Guests who stayed here loved
“A Magical Stay at Kleivstua Hotell
Kleivstua Hotell is enchanting even on foggy mornings. If you don't have a car you can take a bus from Oslo and get off at the nearest stop, Sundvollen. As avid hikers, we chose to tackle the steep yet stunning ascent to Kleivstua. Along the trail you'll find informative signs detailing the area's history. Be sure to carry water especially during the warmer months. The hike is a short distance of about 2.8 km and absolutely breathtaking.
On our way up we enjoyed views of Tyrifjorden, the lake, and its surroundings. Upon reaching the top of this hill we arrived at Kleivstua Hotell, a tranquil retreat featuring a beautiful main building adorned with glass windows that showcase the majestic mountains. The interior is steeped in history, although we weren't familiar with it, but became more so after learning about it, and it also exudes elegance, with tasteful table settings and a beautifully decorated bar.
Our room was incredibly peaceful, spacious, and cozy next to a fireplace, complete with available firewood. We enjoyed a fire each night, and the bedroom is separate from the Den, ensuring it stays cool for a comfortable night's sleep. The bathroom even boasts a private sauna! There's a wooden bucket and spoon for creating steam, and we could control the intensity. It was truly relaxing.
The den had comfortable chairs, a couch, and a television, which we never turned on.
Dining Experience
Now, let's talk about dinner! the four-course meals were absolutely exquisite and worth it. The dining room accommodates both large or small groups, and since we were a small group of two we were seated in a charming historical room away from the main area. The table setting was regal, making us feel like royalty!
The general manager, Andy Friedrichs, personally welcomed us and set the tone for our dining experience. His pride in Kleivstua was evident through his warmth and sincerity. We observed that he went to each and every group and spoke to everybody. Our chef, whose name may have been Alpreen, came to introduce each dish. While I can't recall the exact names of the dishes, I can describe them:
First Course: Tuna sashimi with salads, local vegetables, and berries.
Second Course: Veal accompanied by a special sauce, carrots, and asparagus.
Third Course: One night featured beef, while another showcased fish.
Dessert: One night we savored crème brûlée, and the next, a white chocolate cake with a delightful white chocolate sauce and local berries.
Though I wish I could remember all the dish names, each one was simply delicious. The chef beamed as he noticed the empty plates after each course. The meals were perfectly seasoned, not too salty or fatty, and brilliantly prepared—truly impressive!
Breakfast was equally delightful, with one morning offering a buffet and the other featuring table service. The breakfast spread was just as elegant, and the kitchen staff were always kind, smiling and engaging in conversation with us, which added a personal touch to our stay.
Hiking Experience
Although it was mostly foggy during our visit, preventing us from seeing the Northern Lights, Kleivstua is still a fantastic location if you can't venture further north to see the lights. You might get lucky here as they were there according to my App but it was foggy. There are hiking opportunities year-round, (snowshoeing) and of course, Nordic skiing in winter.
The hike to King’s View (Kongens Utsikt) was clouded in fog, but we look forward to experiencing the view next time. Regardless, the hike was enjoyable, lined with signs featuring photographs of local wildlife and historical information.
We attempted to hike to Kleivfossen (the waterfalls), but the rocks were slippery from the rain, and it was muddy. There are numerous trails in the area that we explored without knowing their names. We visited a few weeks after Storm Amy which had downed countless trees, but the trails remained accessible without issue.
Honeybees
Our main reason for coming here was to meet the beekeeper of Kleivstua, Andy Friedrichs. He is a beekeeper who takes pride in bringing honeybees back to the mountains of Norway and through his beekeeping he educates visitors on the need to protect and preserve the bees by planting honeybee friendly plants in our own backyards. Truly a magical place!
We absolutely adored our time at Kleivstua Hotell and eagerly anticipate our return!”
G6869TAcatherinep · Nov 7, 2025
