Fosen Fjordhotel: “a miniature Norway”

By Andri Papanicolas | Photos: Fosen Fjordhotel

Imagine a holiday where you wake up to the sunrise on the river, hike in the mountains during the day, and later watch the sunset over the fjord while you eat some of the finest seafood Norway has to offer. Staying at Fosen Fjordhotel is truly an all-in-one experience.

Norway has a lot to offer. So much so that visitors often have to plan meticulously to get the most out of their holiday. But there is a hidden gem in Åfjord, Trøndelag county, where guests can experience the best of all worlds.

Julian makes a cocktail in the hotel bar. Photo: Ellen-Beate Grøtting

Fosen Fjordhotel is run by Ole Fr. Jonsbråten, his wife Grethe Bratvold and their son Julian Jonsbråten. The family is dedicated to great hospitality; guests arrive to a warm welcome, with a roaring fireplace and cosy candlelight.

Though the historical hotel has been a social melting pot in the small town for centuries, it had been quiet for many years before Ole and his wife fell in love it in 2019, and decided to bring the charming hotel back to life. “We came to a land of opportunity, here. The locals were welcoming and already hard at work to put Fosen and Åfjord on the map. This was crucial to us when we made our decision,” Ole says. Today, the hotel is once again the lively centrepiece of the town – the go-to place for both visitors and locals.

Ole describes Fosen Fjordhotel and Åfjord as a miniature version of Norway, with access to the mountains, fjords, forests, rivers and the sea all in one place. Stunning hikes are within walking distance, and it’s a short drive to the award-winning beach at Stokkøya, nearby farms selling local produce, or small shops in the enchanting town centre.

Fosen Fjordhotel offers serene views over forests and rivers. Photo: Ole Fr. Jonsbråten

Where the river meets the sea

The hotel itself offers 51 rooms, from regular hotel rooms, to studios, family rooms, suites or junior suites overlooking the river and the hotel garden. The garden is an important part of the hotel, with plenty to see all year round. When it’s in bloom in the spring and summer, you can enjoy a good meal in its relaxing atmosphere, while watching the salmon and trout bounce across the river. In the winter, you can go swimming in the river followed by a sauna and fire-hut session. That’s the real Scandinavian way.

The hotel is located where the Stordalsriver and Nordalsriver meet as a fjord that runs to the sea. As such, the fishing opportunities are endless. The sea and fjord are the soul of Åfjord, drawing visitors from all over the world. “It does not matter how much experience you have. You can try salmon fishing in the river from the hotel garden and, if you’re more daring, you can go winter fishing on the open sea, or try ice fishing in one of the many lakes,” says Ole.

Guests enjoying the hotel garden. Photo: Ole Fr. Jonsbråten

Ole and Grethe take great pride in Fosen Fjordhotel’s food and beverage offering of traditional Norwegian home-cooked meals, classic à la carte courses with a personal twist, and tailored fine-dining menus. The menu is thoughtfully put together and the kitchen works in harmony with nature; you will always find fresh, local and seasonal produce on the menu. Meanwhile, the bartenders collaborate with the chefs to create signature cocktails that perfectly suit the menu.

The hotel also arranges weekly events that bring together visitors and locals and support the surrounding community. Everyone is welcome to the hotel, whether for a coffee or a longer stay. This results in a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.

Daniel, one of Fosen Fjordhotel’s talented bartenders. Photo: Bede Achike

Discover adventure and relaxation alike

Fosen Fjordhotel collaborates with the experience agency Fosen Aktiv to offer unique experiences for visitors. Depending on your timeframe and interests, the team can arrange custom excursions during your stay.

To illustrate the endless possibilities, Ole describes a day of adventure for a tourist group from Trondheim: “The group walked five minutes from their hotel in Trondheim to the harbor where they got suits and goggles. They were transported on a RIB over the open sea, into the fjord. In two hours they enjoyed stunning views over the old fisheries and lighthouses, and spotted eagles and seals in their natural habitat.”

Enjoy a SUP or a kajak excursion from the hotel garden. Photo: Ole Fr. Jonsbråten

“When they got to Åfjord, they had fresh mussels for lunch before they buckled up and climbed the Via Ferrata. They drank fresh rhubarb juice made by local farmers on the top of the mountain. When they got back to the hotel, they went for a swim and to the sauna. In the lobby bar, they tasted local beers combined with cured meats. Later, they dined at the chef’s table in our restaurant and were served seven courses, followed by local aquavit and a gin tasting in front of the fireplace.”

Left: Åfjord mussels, rumours say they’re the best mussels in the world. Photo: Ellen-Beate Grøtting. Right: Sweet treats in the hotel restaurant. Photo: Ole Fr. Jonsbråten

Whether you dream of trying salmon fishing, sea fishing, kayaking, riding an electric bike over the mountains, or scuba diving, Fosen Fjordhotel and Fosen Aktiv will arrange it for you. The hotel is suitable for families, couples, seniors and both large and small groups, and offers culinary experiences and exclusive business packages for meetings, events, kick-offs and team building. The latest addition is the new sports lounge bar with a small movie theatre, six big screens, pool tables, shuffleboards, darts and other games.

Fosen Fjordhotel is an authentic reflection of the Norwegian phrase ‘koselig’, meaning cosy. In the lobby bar, you will find a fireplace, comfortable sitting groups and friendly faces. “Our team is like family. We are a mix of people from around the world and the local area; that’s what makes us so unique,” Ole says. Everyone is invited to discover Norwegian nature, cuisine and culture all year round at Fosen Fjordhotel – the opportunities are endless.