasts of freshly-baked breads and jams made from the hotel’s own gardens await.

A four-course menu of traditional Norwegian cuisine is served every evening, perfectly paired with excellent wines and fine-quality locally-sourced produce from farmers or small-scale producers. The local countryside is bountiful, as is reflected in the freshly-caught langoustines from the fjord, venison from the mountains, foraged berries, artisan farmhouse cheeses and countless other fresh, seasonal goodies that crop up on the menu.

The hotel has a charming garden, complete with cute tables and chairs, which is the perfect spot to spend leisurely afternoons in the sun. Don't miss the stunning art gallery Walaker 300 - a private three-storey art gallery showcasing carefully-curated works of art.

There is plenty to keep you busy during your stay here, from kayaking on the breathtaking fjords to leisurely hikes around the area.

The Naeroyfjord is simply beautiful. Take the ferry across the spectacular fjord and continue on to the Kaupanger Stave Church and the boat museum for a dose of history - and be sure to visit the 12th-century Urnes Stave Church, which is said to be the oldest stave church in the world. Or trek up to the Morkridsdalen Valley and onto the old farm on the mountain for more spectacular views of waterfalls and the fjord.

Bookworms should visit Norway’s most beautiful bookstore in Fjaerland, Book Town, where you can browse an astonishing 4km of bookshelves.