The good thing about this summer, is that I have to travel and experience my own wonderful country. You are always looking for the unique and beautiful experiences in other countries, and forget to have a look at your own. This weekend I visited Telemark County, and stayed at the unique Dalen Hotel. The weather was excellent making the experience even more fantastic. Dalen Hotel, a member of the Historical Hotels of Norway Historical Hotels of Norway, have managed to preserve the original building and ambience from 1894. I love the architecture and the location.
I booked a package at Dalen ” Hike – In the footprints of the Rui girls”. It included both Afternoon Tea, 3-courses dinner and breakfast. When you arrive at Dalen Hotel, you sense that your are heading back in time. The hotel offers you quiet and a time to relax and recharge. And the surroundings both inside and outside the hotel encourage you to just take a deep breath, clear your mind, relax and enjoy. This is not a place to go if you are looking for a party..
Since the building is from 1894 some of the rooms are without bathroom, you have a common on in the hall. The rooms are well equipped with nice amenities. Bathrobe and slippers, sparkling water, antibac.. No TV, but you don’t have the time to miss it.
We arrived early, and started the stay with the afternoon tea as lunch. Since the weather was so nice, it was served on the terrace in front of the hotel. After the lunch we had a walk to Rui Gård, in the footprints of the Rui girls. The hike is mainly 700 hundred something sherpa made stairs. Some nice viewpoints on the way up. It took us about 25 minutes in “normal” speed. Very nice view from Rui Gård, and a very nice place to rest with a cup of coffee.
You can either walk or drive to Vest-Telemark Museum, to have a look at Eidsborg Stave Church and the outdoor museum. The indoor museum was closed due to Corona Virus.
My recommendation is to not plan to much, but spend the time enjoying the wonderful Dalen Hotel and the scenery. The ambience, architecture and decor of the hotel. Learn about the history.
In the evening, the three courses dinner was served in the Bandak Restaurant. The staff team was very nice and the courses well presented. Personally the dinner did not meet my expectations in regards of taste and preparations.
In the bar there was live piano music after dinner
Breakfast next morning was a served on the table with some a la carte choices, as omelette and eggs in different options, due to corona. It was nice presented. You could also have a glass of champagne. The cup of tea outside afterwards was very nice, the bright sun and looking at MS Henrik Ibsen leaving.
A canal cruise I recommend as well, a very nice experience and a perfect way to explore Telemarkskanalen. This time I could not book tickets, but I have explored it once before.
Dalen Hotel, a wonderful place to stay, a step back in time, as a fairytale. And the nature in Telemark is very nice, especially when the weather is a nice as it was these two days in May. Here are some last images… The Stave Church is in Heddal, 1,5 hours drive from Dalen
