Sandven lies in Norheimsund, along the borders of the Hardangerfjord; the tourist attraction in Western Norway. The hotel license was given by King Oscar I on May 1 1857. Today's main hotel building was built in the Swiss chalet style in 1898 at the harbour of Norheimsund. At the distance the Folgefonna glacier at the other side of the Hardangerfjord complements the scenery.

I have stayed in a room with fjord-view and a large balkony, next door to the Sean Connery and Crown Prince suites. Sean Connery booked once a room in the hotel, but did not show up. Haakon and Mette-Marit, the Norwegian Crown Prince and Princess, did stay at the hotel. The public rooms on the ground floor include the very atmospheric ladies parlour (especially in winter with the fire place burning) and the old banqueting hall. Breathtaking in the banqueting hall are is its rich decorations and stencilled paintings. The food is very nice! As a whole the interior is characterized by classical Norwegian... more