Finse 1222

Large expensive hotel with an interesting history in a stunning location on the Hardangervidda. Only accessible by train and located below the glacier in a stunning location. The area is much used by ski tourers and adventure enthusiasts in winter and walkers and fishermen/ wonen and travellers staying in mountains in summer. Also the hotel has strong links with polar exploration and Star Wars! Good for views and coffee and think it’s restarted ski hire!

The location of this hotel, lakeside with a glacier in view, is second to none. The rooms are clean and comfortable - functional rather than luxurious but don’t let that put you off. The breakfasts are generous and tasty: the cost includes making packed lunch- essential as the hotel is remote from alternative eating options. Evening meals are well-prepared, sometimes with a choice of main meal from memory but consistently delicious and filling.

Very special mountain lodge with just jawdropping views. We rode the Rallarvegen for two days and stayed here between rides. Dinner was amazing, breakfast was amazing, and we were encouraged to pack up a lunch from the extensive breakfast buffet. Deck seating and drinks were perfect. Rooms very nice, not frilly but large and comfortable. We were so happy every second!

We weren’t residents of the hotel, we called only for lunch, so perhaps didn’t capture the potential magic of the place. It is quite unique, reachable only by train, bike or foot, & located directly on the platform, 1222 metres above sea level. Built in the early 1900’s as part of the Bergen Railway, it has a nostalgic, lost in time feel as you step off the train, one of just 4 services a day (& these are highly vulnerable to cancellation & long, long delays in winter). The hotel has been recently renovated & the website shows glossy restaurant photos so it was a bit disappointing that in reality our lunch experience was comparable to a local authority cafeteria, the offer some serve-yourself-soup, wrapped sandwiches & the odd cake. Pleasant staff were on hand to serve drinks but there was no table service, indeed signs instructed you to return your own used plates, glasses etc to a stack-trolley. Whilst appreciative of the costs of servicing such a remote location, the meal was poor value. The views are terrific but there wasn’t a lot of atmosphere during our visit.

It was great to return to this special hotel - the first time I have visited without snow, but equally beautiful! The food was exceptional as were all the staff - all were really polite, friendly and really helpful. A big ‘Thankyou’ to all, but especially S(h)usma and ‘Viking’. Looking forward to a longer stay in the coming winter!