The hype
Guests are universally charmed by the gardens, the history, and the staff, often calling it the highlight of their Norway trip.
Walaker Hotel
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want to sleep in Norway's oldest family-run hotel (since 1640) and eat a 4-course dinner right on the edge of the Sognefjord.
Why People Love It
- The 380-year-old history managed by the 9th generation of the Nitter Walaker family
- The legendary 4-course set dinner served at 19:30 sharp with fjord views
- Direct access to the ferry for the UNESCO Urnes Stave Church
Quick Take: It's a bucket-list historic stay that feels more like visiting a wealthy Norwegian aunt's estate than a modern hotel—creaky floors and all.
Reviewed by @marlenejaas: I spent the most wholesome weekend here with my girls. From freezing fjord dips to cozy 3-course dinners, this place is magic. The history makes it feel so special, and the staff treated us like family. Definitely hike Molden while you're there!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some travelers feel the rooms are 'simple and basic' (no fridge/kettle) given the high price point, and the drinks menu is expensive.
- You appreciate antique furniture and creaky floorboards over modern sleekness
- You are a foodie who plans their day around a long, slow dinner
- You want a romantic, quiet base for hiking Molden or visiting Urnes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.6
- Housekeeping: Impeccable daily service; guests consistently rate it near-perfect.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless, though fixtures in historic rooms are vintage (clean grout, but old pipes).
- Maintenance: Excellent preservation of 300+ year old structures, though expect creaks and quirks.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens; towels are fluffy.
- Odors & scents: Fresh garden air mixed with old timber/wood smoke; no mustiness reported in rooms.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Creaky floorboards from guests above
- Voices from the garden/terrace in summer evenings
Before you book
Good to know
- Dinner is a fixed seating at 19:30; reservations are effectively mandatory in high season.
- The hotel has an art gallery (Galleri Walaker 300) in the old barn.
- There is no elevator in the historic buildings.
What to pack
- Smart casual outfit for dinner (guests tend to dress up slightly)
- Swimsuit for a plunge in the fjord (towels provided)
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper in the historic wing
Room Genie
Best picks
- Room 23 (Main Building) for the classic 'best historic' experience with fjord views
- Corner rooms in the Main Building for dual-aspect garden/water views
Rooms to avoid
- Annex rooms if you want the full historic charm (they are 1960s style, though more spacious)
- Rooms directly above the dining room if you go to bed before 10pm
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking to experience the history—please assign a room in the Main Building or Tingstova with a fjord view. If soundproofing is an issue, a top-floor room would be preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is dinner included in the room rate?
Not always, but they offer 'half board' packages. If booked separately, the 4-course menu is approx. NOK 900-1200 per person.
Do the rooms have private bathrooms?
Yes, all rooms have private bathrooms, though historic ones can be small and retro (clawfoot tubs, separate taps).
Is there air conditioning?
No. The historic buildings rely on fresh fjord air. Fans are available.
How do I get to the Urnes Stave Church?
The ferry departs from the quay literally right outside the hotel garden. It takes 15-20 minutes.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are generally not allowed.
Is there a lift/elevator?
No, you will need to carry luggage up stairs in the historic buildings.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Don't miss the complimentary afternoon waffles (usually around 4pm) in the garden—guests rave about them.
- ✨
Ask for a tour of the 'Tingstova' building (dating to 1630s) if it's not occupied.
- ✨
Buy the homemade apple juice or jam at breakfast to take home; it's made from the hotel's own garden.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Annex' building (1964) looks like a motel from the outside but has the largest, most practical rooms.
💡You can hear the ferry horn from your room during the day (it's charming, but audible).
💡The 'Gallery' building smells faintly of its past life as a barn (in an atmospheric way).
💡Lunch options in Solvorn are extremely limited; plan to eat elsewhere or grab a simple snack at the cafe.
💡The wifi signal struggles to penetrate the thick timber walls of the 1640s building.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Walaker Hotel is located and what's nearby.