Fretheim Hotel

Hotel · Vestland ·

Fretheim Hotel

Hotel · Vestland ·

Historic hotel with fjord views, modern & vintage rooms, great dining

Information

Nedre Fretheim, 5743 Flåm, Norway Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

We Took a Magical Family Trip to Norway During the Winter—How to Visit

"A hotel in Flåm that combines old and new architecture and offers impressive views of surrounding hills and fjords; the author recommends its dinner buffet as a satisfying option after a day of hiking." - Akash Kapur

https://www.travelandleisure.com/family-winter-vacation-norway-8746337

Fretheim Hotel

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Overnight in the Norwegian Fjords? Yes! This really doesn't look like the kind of place where one would want to spend more than a few minutes in transit. Not because it is shady or unsafe - quite the contrary. But because it's so small, and virtually empty. Not a soul in sight except for the odd car passing through and the train station employee, a few buildings spread around the harbor, and that's about it. Flåm isn't a city, nor is it a village, really. It just is. Forget about nightlife, high-end restaurants or shocking museum exhibitions. In Flåm, nature is the star of the show. Where the air is crisp, and fresh, and invigorating, where the two restaurants are proud to serve local specialties like elk and beer, where the mute spectacle is on from dusk 'til dawn, and where the only noise you'll be hearing is your own voice saying 'wow' at every turn (not that there are that many turns, mind you - it is a small place). The Fretheim Hotel is surrounded by the grandiose fjords, the many waterfalls and cute, wild Norwegian horses. You don't even have to be a nature-lover to fully appreciate the striking beauty of Flåm. In terms of amenities, the hotel is ultra-modern and cabin-chic, with the latest technology and decor. And the large lobby area makes for a perfect fjord-gazing, tea-sipping afternoon. Trust me when I say that my trip to Norway would not have been the same without these crucial hours in Flåm - stop sightseeing for a minute, sit back, and enjoy the show. Quite literally."

10 Days in Norway: Summer

Fretheim Hotel

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Unique Stays in Norway

Fretheim Hotel

Zatarie H.

Google

Hotel was amazing, comfortable and full of history. Really beautiful hotel, 5 mins walk alway from the fjord cruise. Breakfast was amazing. Would definitely stay here again in the future. Heater couldn’t be adjusted manually as it is linked to the hotel central system.

Lynne

Google

We were here in February, so enjoyed the peace of no cruise ships. Comfortable room, warm bathroom and pleasant lounge spaces. There’s a lovely observatory at the top of all the wooden stairs, would be stunning on a clear night for star gazing. Good breakfast with attentive staff.

JnVSydney

Google

We spent two wonderful nights in Flam and stayed at the historic Fretheim Hotel. What a wonderful choice! We experienced 100% hospitality at this establishment. We contacted the hotel prior to our visit to confirm our arrival (hello Kacper!) and from that moment every interaction was positive. The lovely Kateryna on reception - always friendly, welcoming and so helpful. The gentlemen Diego and Marco at breakfast were so welcoming and friendly. Our room was one of the historic rooms with a view of the fjord and it was magical to see the twinkling Christmas lights just out our window. The claw foot bath tub was fabulous and we loved the feature picture as part of the room. The toiletries were very Nowegian/botanical and felt luxurious. The hotel had me from ‘hello’ - the room was not ridiculously overheated, the heater was actually adjustable and there was a light to moderate weight quilt on the very large and very comfortable bed - instead of these massive, thick arctic grade quilts that so many hotels use (and it’s impossible to cool a room down to enjoy it). I will repeat it as we love comfortable beds and they turn up increasingly rarely - this was a very comfortable bed! Everything about this stay was great - the staff, the room, the breakfast and the location - a very, very short stroll from the station. Highly recommend. (also thanks and hello to the two people who’s names I did not catch but nevertheless also did a great job - the woman with red hair on reception and the blonde woman at breakfast on our second morning.)

644shazs

Google

Fantastic village and historical hotel.|Older style rooms, no bar fridge but comfortable beds and warm.|Discovered the spiral stairs go right to the top lookout level which has a glass ceiling. Great for star gazing and keeping warm at the same time. Loved Flam.

mykeclanduncan

Google

A one night stay after a day on two trains, it was so quiet. Our room was quiet, and clean. The bed was so comfortable, and it was dark with very few lights outside. Staff were very friendly and accommodating, and breakfast was superb with so much choice. If you don't eat here then we'd heartily recommend the Aegir Microbrewery bar and restaurant just into the village.

