Discover the Swiss chalet-inspired architecture of Hotel Union Geiranger. When it first made its debut during the late 19th century, this historic hotel was crafted in wood and featured a medley of two distinctly European architectural styles: Swiss chalet and Norwegian Dragestil, or “dragon style,” the latter of which took the form of carved wooden busts of mythical Norse creatures like serpents and, of course, dragons. Though the hotel has gone through some changes in the intervening decades, replacing the timber exterior—and, with it, its more dramatic, stave church-like characteristics—with modern construction materials, Hotel Union Geiranger’s Swiss chalet-style aesthetic remains, an architectural nod to its alpine setting.

Marvel at the resplendent natural beauty that envelopes the hotel. Thanks to its impressive setting, Hotel Union Geiranger enjoys stunning views of the Geirangerfjord and surrounding mountains, with breathtaking overlooks available throughout much of historic hotel, including from the dining venues, pools, spa, and many guestrooms.

Luxuriate in the warm Norwegian hospitality that has been graciously offered by the Mjelva family for four generations, while also admiring the ambitious ingenuity of the first generation of innkeepers. Julie and Karl Mjelva started their family’s hotelier tradition back in 1899, when they bought Hotel Union Geiranger. Due to what was then a very short tourist season, spanning only a few weeks during summertime, they dreamed of turning both the hotel and the village of Geiranger into premiere tourist destinations and increasing profitability overall. Their quest, in turn, resulted in a hydroelectric powerplant fed by a waterfall capable of running the entire hotel, a kitchen appliance factory, which has since evolved into an Italian-owned brand named Hoover Grepa, and a fleet of specially made cars.

Cruise into the past at the hotel’s vintage car collection. Known as the “Geiranger Opel,” due to the Mjelvas’ collaboration with German automaker Adam Opel, these sturdy vehicles were developed to tackle the steep roads and hairpin turns found throughout the region, boasting an improved turning radius and more robust engines. They first took to the streets of Geiranger right before World War I, ferrying hotel guests around the area. At their peak during the 1930s, around 50 of the hardy automobiles were in use in the village. Sadly, the cars caught the eye of occupying forces during World War II and much of the fleet was seized, leaving under a dozen in operation. The Mjelva family took great pains to track down and restore the wayward vehicles, and guests staying at Hotel Union Geiranger can appreciate their efforts today. In fact, ten of these vintage cars remain operational and can still be hired out for a chauffeur-guided drive around the village.