Located right aside the serene shores of Randsfjorden, Thorbjørnrud Hotel stands as a testament to Norway's fascinating past. This idyllic retreat—located just an hour's drive from Oslo—offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a journey through centuries of Norwegian culture and tradition. Although land upon which the Thorbjørnrud Hotel currently resides has been occupied since the medieval era, its origins harken back to an 18th-century glass company known as the "Hadeland Glassverk." In 1762, an even larger corporation called "Det Norske Compagnie" acquired nearly a dozen acres of the historic Mo estate that sat next to the Randsfjorden. They subsequently began developing an extensive manufacturing facility as part of a grander scheme to domestically produce high-quality glassware, developing a series of buildings like warehouses, furnaces, and even employee dormitories. The most beautiful structure though was a gorgeous multistory manor located toward the end of the facility. Designed with a stunning array of Norwegian vernacular motifs, the building was intended to serve as the home of the Hadeland Glassverk's director. Following the much-anticipated debut of the facility in 1765, the nascent Hadeland Glassverk proceeded to become Norway's preeminent glass producer for the remainder of the century. Among the goods created on-site included utilitarian items like bottles, chemists' jars, and ordinary household glassware.  

As the quality of its products became more refined, so did the company's ability to craft more intricate objects. Indeed, this proficiency soon gave Hadeland Glassverk a venerable reputation throughout all Europe, making the company one of the continent's most celebrated glassware companies. The corporate officers overseeing the Hadeland Glassverk expanded the company's operations in turn, gradually enlarging the facility throughout the rest of the 19th century and even into the 20th! Then during the 1980s, the entire site underwent a significant transformation. Architect Alf Bastiansen specifically began readapting the former director's residence, installing a modern hotel wing that blended modern amenities with the facility’s greater heritage. The expansion marked the start of the former manor's transformation into a premier destination for travelers seeking both comfort and a touch of history. Functioning as its own independent retreat known as the "Thorbjørnrud Hotel," the erstwhile estate went on to offer a host of magnificent services that set it apart throughout the Oslo area. Now under the ownership of the 3 Norske AS group today, Thorbjørnrud Hotel has since remained a top vacation getaway for eager cultural heritage travelers. The hotel is now home to a vibrant farm that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are used in its exquisite dishes. 

Meanwhile, collaborations with local farms have ensured a steady supply of fresh meat and dairy products arrive at the hotel, making every meal a celebration of Norwegian flavors. Thorbjørnrud has prided itself on its own wine and beer production. With 6,000 meticulously cultivated vines and a brewery that uses top-quality Norwegian ingredients, the hotel gives contemporary guests a unique taste of Norway's burgeoning craft-beverage scene. Beyond its culinary delights, Thorbjørnrud Hotel has become a sought-after venue for meetings, conferences, and special events, too. Offering 14 meeting rooms of assorted sizes and an auditorium that can accommodate up to 130 participants, the hotel currently provides a versatile space for corporate gatherings and social celebrations. In recent years, Thorbjørnrud Hotel has even embraced the trend of glamping, offering luxurious camping experiences that combine the beauty of nature with the comforts of a hotel room. Spacious canvas tents, equipped with beds, chairs, and atmospheric lighting, allow guests to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. This innovative approach to hospitality reflects Thorbjørnrud Hotel's dedication to granting unique and memorable experiences. From its origins in the 18th century to its modern-day incarnation, the hotel truly embodies the spirit of Norway’s past and present like no other location.