LPM1471

Google

Situated at the end of a fjord, what could be more beautiful. An exquisite hotel full of charm, warmth and character. We ate at the restaurant which didn’t disappoint although the first try of brown cheese was something most odd and not to my taste, a Norwegian delicacy so for some I’m sure it’s delightful. Our room waste quaint and elegant, my only disappointment was that we weren’t staying for longer. Would return in a heartbeat.

Gesmi2017

Google

We had two nights at the hotel. It was somewhat disappointing. Although we were a couple (older) we were placed in a family room. This was not the hotel’s fault but the tour company’s. However we were not able to be relocated. The room was on the top floor at the extreme end of the corridor. We rearranged the bed into two singles and were provided with the necessary sheets. The hotel is old, so no phone or safe. We did appreciate the extra space in the room, even though we didn’t have a family. The breakfast was average. To be fair,the staff were very good in their attempts to hlep us.

Trip.com M.

Google

Fretheim Hotel has a fantastic location right by the fjord and a charming, historic building full of character. The atmosphere is lovely, but the rooms feel quite old-fashioned and could use some renovation. Overall, a decent stay in a beautiful setting.

Alan L.

Yelp

Very nice hotel in Flam! The hotel has the most rooms in the area so probably won't have too much trouble finding a room, and it's situated very close to the train station The breakfast that is included is absolutely delicious. Probably the best selection of all the hotels we stayed at in Norway, as it has the typical scrambled eggs bacon sausage and all that, but also a wide selection of Norwegian favorites, include smoked salmon, trout, and meats. Their smoothie was also very delicious! You also overlook the fjord from the dining area which is a big plus in the morning Though the common areas were nicely furnished and renovated, the rooms were on the older side. Still clean and functional though, but don't expect top of the line quality. One thing about the doors is that when you close them, the room door only auto locks after a set period of time. You can manually lock it by scanning the key card outside as well. Took us a bit to figure out.

Erika J.

Yelp

I wish there were the words to explain this majestic location but I will do my best! The service is fantastic and I love when they have availability to store luggage behorehand. It is central to all the activities you can take part in and in front of bike rental. The breakfast was truly organized and set with love and hardwork. There is many areas to sit and lounge along with a bar. There was a gym too for crazy people like me! It's a must see and stay!

Michael K.

Yelp

My wife, daughter and I had a pleasant overnight stay here at the Fretheim. The room had some shortcomings but the restaurant was nice. It is an imposing large white building that can't be missed when leaving the train station. Checkin was quick and easy and the staff friendly. Our family room had two twin beds put together and a set of bunk beds. The beds were soft and comfortable with plenty of pillows. There was a desk, small wardrobe, sitting chair and shelves for suitcases. The bathroom had a heated floor and a mediocre shower at best. It was impossible to set a consistent water temperature and water pressure was low. No washcloths were provided either. We enjoyed a Christmas holiday buffet for dinner in their restaurant and also had the included breakfast there in the morning. There are commanding views of the fjord out the restaurant windows and I suppose rooms facing the front of the hotel as well. The staff working here were very helpful and friendly our entire visit. They also spoke English which made everything easy.

Ed U.

Yelp

It's not the only hotel in Flåm - but its prominent front-and-center location off the marina makes it feel like the only accommodation in town (photo: https://bit.ly/3TdY8nf). Originally built in the 19th century and lusciously landscaped, it looks like a huge Swiss chalet with modern add-ons. When Jamie W. and I disembarked from our Future of the Fjords boat (review: https://bit.ly/3AN0aU6), we made a beeline to the hotel as did half the tourist passengers. However, the front desk staff was ready and handled the incoming flux with aplomb. Apparently the hotel divides into traditional and contemporary sections. Our Superior Twin room was definitely vintage with old-fashioned Victorian-style furniture and even a clawfoot tub (photo: https://bit.ly/3RDIjVH). It was comfortable in that gauzy "Somewhere in Time" way where the appearance of a modern penny separated Jane Seymour from Christopher Reeve until the fade-out. You didn't see it? That's too bad because the Fretheim looks a bit like the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the setting of that movie. But I digress. We didn't have dinner at the hotel, but the breakfast buffet was one of the better ones on our vacation with their freshly made crepes a particular draw (photo: https://bit.ly/3QS1Lh9). Our room currently goes for $260 per night, although we're not sure what we paid since it was part of our vacation package. RELATED - Exploring Norway? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3PEL4Fe

Amelia M.

