2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 16:54 Page 22
Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Brakanes Hotel
Brakanes Hotel is located on the bank of Ulvikafjorden.
Find peace among the apple blossoms The thought of Hardanger most often brings to mind images of steep mountainsides, blossoming apple orchards and deep-blue fjords. In summary, a perfect postcard from Norway. This picture-perfect postcard can be seen in real life, from the windows of any of Brakanes Hotel’s 142 rooms. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Brakanes Hotel
Brakanes has, through its 155-year-long history, grown from a humble coach station inn to become the cornerstone of Ulvik, a village in Hardanger, located right on the bank of the fjord. The hotel, which was rebuilt after burning down to the ground during World War II, offers its guests all modern amenities. “We have a lot of visitors from all over the world. What draws them to Hardanger is the possibility of experiencing nature you can’t find anywhere else,” says sales manager Ingrid Prestegard, adding: “We’ve seen an increase in visitors who want to be active in the great outdoors.” For these guests the hotel can arrange hikes, boat trips, water skiing, fishing and overnight stays in the forest. For those looking to simply relax, Brakanes can arrange farm and brewery visits and historical and cultural walks. “In Hardanger you find a serenity that is
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hard to find elsewhere,” says Prestegaard, suggesting that the combination of peace and adventure tempts many visitors to return year after year. “In Ulvik we can offer breathtaking views, locally sourced food and drink and plenty of adventures,” Prestegaard concludes.
Conferencing and Christmas parties It is not just tourists who enjoy the nature and peace and quiet of Ulvik. When the peak season for tourists dies down, businesses descend on the little village for everything from seminars to parties. “One reason why companies like to come to Ulvik is that it’s small, keeping everyone together, rather than being scattered out shopping or bar hopping as one easily does in a big city,” says Prestegard. Brakanes’s conference centre has the capacity to offer input on both the professional and the social bit for up to 500 attendees. But it is not all work and no play: Brakanes is also a popular destination for Christmas parties. Using locally sourced produce the restaurant at Brakanes offers à la carte as well as a buffet of both local and more continental fare. The restaurant smokes its own meat in the smokehouse on the premises and, during Christmas, traditional, self-smoked pinnekjøtt (rib of lamb) is served. “We put a lot of work into our Christmas parties, in regards to both the food and the entertainment. It is never too early to book a party, but it can quickly become too late,” Prestegaard smiles.