Union Hotel, Øya

In the village of Øye between the fjord of Hjørundsfjorden and Norangsdalen Valley, you will find one of the most distinct hotels in all of Europe. It opened in 1891 to cater to the crème-de-la-crème of European society. Over the years, it hosted Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, King Oscar II, and authors Karen Blixen, Knut Hamsun and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; the composer Edvard Grieg, playwright Henrik Ibsen and the explorer Roald Amundsen, to mention but a few.

In 1989 the hotel was restored to its former glory after years of neglect and is now one of the world’s most unique hotels. Every guestroom is different and named after a famous guest that once stayed there. There are no phones, TVs, or radios to distract you from enjoying the historic opulence of your surroundings.

If there is one place to treat yourself in Norway, then I recommend this hotel. Price start at around 3000 NOK for a room, and it’s the perfect place to stay before heading down Norway’s greatest valley, Norangdalen. There are great hikes around the hotel, and you can book kayaking on the fjord or a tour with a guide from the hotel.

There are few places on the planet this unique, and if you come to Norway to cycle, what better way to reward your hard work than with a night stepping back in time where the presence of past kings, queens, and the odd ghost will keep you company!

You can reach the hotel from Ålesund or Geiranger following these routes.

Short Loop from Ålesund:

Longer Loop:

Cycle Route 3 (Stage 3):

Cycle Norway popped into the hotel when we cycled past in May. See our little tour and hear from manager Katrina as she introduces Linda, the residential ghost!