Yelp

Comfortable and would stay here again (as there isn't much choice). It's well located and there really are only 3 lodging options in Flam. Our guide book didn't even mention this hotel. It's definitely been here awhile but it's been updated. It was a comfortable room and we were very pleased that there was a family room option (with a bunkbed). Most of Europe does not allow 4 to a room so you end up with 2 rooms but if you do get a family room, the kids are on a sofabed or you're sharing 2 queen/full beds. Note that the bottom bunk has low clearance so be careful. Complimentary breakfast was HUGE with every variety of Norweigan food.

Chelsea V.

Yelp

Considering there aren't many hotels in this small town, this option was great. This renovated hotel is old but charming. It has beautiful views of the fjord and the small town. The rooms are on the smaller side and a tad pricy, but they are still modern and comfortable. Martin at the front desk was such a great host. He informed us on all of the history of the hotel and suggested places for us to go. If you have a chance to visit the renovated side of the hotel, I definitely would. It's historic charm is definitely worth the stay.

Joe B.

Yelp

Definitely the nicest hotel in town. Go to the restaurant on the West end of the hotel. Cheaper, better menu, casual, good food. So here's the deal - there are really only three spots for dinner in Flåm. The pub near the cruise ship and the restaurant adjacent to the East are the same ownership and same menu. There was a wait when we arrived, and the menu only had a couple appealing options, so we moved on. The Hotel Fretheim has two restaurants, but with two different menus. The one closer to the train (west) is cheaper, casual, and great food. Unfortunately this one is also awkwardly empty, and it's very uncomfortable to find a waitress, get a menu, find a table. Also, the tables are all for 4-10 people, so going in with only 2 people feels awkward. Nonetheless, I would still say this restaurant is the best option in the town. The Hotel Fretheim also serves a free breakfast for guests, and you can prepare a lunch box for 45 kroner.

Kellyn P.

Yelp

I loved this place! Beautiful hotel! The view from the restaurant was wonderful. Staff was very friendly and helpful. They even made me a special vegan dinner that was delicious! Our room opened up to a lovely hillside with a trail that lead up to some more fantastic views. I will definitely try to come back here one day!

Alison M.

Yelp

This expensive, touristy hotel in Flam really isn't worth the price, but seeing how its on the Nutshell tour they do great business. We had a pretty large room, a comfy bed and a balcony onto the fjord. The view from the balcony was pretty good, but unfortunately a lot of the view was blocked by tour buses and cruise ships. Breakfast was ample, but wasn't the best or tastiest I've ever had. Breakfast was also very crowded, but they did a good job refilling everything. This was the only hotel we stayed at in Norway that didn't have complimentary coffee. Wifi didn't work in our room.

Jon F.

Yelp

The highlight of this hotel is the three story, floor-to-ceiling glass open atrium embracing a lobby, lobby bar, business center, fireplace, restaurant and ballroom. If multiple masters have decided to play competing sound systems in it, don't be shy about asking for just one strong leader, in keeping with the Viking laws. Needs a little electrical maintenance.

Vadim P.

Yelp

Quaint comfortable hotel, we got a suite as we were traveling with two kids. Suite is spacious and well furnished, has large windows, a balcony, and great view. The restaurant in hotel is excellent, as is the service. You will be torn between the buffet and a la cart. Our only disappointment we weren't able to stay and explore longer. Enjoy!

Tara H.

Yelp

Do NOT stay at this hotel! Tourist trap, terrible rooms for very expensive price per night, very limited choices for eating and the shower/bathroom was unsafe and a safety hazard. The shower had a hot and cold lever that was impossible to balance to get a safe temperature. It took 10 minutes messing with the water before I could get the temperature at a safe degree. The room just had a bath tub/shower combo which got the entire bathroom wet which I almost slipped and fell several times. Booked a room for 300 dollars a night that was advertised as having a fjord view, but when we arrived we were placed in the historical section of the hotel and the view was of the patio outside the hotel, which we couldn't see the fjord at all! The only positive about this hotel was that the buffet breakfast was decent. Save your money and don't stay in flam at all, it isn't worth it, and if you do, definitely choose another hotel.