I guess waking up in the Juvet Landscape Hotel makes you feel like you've just arrived in another world altogether. To be honest: this place proabably makes up for the perfect synthesis of raw Norwegian nature, cultural history and modern architecture.
The Juvet claims to be the first landscape hotel in Europe and probably is. It is situated in the farmstead of Burtigarden farm at Alstad in Valldal, on a steep, natural levee amongst birch, aspen, pine and age-old boulders. In this little village in rural Norway, modern architecture encounters the natural and cultural landscape – and shows that the modern and innovative can go hand in hand with local building traditions and good, old-fashioned craftsmanship.
So far I haven't been there, but boy, do I have a mission... The hotel consists of nine detached rooms that are sited separately, each with a unique perspective on the rugged landscape. In addition, there is the opportunity to stay in the old buildings on the farm – the mill house, the barn and the authentically restored farmhouse – while meals are served communally in the old barn.
The seven first landscape rooms are double rooms, built individually into the landscape.
The architects Jensen & Skodvin envisioned a landscape hotel that would blend in with the natural environment. The result is seven small “cubes” on stilts, with glass walls that offer each space a striking view of the valley, the river, the courtyard or the dramatic gorge below.
It captures the feeling of being, living, breathing in nature. What a luxury!
While no two rooms are alike, all the rooms have a dark interior to avoid stealing focus from the scenery. Apart from the little bathroom, of course. Here the sun shines even in the middle of the winter! Next time you attempt a go at the Trollstigen pass on bike, be ready for a blessed moment afterwards...