Lodging: Hotel Union Øye
This hotel is so cool! It dates from 1891 but was recently totally remodeled. There are lots of cozy common areas to hang out in (including a library), and each room is named for a famous guest. It’s pricey, but definitely worth it.
Eats:
We had dinner and breakfast at the restaurant in our hotel, you can eat lunch or dinner there even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.
Activities:
We didn’t do any! We just spent our time enjoying the hotel, but there are plenty of opportunities for biking, kayaking, etc. in the area.
The main event for us in Norangsfjorden was the historic Hotel Union Øye. This hotel is one of the most renowned in Norway and for good reason! According to their website, “It has been a place where visitors come to savor the good life and the tranquility in magnificent surroundings since 1891.”
Our destination
We took a bit of a detour on the way there, stopping in Alesund, which seemed like a cute (if slightly touristy) town, but it was a Sunday, so everything was closed.
Some quick touristing in Alesund
Unfortunately, on the route from Alesund to Norangsfjorden, Google Maps directed us to a ferry route that does not exist. If you are planning your own trip, be advised that there is no Leknes-Standal ferry.
Due to the ferry mishap, we arrived to Hotel Union Øye a bit later than expected, but managed to make the most of our time at the hotel, exploring and enjoying its many sitting areas :) Staying in this hotel felt like the opportunity to hang out in a museum (but like in a fun way). Each room is named after a famous guest, we were in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (of Sherlock Holmes fame) room. There is also a beautiful bar, and a cozy library.
My reading spot!
Lovely spot for a cocktail
Taking notes for the blog!
We also enjoyed an elegant 3-course dinner in the restaurant; it was a bit more refined than the other hotel restaurants we dined in, and everything was delicious.
My handsome dinner date
If I could change anything about our trip, I would have stayed two nights here- it was such a magical hotel, and there are many activities in the area that we just didn’t have time to fit in (guess we’ll have to return!)