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Vatnahalsen Hotel exterior in summer
Vatnahalsen and the surroundings seen from above in summer
Flåmsbana running through a winter landscape with a frozen lake and snow-covered mountains. There is sunlight on the peaks beneath a clear blue sky.
Green and purple northern lights above snowy mountain tops.

Vatnahalsen Hotel

In the heartland of Norwegian natural and cultural heritage. Since 1896, Vatnahalsen has been a popular destination for Norwegians and Europeans in search of a mountain sanctuary. Vatnahalsen is an all-year destination offering a charming atmosphere, a comfortable bed, a hearty meal and a hospitable host.

Book now! From NOK 2190,-

Double room at Vatnahalsen Hotel

The rooms

Vatnahalsen has 40 rooms, including 7 single rooms, with a total of 75 beds in the main building. The rooms are bright and cozy with views of the surrounding nature. Most double rooms can accommodate extra beds and from June–September we also offer extra rooms in the annex, which is approximately 150 metres from the hotel.

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Best time to go

Jan
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Train
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From NOK 2190,-

A refreshing time capsule

Seating group by a fire place at Vatnahalsen Hotel

1896

Vatnahalsen was originally built in 1896 as a sanatorium but was never used for its intended purpose. Instead, it became popular as a hotel because of the Bergen Line. After the Bergen Line was opened in 1909, and particularly after the Flåm Railway was connected to the Bergen Line in 1940, Vatnahalsen became a great winter destination. 

A man carrying a snowboard in winter outside Vatnahalsen Hotel
A cozy room with two single beds, a wooden nightstand, floral curtains, and a modern floor lamp against blue walls.
Two cyclists on Rallarvegen

Mid-1980s

Then, from the mid-1980s, cycling along the old road next to the Bergen Line became increasingly popular, and summer traffic to the hotel rose considerably. Today, the Rallar Road is considered to be the finest cycling trail in Norway. 

Getting there

  • During the winter, Vatnahalsen Hotel can only be reached by train from either Flåm or Myrdal.
  • From mid-May–September you can access the hotel by foot or bicycle via the Rallar Road.

Fun facts

  • The hotel's guest books from the 1930s reveal how Norwegian, British, German and Dutch skiers enjoyed their stay. Because of the steep mountains and the arrival by train, many of them called it the Nordic St. Moritz. For several decades, winter was the most important season.
  • Do NOT attempt to drive along "the goat's highway" to Vatnahalsen. In 2014, some tourists drove a brand-new rental car all the way up and down, using the cycle path. This resulted in a badly damaged car, hurt pride and an expensive repair.