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.
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Photos of Union Øye
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![Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye]()
Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye -
![Grounds, Hotel Union Øye]()
Grounds, Hotel Union Øye -
![Conservatory, Hotel Union Øye]()
Conservatory, Hotel Union Øye -
![Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye]()
Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye -
![Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye]()
Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye -
![Lounge, Hotel Union Øye]()
Lounge, Hotel Union Øye -
![Library, Hotel Union Øye]()
Library, Hotel Union Øye -
![Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye]()
Bedroom, Hotel Union Øye -
![Exterior, Hotel Union Øye]()
Exterior, Hotel Union Øye
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.
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.
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![Bestebakken at night]()
Bestebakken Hotel
Norwegian fjords -
![Flåmsbrygga Hotel]()
Flåmsbrygga Hotel
Norwegian fjords -
![Hotel Alexandra exterior]()
Hotel Alexandra
Norwegian fjords -
![Hotel Ullensvang]()
Hotel Ullensvang
Norwegian fjords
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.
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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
- Bergen 213 kilometers away
- Stavanger 363 kilometers away
- Oslo 336 kilometers away
- Ålesund 41 kilometers away
- The Lofoten Islands 745 kilometers away
- Tromsø 997 kilometers away
- Northern Norway 1070 kilometers away