Don’t adjust your screen- the picture above is real.
If you’ve been following my posts on my visit to Norway last year, you’ll know that if nothing else, this Nordic country provides some stellar views. I’ve written about how Bergen bursts with colour, and how the dramatic fjords would render even the most jaded tourist slack-jawed and awe-struck.
Now, I want to tell you about this very cool hotel we stayed in: the Kviknes Hotel in the village of Balestrand. We spent one glorious night here while on our fjord tour; the view from our room continued this trend of “so crazy beautiful it can’t be real” surroundings that were abundant on the trip.
From our large balcony (it could have comfortably seated at least 8 people) a picture of tranquility stretched before us. Huge blue skies and placid waters made us linger outside, even though the air was chilly and we weren’t wearing jackets (the cool air in Norway is no joke- even in June).
I loved this hotel. The oldest in Norway, dating back to 1752(!) it is huge and endearingly rustic, despite the elegant, old school decor. You can feel the history here, feel the presence of days gone by. The staff is lovely (and good looking- Norwegians are hot!) and the food in the dining hall is varied and plentiful (lots of full, satisfied bellies after our evening meal).
But it’s the views that, as Liebling so eloquently put it, “are the killer”.
Where’s the best view you’ve ever had?
Many thanks to Visit Norway USA and the Kviknes Hotel for hosting me during my stay in Norway. As always, all opinions and jaw-dropping photos are my own.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Great pics! Forgive me if you’ve mentioned this already — what camera do you use? Thanks!
Thanks Danielle! I use a Canon 600D, mostly with a kit lens and sometimes with a wide angle.
Norway is seriously gorgeous! On my list, and near the top.
Melissa recently posted..Looking back and moving forward
This is perfection. Oh my!! I have yet to got to Scandinavia, so this is more than enough inspiration.
Terri recently posted..My Next Big Adventure
Wow… that’s pretty beautiful! I loved Norway and was just enchanted with it when I went… and this post just further reinforces why… just a naturally beautiful country. Sounds like a fantastic stay!
Erika recently posted..Coloring My Life with Happiness
I enjoy seeing the pictures from your adventures. The best view I have had was in Mykonos, Greece. Our hotel was right by the water. It was so beautiful waking up every morning to the sight!
J recently posted..Christmas fun…
I am once again insanely jealous. But do you have any sense of whether you caught exceptional weather or is there really a season of beautiful and clear blue skies up there?
Brendan recently posted..Slipping Through the Safety Net
I have to respond to this post, which I saw on Facebook, posted by Kviknes Hotel; I live in Denmark (close to Norway), and when I was young I used to work at the hotel during five summers! And I tell you, it IS the MOST awesome and stunning place /views I have ever seen!! I have been to other places in Norway, but to me this is absolutely unique! To Brendan: Yes, there is a long season of clear blue skies in Norway; Actually the sky can be clear and blue all year long, it´s just that the winters are very cold and with lots of snow. From june to september it is summer, you just never know exactely what that means in Scandinavia: It can be warm and sunny, then suddenly an hour of rain, and then sunny again. Or you can have a whole week of clear blue sky, and the next week might be cloudy and rainy. So my advice would be to spend more than a week in Norway, to make sure to have the sunny weather. However, even when it´s cloudy, its totally magic, because in Balestrand (where Kviknes Hotel is located) you can see the clouds moving up and down the mountains, it´s a spectacular view.. and the atmosphere is so contained and clean, and you can drink the water directly from the tap and from the mountain streams. So by all means, don´t hesitate to go there!!!
oh my, what a view to wake up to! Would love to visit Norway. Best view I’ve ever had? mmmmm tricky….perhaps seeing the snow capped Himalayas in Manali, India. Mountains are my favourite scenery.
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That sounds epic!
breathtaking…water views always stun me
Aren’t they amazing?!
I had no idea that Norway was that stunning. Lucky girl!
With the exception of those (fern??) trees, the first image reminds me of Martinique. Anyway, I’m sold – Norway, see you soon!
Milla – Not Just Another Milla recently posted..Kate Moss for Love Magazine Spring 2013