Amidst the towering Sunnmøre Alps, a stunning Swiss-style chalet emerges just off the banks of the placid Norangsfjord.
One of only two Relais & Châteaux properties in Norway – the other, Storfjord Hotel, owned by the same family – Hotel Union Øye is an architectural marvel. Constructed in the traditional Dragestil (dragon-style) design with an angular roof and wooden fish scale pattern, its off-white and blood red façade creates a striking contrast against the farmlands that surround it.
Owned and operated by the Flakk family of 62°NORD, the experiential travel company that aims to thrust guests headfirst into some of the most authentic experiences that Northwestern Norway has to offer, the hotel is cocooned in the remote village of Øye and benefits from its proximity to a host of outdoor activities.
The Vibe
Once a refuge for weary climbers seeking respite after scaling the nearby peaks, Hotel Union Øye’s heady mix of grandeur and rustic charm also attracted its fair share of European royalty and aristocrats who were drawn to the establishment during the Golden Age of alpinism in the late 19th century.
Nowadays, you’ll find a similar mix of guests milling about the main house—couples in trekking boots sit for a post-hike coffee while out-of-towners canvas the racks of premium knitwear displayed in the hallway from the Flakk family-owned brand O.A.D – with the rugged luxury aura of centuries ago thrumming through the walls. Families are more than welcome here, with Hotel Director Mariann Øye even offering to hold our little one so we could have an uninterrupted meal.
The Rooms
Karen Blixen, Coco Chanel, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Kaiser Wilhelm II – so goes the names of notable guests who have jumped off the pages of the hotel guestbook and into the rooms spread across the main house. An extensive renovation and expansion in 2022 saw the addition of new suites – including the Queen’s Suite, which has a Press for Champagne button – and guest houses set in a “klyngetun” pattern, a style typical within the region where multiple farmhouses are built in a clustered formation around communal facilities. The result is a guest experience that feels more like you’re part of a little village than a regular hotel.
Photo credit Johanne Nyborg
Our garden suite, located in one of the new farm houses, makes one feel like you’re enjoying your own little annexe with a king-sized bed, comfortable lounging area, roaring fireplace, and two separate bathing areas: a walk-in shower room and, tucked away at the other end of the room behind a dressing screen, a claw-footed bathtub. Despite the Old World charm, the suite is kitted out with all the modern comforts: lights and temperature controls, (very welcome) underfloor heating, practical outlets for charging devices, and an excellent coffee machine.
The Food + Drink
Central to the food and drink programme is an ethos that celebrates local ingredients, dishes, and traditions – they’ve even gone so far as to serve the same porridge that the first mountaineers enjoyed centuries ago! Meals are served in both the Historic Dining Room and the newer, skylit Conservatory. Standout dishes include shellfish risotto with seared skrei – a Norwegian cod – a salad with whipped feta cream and tomatoes from Hanasand, a traditional fish soup with vegetables, and an indulgent chocolate dessert with confit of sour cherries and Chantilly crème.
The Little Extras
Credit Johanne Nyborg
Cosy nights in are made even more koselig with storytelling sessions held every evening by the fire. If hearing the legend of Linda – the chambermaid who supposedly haunts the Blue Room – gives you the shivers, you may prefer to curl up in the library – where an impressive collection of books on alpine history awaits – or enjoy a glass of whisky in the dusky Game Room.
The To-Do List
Credit Marøy&Klouda
The hotel’s picturesque location and the team’s passion for adventure will make a thrill-seeker out of anyone. Helicopter rides, e-bike trips to nearby villages, and idyllic drives in electric cars can all be arranged. We were introduced to Sunnmøre experts Uteguiden who took us on a challenging but beautiful hike up to Bentebu – a little hut with magnificent views over the fjord and the neighbouring Slogen mountain. The spot is a common resting point for those making the steeper climb up to Mt. Saksa’s peak. If you’re after a more relaxing way to break a sweat, hop into a kayak to explore the breath-taking scenery or treat yourself to a fjord sauna, where a post-session dip into the refreshing – read: deliciously cold waters is sure to awaken your senses.
All image credit: Hotel Union Oye
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?