Dragsvik Fjordhotel, Balestrand

5.0 (10 reviews) · Comfort
Seasonal, family-run hotel with dramatic fjord views from the restaurant (and many rooms)

Overview

Steps from the Dragsvik ferry terminal, this seasonal hotel is on a narrow peninsula with fjord views in both directions. The historic interiors have modern updates, and various room types (including newer private cabins) have views of the sea and mountains. Nearby Balestrand offers shops, galleries, and restaurants, though most guests dine at the property for breakfast and dinner.

Kimkim's Take

Lilly
Lilly Graves kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, June 2022 (Learn more)
Pros  
  • Enjoy a peaceful hotel run by family members with stellar views from a restaurant where candlelit dinners take place, as well as free breakfasts that include made-to-order options.
  • Simple rooms (also with views) have original wood floors and antiques; some units have kitchenettes, including private cabins scattered across the hillside.
  • Choose between a range of free hiking trails nearby, or set up excursions through the front desk.
Cons
  • The remote location requires a drive to most places (like a grocery store to stock the kitchenettes), so a car is recommended.
  • There is one electric vehicle charger at the property, which may be tricky to use; guests may have to find chargers elsewhere.  

Authenticity

Dating back to 1953, the Dragsvik Hotel is today run by the third and fourth generations, giving it stability from the older family members and a modern edge from the younger ones (like an Instagram account). When you check in, a family member, likely Vida Maria, the host, will give you a form for an advance breakfast order and a dinner menu for an advance order if you choose to dine on the property. This is the hotel's way to minimize food waste.

Complimentary cinnamon rolls and tea and coffee may be served in the afternoon from Uncle Magnar, and dinnertime is when candles are lit, and the romantic music draws couples and the occasional families to the restaurant—all vying for tables with the best views (and the views are extraordinary). This is a seasonal hotel, and each year introduces slight changes that have been agreed upon by the various family members—guests may even be asked for their opinion on a topic of improvement. 

Location

The Dragsvik car ferry is a few hundred yards from the hotel, serving the eastern and southern shores of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. You'll want to be careful crossing the road when cars are entering or departing the ferry as they speed by the hotel. Other than these occasional busy moments, the hotel enjoys a very peaceful location letting the fjord views take center stage—on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Josdedalsbreen Glacier. Guests can get to Balestrand in about 10 minutes by car along a stunningly scenic drive, with access to shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Parking at the hotel is free, and there is one EV charging station for a fee, though it can be tricky to set up. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Simple, bright rooms with fjord views come in either standard size or comfort size for more space. Each one is unique with charming touches and configurations and is located either in the main hotel building or in the red clapboard house next door with historical significance (ask staff for the story). There are also five private cabins on the hillside below the main hotel overlooking the fjord in either standard or comfort size, with authentic details like wood-beamed ceilings. Cabins tend to draw couples, and they come with private decks, kitchenettes, lounges, and dining areas.

Other Highlights

The restaurant at dinnertime has a romantic ambience due to the soft music, low lighting, and candles. Guests can choose between a handful of nightly options that will likely include fresh seafood, a house burger, local beers, and a wine list. Lucky ones will be seated next to the large window for extraordinary views. The complimentary breakfast is also served in this space, offering made-to-order dishes and self-serve fruit, yogurt, toast, and nuts. Staff members can arrange excursions in the local area, like hiking and fishing trips, that include packed lunches.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 576944 00
Hotel address icon Dragsvik 6
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Delicious Dining Experience

The dining experience at the hotel was highly praised, with many guests mentioning delicious food and excellent service. The dining room also offered amazing views, enhancing the overall experience. (4 mentions)

Jared
“great restaurant”  — Jared B.
Sullivan
“It is a hidden gem with delicious dining, great accommodations, and excellent staff.”  — Sullivan S.
S
“Food and service was great”  — Shant H.
Comfortable and Quaint Accommodations

Guests found the hotel accommodations to be comfortable and quaint, with all necessary services provided. Some guests mentioned staying in cabins or cottages with large windows offering stunning views. (4 mentions)

