In the Spotlight: Fretheim Hotel, Norway
The Fretheim's cozy lobby, complete with a roaring fireplace, keeps guests warm and far from the wintry cold outside.
The Fretheim Hotel has long been a destination for tourists looking to explore Norway's natural wonders. In the late 19th century, English lords came to Flam and stayed at the farm of Christen Fretheim while they fished for salmon or hunted for nearby game. The farm soon developed into a hotel, and today it welcomes tourists who flock to Flam for fjord cruises, hiking, and in the winter, cross country skiing. The hotel's common spaces have charm to spare, with cozy fireplaces, lots of wooden accents, and quaint antique furniture. Rooms, however, are a mixed bag; 80 percent have basic mid-range decor, while the rest are higher-end. (American Wing Rooms are contemporary, while Historic Wing Rooms -- though lacking TVs for added authenticity -- are lovely.) The hotel makes the most of its unique, naturally beautiful location with soaring glass windows in the lobby and restaurant that frame the steep surrounding mountains. See more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now »
The historic property features plenty of quaint remains of its days as a farm, such as this smokehouse.
The library is a nice spot to relax after taking advantage of the many outings the hotel offers.
The historic rooms, such as Dalsbotten above, are arguably the most beautiful.
The historic rooms also feature romantic clawfoot bathtubs.
A glass wall in the lounge area allows guests a gorgeous glimpse of the surrounding countryside.