Roisheim Hotel

June 26 2007: Røisheim is a very special hotel located close to Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway (2469m). This small hotel is organized as a cluster of rustic wooden buildings from the 18th century. If you love the outdoors, seek out rustic and historic lodges, and like settling down to a gourmet dinner and great wine after a tiring day climbing a mountain, then it doesn't get much better than Røisheim.

Our room was tiny and very basic - part of the experience. It appears as though nothing has changed here in 100 years.

Dinner is included in the room price and is a large part of the hotel experience - there is nowhere else to eat nearby even if you wanted to. There is only one seating for dinner which provides for drinks and socializing with other guests before dinner. Dinner is a gourmet three course fixed menu Norwegian meal. For a remote location they have a very good wine list, but bring you wallet as all alcohol is expensive here, as in the rest of Norway.

The hotel draws a large number of guests who are looking for a comfortable place to stay while they visit Galdhøpiggen. The hotel packed us lunch and organized a guide to take us to the top of the mountain. While limited gear is needed, this is a rigorous hike across a glacier and up 1300m. You should be in very good shape in order to make the 3 hour climb and your feet are guaranteed to get wet and cold. However, when you get to the top the views are magnificent.