A Norwegian farm with rich heritage turned into cozy boutique hotel in rural Valdres
Hotel Herangtunet / Heggenes / Innlandet / Norway
The Valdres Region in Norway is one of the most stunning and popular areas to visit in Norway. The nature here is outstanding during all seasons of the year. It is here, surrounded by majestic pine trees where you’ll find Herangtunet Boutique Hotel.
It is funny, this hotel at first glance looks like the most traditional, Norwegian hotel ever. And on the outside, it is just that. But the inside is something totally different where a lot of joy and creativity has gone into creating what looks more like an urban boutique hotel. And I must admit that I love myself a good design contrast.
The reason for why this design clash has happened is most likely due to the fact that the creators aren’t Norwegian. Not that Norwegians can’t design, but I think this kind of setting would evoke some kind of national romanticism in Ola Norman (Norwegian version of John Smith) and force him to create some kind of design that was an ode to the motherland.
Herangtunet was created and is owned by Dutch couple, Marco and Marie José (Sadly Marie José passed away a couple of years ago and today the hotel is run by Marco and their son, Balder.) They left their lives in Amsterdam behind for the Norwegian countryside and in 2007 they bought the Herangtunet farm and turned it into one of the most unique hotels in Norway.
The hotel consists of 4 separate buildings containing 4 suites, 5 double rooms and one apartment, each one inspired by a city or a country where elements and features from that location has been the design inspiration for that particular room. But with this said, this isn’t a place where you spend too much time indoors. This is an outdoorsy region and Herangtunet is a perfect starting point to explore the Valdres Region. So go hike, ski, bike or whatever you fancy and when you return to the hotel, total tranquility and great food will be waiting for you.
Welcome to Hotel Herangtunet!
I found my favorite place immediately upon arrival. This little bench, right outside the main building.
I love these old farm buildings with their a rich heritage.
The lounge/bar area, nestled between the restaurant and the reception.
We stayed in the Swedish room (I know, we are so patriotic and pathetic). The design theme were mainly blues and whites and which gave the room a bright and soft look.
The room felt very snug and warm, albeit the generous use of white. Love how the view from the bed was more or less only the tall, swaying pine trees.
The Swedish interior felt like an homage to artist and national icon Carl Larsson.
I appreciate how the keychain is a nod to the Dutch owners of Herangtunet and their heritage.
This is where we ended up in the evening, with a glass of wine and a book.
The bathroom had the same color scheme like the room with blues and whites.
Love these colorful floor tiles in our bathroom. Especially against my bright yellow sneakers.
This was my favorite time of day, to lay in bed in the morning with the windows open, feeling the fresh mountain air and listening to the sounds of the forest.
Beautiful, traditional slate roof.
A perfect place to sit and reflect on all things important. Or unimportant.
The forest surrounding the hotel. No words needed.
The spa bath and sauna is located in a separate cottage behind the hotel.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the area. And you know the drill, leave a stone on one of these piles and you know you will come back.
This is one of the most visited places in Norway, Lake Gjende and the famous Besseggen hiking trail.
M is hiking the trail towards the top and has stopped for a quick break to take in the view.
And after the hike, M decide to go for a dip in the 6 (!!!) degree water.
Everywhere you turn you are taken aback with how stunning this country is.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…love hotels with an old exterior and a surprising, contemporary interior. If you love to stay in the country side with stunning natural scenery and tranquility, this could be your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the contrast between what you experience on the outside compared to the inside. When you arrive, this looks like any Norwegian traditional farm turned hotel but when you enter the buildings it is like you are transported somewhere else. In our case (since we chose the Swedish Room. I know, how sad is that) it was home to Sweden.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to book the sauna/outdoor bath. Such a treat to sit in the bath, listening to the rustling of the trees, enjoying the calm and quiet together with the husband.
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