D
“Historic and comfortable”  — Dawn G.
Sullivan
“It is a hidden gem with delicious dining, great accommodations, and excellent staff.”  — Sullivan S.
J
“It was comfortable, quaint, but with all the services you'd want.”  — Jim J.
Amazing Fjord and Mountain Views

Guests raved about the breathtaking views of the fjord and mountains from their rooms, terraces, and dining areas. The views were a highlight for many. (4 mentions)

D
“amazing views”  — Dawn G.
S
“the dining room was so welcoming with an amazing view of the fjord and mountains”  — Shant H.
K
“We had a separate cabin/cottage which has an amazing view through large windows”  — Kenneth G.
Warm and Welcoming Staff

The hotel staff were frequently praised for being welcoming, informative, accommodating, and excellent. Guests felt at home due to the warm and friendly service. (4 mentions)

Mary Ellen
“Hotel staff so welcoming, informative, accommodating.”  — Mary Ellen J.
J
“wonderful staff; this is clearly a labor of love for this family.”  — Jim J.
Sullivan
“We had an unforgettable time and the people here made Dragsvik truly feel like home.”  — Sullivan S.

Traveler Reviews

10 total ratings, 7 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.9
Location
4.8
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
5.0
D
Dawn G.
Allen, TX | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2024
Fairytale location, warm staff and amazing views. Just sitting on the terrace is an event! Historic and comfortable. Read more

Fairytale location, warm staff and amazing views. Just sitting on the terrace is an event! Historic and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Historic and charming....you feel special staying here
Location
Amazing views
Staff
Warm and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2020
Jared
Jared B.
Ann Arbor, MI | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2024
Character, location, views, clean and great restaurant. Read more

Character, location, views, clean and great restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing
Location
Right off the ferry on a fjord with fjord views.
Staff
Welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
I would almost ding one star for no TV, but the views are the award winning show.
Stayed in May 2024
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen J.
Appleton, WI | Reviewed on Oct 06, 2023
Hotel staff so welcoming, informative, accommodating. The grounds of this family run hotel are spectacular and well kept. Very beautiful and clean place! Read more

Hotel staff so welcoming, informative, accommodating. The grounds of this family run hotel are spectacular and well kept. Very beautiful and clean place!

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully decorated with family heirlooms
Location
Hotel is a bit away from the town of Balestrand but the bus stops right outside its door
Staff
So very helpful!! And friendly!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We loved our deluxe room and sitting on the balcony enjoying the view of the water
Stayed in September 2023
Sullivan
Sullivan S.
Broomfield, CO | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
This might be the best hotel I’ve ever stayed out for value and experience. It is a hidden gem with delicious dining, great accommodations, and excellent staff. We had an unforgettable time and the people here made Dragsvik truly feel like home. Read more

This might be the best hotel I’ve ever stayed out for value and experience. It is a hidden gem with delicious dining, great accommodations, and excellent staff. We had an unforgettable time and the people here made Dragsvik truly feel like home.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2023
S
Shant H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2022
Great boutique hotel. We had the room with the balcony and sitting area and we loved it. View of the fjord. Also the dining room was so welcoming with an amazing view of the fjord and mountains. Highly recommended. Also nice grounds for strolling . Food and service was great Read more

Great boutique hotel. We had the room with the balcony and sitting area and we loved it. View of the fjord. Also the dining room was so welcoming with an amazing view of the fjord and mountains. Highly recommended. Also nice grounds for strolling . Food and service was great

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2022
J
Jim J.
Live Oak, TX | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2022
wonderful staff; this is clearly a labor of love for this family. It was comfortable, quaint, but with all the services you'd want. Read more

wonderful staff; this is clearly a labor of love for this family. It was comfortable, quaint, but with all the services you'd want.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2022
K
Kenneth G.
Wells, ME | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2022
We had a separate cabin/cottage which has an amazing view through large windows, it felt brand new, very comfortable. The diners were excellent but probably the most expensive of the trip. Read more

We had a separate cabin/cottage which has an amazing view through large windows, it felt brand new, very comfortable. The diners were excellent but probably the most expensive of the trip.

Tips for future travelers

We did not know the location was as remote as it was and would have been nice to have a car if we were staying longer

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Our cabin
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2020

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 576944 00
Hotel address icon Dragsvik 6