Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
Hotel of the Month, Norway
Digital detox? Take it one step further With proximity to some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, mountains and landscapes, the beautiful Hotel Aak in Åndalsnes in western Norway opens its doors for a celebration of the local Norwegian heritage through traditional food, historic atmosphere and tailored packages. By Karen Langfjæran | Photos: Egon Gade
Established in 1860, Hotel Aak was the first tourist hotel in the Norwegian countryside, attracting salmon fishers, mountain skiing pioneers and international guests from near and far. More specifically, it was widely visited in the 1800s by British travellers such as Winston Churchill’s grandfather and writer De Beauclerk, the latter of whom wrote a book about Norway where she referred to the hotel as ‘Norway’s pearl’. The hotel would serve traditional dishes and accommodate visitors in comforta100 | Issue 98 | March 2017
ble, classic rooms in the idyllic farmyard close to the beautiful river Rauma.
With love, via Alta 157 years later, the historic houses have been in both private and public ownership as well as under Nazi possession during World War II before returning to its true purpose. The current managers of the hotel, Kristine and Odd Erik Rønning, aim to preserve the historic character and recreate the atmosphere of the 19th century hotel within a modern
framework. This includes individual tailoring by facilitating exceptional stays in the region. “We are located just minutes away from some wonderful landscapes and a short drive from some of Norway’s most spectacular mountains and mustsee places,” says Kristine Rønning, adding that they often tailor hotel packages for groups, which can include transport and dining as well as facilitating activities. The managers work together with four local owners in providing only the best, resulting in great reviews and returning guests, who praise them for the intimacy and ‘kos’, the Norwegian equivalent to ‘hygge’. Kristine Rønning grew up in the area and was thrilled when she was called about a management position only 30 minutes