Location
Oppdal, Norway

At the head of the Driva River valley next to Dovrefjell National Park, this historic inn builds on a lodging tradition that dates back to the 12th century. Frich's Kongsvold Hotel is situated along the Pilgrims' Route and Old Kings' Road (Kongeveien) between the cities of Oslo and Trondheim. During his reign, King Eystein I of Norway ordered the construction of mountain stations (fjellstue) along the pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. Olav in Trondheim. These stations were inns where pilgrims crossing the mountain passes could find food and shelter.  Today, Kongsvold's 32 character-filled rooms are steeped in that history, located in a varied collection of buildings with the oldest dating to 1720. The property encompasses a historic railway station and has been restored in collaboration with the National Heritage Board and local craftsmen. The complex exudes traditional rural Nordic atmosphere, with sod roofs, classic red and white paint, knotty pine interiors, and furniture decorated with rosemaling folk art. Rooms and lounges are furnished extensively with antiques and paintings obtained from several hundred years of mountain lodging. Guest rooms are simple but homey, with wooden beds, crisp cotton duvets and pine-paneled walls. The rooms, all en suite, vary widely in configuration and furnishings across the different buildings, and the individual charm of each is part of the appeal. The restaurant on site specializes in fresh, locally sourced ingredients.