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Union Øye

Union Øye

The Norwegian fjords, Norway

You’ll find Union Øye — one Norway’s most storied hotels — nestled in a tiny, unassuming hamlet perched at the end of Norangfjorden. A grand dame built for the glitterati of the late 1800s, this hotel is ideal if you want to explore the fjords and Alps that surround it, following in the footsteps of emperors, poets, authors, and explorers.

A sprawling wooden manor house with playful gingerbread accents, the red-and-cream Union Øye carefully recreates the opulence of the 1890s, from the historic staff uniforms to the rooms’ eclectic decor. Each room is uniquely decorated with antique furniture, brocade and damask upholstery, and elaborate wallpaper. There are also a handful of modern-rustic suites in the garden farmhouses.

The three eateries also reflect the late 19th century. You might partake of small plates, cocktails, and snacks in the whimsical Palm Room, with its floral ottomans and crystal chandeliers. Or you can enjoy views of the gardens and Sunnmøre Alps while dining on a seasonal set menu in the elegant Conservatory. Finally, the Historic Dining Room offers locally inspired dishes prepared in the French style.

Take part in a long list of outdoor adventures on offer, from kayaking and hiking to cruising the fjords and enjoying a gourmet picnic on the mountainsides.

OUR OPINION:

This is our top choice for a luxurious stay amid the fjords. We love the period style and impeccable service, as well as the location — you’ll be able to explore Norangsfjorden in splendid solitude, joined only by other guests.

OUR RATING: First Class

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who's been there
Audley Travel Specialist Amandine

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Norway specialists

Rooms

Each of the rooms and suites in the main house are individually designed in a style that reflects the late 1800s with an eclectic twist. You’ll find delicate floral wallpapers, rich fabrics on the antique furniture, heavy drapes on the windows, and gleaming subway tiles in the bathrooms. Rooms come with a choice of mountain, garden, and fjord views.

For a more modern style, you can opt to stay in one of the newer suites, which are set in glass-roofed houses scattered around the gardens. The rustic-chic decor includes crisp white linens, wood and stone walls, claw-foot bathtubs, and roaring fireplaces.

Location

Nestled at the end of Norangsfjorden, Union Øye is in a tiny hamlet with just a handful of houses. It’s set amid some of Norway’s most impressive natural scenery, set in the valley of the fjord and cradled by the Sunnmøre Alps. It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Ålesund and just two hours from Geiranger.

Food and drink

  • The elegant Conservatory serves a set seasonal dinner menu.
  • The Historic Dining Room offers à la carte dining for lunch and dinner.
  • Small plates, light meals, and cocktails at the Palm Room.

Facilities and activities

  • Floating sauna on the fjord
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Cruising
  • Cycling
  • Helicopter sightseeing tour
  • Gourmet picnic
  • Snorkeling
  • Ice skating
  • Snow shoeing
  • Scenic drives
  • Storytelling

Accessibility

This historic nature of the hotel and the rugged terrain around it means that this may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues.

Tour ideas in The Norwegian fjords

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Union Øye as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Fjord safari & hike
      Village in Nærøyfjord

      Fjord safari & hike

      Fjord safari & hike

      Soak up the peaceful atmosphere and striking natural scenery of Norway’s fjordland on this privately guided tour. You’ll travel across two fjords by Zodiac boat, stopping on the way back for a hike to a traditional farm, where you’ll enjoy a homemade lunch.

      View details
    • Kayaking in the fjords
      Nærøyfjord

      Kayaking in the fjords

      Kayaking in the fjords

      Spend a morning or afternoon kayaking on the mirrored waters of Sognefjord, Norway’s largest and deepest fjord, with a private guide. You’ll also navigate a smaller branch of water for a quieter experience, spotting wildlife and waterfalls as you go.

      View details
    • Seven Sisters kayaking tour
      Kayaking from Balestrand

      Seven Sisters kayaking tour

      Seven Sisters kayaking tour

      There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Norwegian fjords from a kayak. On this private, guided tour, you can view Geirangerfjord’s celebrated Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls from a kayak, recommended by Audley specialists as part of your trip to Norway.

      View details

    The Norwegian fjords and nearby places