You get this warm feeling in your heart, like falling in love, when you discover something wonderful perfect, that really extend your expectations. You want everyone else to go there and have the same experience too, because it is truly wonderful. This is how I feel after staying a perfect night at Boen Gård nearby Kristiansand in Norway. I will try to express this in this blog with some pictures, but you have to go visit to get the true feeling and experience.
Boen Gård is a small hotel, with only 18 rooms in different buildings. Boen Gård is from year 1520 and has an interesting history. When the buildings have been renovated over the last couple of years, they have managed to preserve some of the original materials and keep the touch of their history. Boen Gård has previously been a place for salmon fishers. Located just by the river, it is just a few steps before you are ready to start fishing. The surroundings are beautiful, and when the sun is shining and you have a walk by the river, you discover many beautiful scenery. Norway is a beautiful country
The room we had was in the main building, and was very comfortable. You had the view to the river from your window. On the walls there was pictures related to the history and fishing. You also had some old books about salmon fishing, if you spend several days and have time for reading.. I loved that there were a lot historical items in the room, and also some related to the salmon fishing. The ambience was kept very well with the history and the property.
In the main building you also find the restaurant. Smaller rooms making the atmosphere very good. Wonderful rooms, well kept and in harmony. Flowers from the garden on the tables. Candle lights in the evening making it even more cosy.
The dinner was perfect. 5 course dinner, with some small additions, ending up with 8 courses. All dishes very tasteful and very nice presented. The wine package made the total experience even more perfect. They are using only local products, and some of them are also made on the farm.
When the setting, ambience and total experience exceed your expectations, then you have to grab the opportunity to make it even more magical.. So I had a glass of a Madeira from 1834. A wonderful ending of a perfect dinner.
The breakfast was just as good as the dinner. Fresh products, nice presented. First we got a plate with some cheese, sausages, salmon and fresh salad. Together with a wonderful warm and freshly baked sourdough bread. Some nutella (homemade I assume). The butter “Søren så godt” was from Hodne Gård in Evje, Setesdalen. And it was “damn good”..
Next plate consisted of yogurt with honey from the farm, waffles, fresh fruit and strawberries and some more homemade honey and jam.
In addition you could have some warm dishes, different eggs, baked tomato, sausages, bacon..
After breakfast we had a walk along the river and different paths on the property. The sun was shining and the scenery was beautiful.
It is hard to convey how great this stay was. I recommend you to go visit and explore yourself. I think you get a very good value for money. If you enjoy smaller hotels, with a lot of history, charm and ambience, you appreciate the attention to details, fresh and local products, and a staff team who do the most for you to relax, enjoy and explore their wonderful hotel.. Then go visit Boen Gård! A member of De Historiske
Some videos to the end
Travel gems by Miss Sophie 