Traditional Norwegian farmstead turned cozy rural hotel with rich heritage
Røisheim / Lom / Innlandet / Norway
Norway is a fascinating country. It is almost a bit contradictory in itself. It is a very progressive country when it comes to diverse areas such as architecture, innovation and equality but at the same time it is a country so deeply rooted in history where traditions really matter. For example if you come here during the 17th of May, the national day you will see how almost all people are wearing traditional Norwegian bunad, folk costume. So I guess it is only fitting that there are plenty of hotels scattered across the country with very traditional look and feel. And if this is your thing, I can warmly recommend Røisheim.
The hotel is located in the narrow Bøver Valley close to Galdhøpiggen, the tallest mountain in Norway, along the road that is the main connection between Lom and Sogn. There has been a farm on this site dating back to the Viking era, but then it was actually located on the opposite side of the river. It was eventually moved to the current site in the 18th century and since 1858 it has been a skystasjon, an inn where people could stop for something to eat and to sleep on their way over the mountain pass.
Today Røisheim is a hotel consisting of 14 different buildings where these different farm houses have been transformed to hotel rooms. Actually, it is only the inside of the old farm buildings that have been changed, on the outside they look like they have always done.
The hotel is run by couple Kjetil and Lise, who have years and years of experience from hospitality that is being put to good use here. They know how to give great service. The food is amazing! And not to forget, the freshly baked buns for breakfast thanks to Kjetil’s baker background. I think it is great to see both of them around the hotel, during check in, at dinner, in the kitchen, during breakfast and check out. It makes the hotel feel personable and warm.
The design of our room was very traditional with walls made up of thick wooden beams, a massive four poster bed, traditional light fixtures and wooden bath tub. There is no TV or radio but there is wifi. Once again, Norway bringing you contrasting perspectives and I must say I am a fan.
Welcome to Røisheim! How idyllic is this entrance!?
The main building of the hotel is an classic Norwegian farmhouse with timber walls and grass ceiling.
The different buildings are surrounding a central courtyard where you can sit outside for something to eat if the weather permits.
These old farm buildings are so beautiful. It is crazy to think there are “normal” hotel rooms behind those walls.
This is the house where our room was situated.
An entrance fit for a hobbit. I don’t know how many times I bumped my head in the door frame…
I mean, just look at this bed and the cozy interior. I had to stop myself from not going straight to bed and finish my day.
Modernized vintage oil lamps, now with electricity.
M is taking a bath in the tall wooden bathtub. Love that you have to use a ladder to get into the bath.
The bathroom is busy. This old locking devise in our bathroom feels like it has been around for some time.
Our room only had these small windows which made it extra dark and cozy.
M is still inside sleeping with the window open while I am skulking around the farm taking photos in the morning light.
A new day is starting at Røisheim. These are the kind of photos you can snap when you get out of bed early. You can see in the photo how the grass is covered in dew.
In the restaurant is in the main building and is made up of mismatching vintage furniture.
From Røisheim we travelled north, heading towards the famous Trollstigen and our GPS took us along these amazing dirt roads where it was more or less only us, some cows and sheep.
The scenery when driving through Norway is almost too stunning.
But before you leave Lom, it is almost mandatory to stop at Bakeriet i Lom for a fika and to stock up on some treats for the drive.
M and I decided to go for it and do a sample of their bestsellers. Trust me when I say that they were just as good as they look.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are someone that loves the countryside, who is always looking to escape the city to more rural settings where there are fewer people and much more space. If you like your hotels to have a long and rich history then this could really be your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is that the owners Lise and Kjetil are on site more or less all the time, at reception, in the kitchen, at breakfast… They are using their extensive experience from hospitality to make sure us guests are having the best stay ever. In my experience there are few people that give as good service as the people who owns a hotel since it is their own business, their passion and their income. Kjetil and Lise are setting the service bar really high. And also know how to cook excellent food. And bake excellent buns.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to stop by Bakeriet i Lom, the local bakery. Their buns and bread are famous throughout Norway. And when in Norway you kind of have to go for a hike or some cross country skiing. Gå på tur, go on tour, is the favorite pastime of the Norwegians and is more or less mandatory when in Norway. Remember to bring some chocolate. That is also the law.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Herangtunet, Valdres, Oppdal, Norway
Borgo Eibn, Sauris di Sotto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Mühltalhof, Unternberg, Oberösterreich, Austria
