Last updated August 2018
We’ll say it right away: Tuddal Høyfjellshotell (Tuddal mountain lodge) is an unusual hotel. If you come here with expectations of a standard hotel stay where everything is streamlined, you might be disappointed. But if you seek something unique and distinctive, you’ve come to the right place.
As we opened the door to Tuddal Høyfjellshotell, we were immediately struck by the fairytale-like atmosphere. Walking around inside the hotel was like wandering around in a Norwegian national romantic painting. Here were handmade chairs, traditionally painted objects, and quirky artifacts. The large windows provided a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding nature.
We were, however, a bit confused regarding the check-in process. There was no reception desk, but we eventually found some staff members inside the dining room. We were checked in by the chef himself, but unfortunately received very little information about the hotel, meal times etc. The chef was nice and friendly, but we would have appreciated a somewhat more informative welcome.
Our standard double room was located on the third floor. The room was charmingly decorated in an old style fashion but was a little cramped. Due to the sloping ceilings and the location of the bathroom, there was not much room left for the bed. Getting in and out of bed, therefore, required some acrobatics.
The bathroom was not newly renovated, but was, together with the room itself, extremely clean and tidy. The towels and bathroom products were also good quality. There was neither a TV nor a radio in the room, but the wireless internet worked well.
It is evident that Tuddal Høyfjellshotell, despite its historic style, also innovates. Many new buildings have recently been set up around the hotel, including a bakery, cafe and beer brewery. The hotel is also contributing to the construction of a trail around the nearby lake, which is soon be completed.
Gaustadtoppen mountain towers majestically behind the hotel, and there is a multitude of hiking and cross-country skiing trails to explore both in summer and winter. The area also has excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing.
To soothe your aching hiking muscles, you can visit the outdoor wood-fired bathtub and sauna. Tuddal Høyfjellshotell also offers indoor activities such as flatbrød-making (a traditional Norwegian bread) and beer quizzes.
The meals are an essential part of the stay at the mountain lodge. Dinner is served as a set four-course menu at 7 pm. Our meal started with the guests being gathered in the living room and introduced to the story of Tuddal Høyfjellshotell. The lecture was interesting, but as we were hungry, we would have liked the talk to be a little shorter.
The dining room was beautifully prepared, and the tables were set with porcelain, silverware, and candles. The ambiance was nothing short of perfect.
Traditional Norwegian flatbread was served with delicious butter before we had an amuse bouche with raw trout. The trout tasted excellent.
A pumpkin soup with homemade bread was the first course, followed by hot-smoked trout, calf tenderloin and a rhubarb dessert. The meals undisputed highlight was for us the trout which was served on a mushroom risotto. The trout had an intense smoky flavor that perfectly matched the creaminess of the risotto.
All the other dishes were also very tasty and nicely presented. We were very pleased with the meal, but you should be prepared for a full evening as dessert was not served before 10 pm.
The dinner was one of the things we appreciated the most about our stay at Tuddal Høyfjellshotell. For more tips about places serving great food, check out our blog post about our food favorites in Oslo!
After dinner, the guests were encouraged to move into the living room where coffee was served. At dinner seating, the room number was discreetly requested, and the bill was not mentioned after that. This gesture contributed to a feeling of hospitality and was something we appreciated.
After a good nights sleep, it was time for breakfast. The wonderful dinner the night before had raised our expectations, but the breakfast, unfortunately, did not deliver quite the same high quality. The selection was a bit limited, and the bread not particularly fresh. We found this disappointing given the fact that the hotel has its own bakery.
We, however, appreciated the personal serving of coffee and tea, and it was a nice touch that drinks were served in small pots instead of cups. As for dinner, the breakfast tables were beautifully decorated with flowers and lit candles.
All in all, we had a pleasant stay at Tuddal Høyfjellshotell. The hotel delivers a unique experience, and despite our few reservations noted above, we left the hotel with a great overall impression. We were especially struck by the inside decor, the old living rooms, and the scenic location. Furthermore, Tuddal Høyfjellshotell has managed to create a brilliant setting around dinner with delicious food, beautiful decorations, and very good service. If you are looking for a hotel-stay out of the ordinary, you should surely head for Tuddal Høyfjellshotell.
Don’t miss!
-A drive on the spectacular mountain road between Tuddal and Rjukan, where you can see Gaustadtoppen mountain up close.
Tips:
If you have mobility problems, ask for a room without a sloping roof.
Link to Tuddal Høyfjellshotell