Our history
The family farm turned into a guesthouse and hotel
Welcome to our hotel - an established, friendly hotel situated on a lush green peninsula between the Sognefjord and surrounding mountains. On one side we have the beautiful and well-known cultural capitol of the Sognefjord, Balestrand. On the other side a panoramic view of the Fjærlandsfjord and the glacier arm “Jostefonn”.
In 1949, our founder Gjertrud, brought her two children on a small traditional row baot and set her course for Dragsvik with the aim of starting a new life. Back then theplace was a farm with a small white house and barn, where she wanted to realize her dream of building a guest house. This was the very start of Dragsvik hotel.
The hotel is run on sustainable principles, but we have kept its original (and quite weird and quirky) layout. It is built in a Norwegian traditional small house style. The interior of the hotel aims to reflect the calmness and harmony of nature, trying to create a warm and nice atmosphere for our guests. We have used earthy colors combined with the rustic feel of rocks and mountains to make you feel as if you are part of nature.
Today, three generations work at the hotel. We share the responsibilities and tasks of running a hotel, keeping our cultural heritage close to our hearts. Our small team will always try their best to make sure your stay is comfortable and memorable.
We hope you will feel welcome and cared for at our hotel.
FARNES
Bergtun, the guest house moved from the farm Farnes to Dragsvik.
The guest house, Bergtun, right next to the hotel is a building with an unusual story. It was not built where it stands, but rather transported from its original grounds when the family settled at Dragsvik. Today Bergtun is redone and houses guest rooms full of light.
GJERTRUD - our founder.
Our founder, Gjertrud, became a widow at an early age and was left with a farm, the small shop and the post office at Farnes, all by herself. Not long after, she inherited the farm and lands of Dragsvik and, crafty as she was, moved there to build a guesthouse - and, by doing so, started our hotel history.
The hosts - TURID OG SIGURD
Turid og Sigurd (Gjertruds son) took over the business after Gjertrud in the mid 60s. During their ownership the guest house was expanded and improved, and in 1983 a new expansion included more guest rooms and a dining hall.
3rd and 4th Generation.
A family run business for generations.
Today Dragsvik Hotell is still a family business with the third and fourth generation Anne Randi, Magnar (siblings) as managers, and Anne Randis daughter Vida Maria, as host.
Our cultural heritage
Once a farm house with horses, sheep and chickens in the barn. Fields of potato, fruit trees and berris in the garden. Today a green peninsula with small houses, hidden places to sit and good stories from time passed.
Our heritage starts back in 1800. The remains of the old main road passing through our orchard, the old rock foundations, the quay where people used to dock their traditional row boats are both remnants and reminders of the old days.
We are passionate about our legacy, protecting and caring for our buildings and houses, that grandmother Gjertrud moved here to Dragsvik from Farnes, when she once wanted to live here and saw the potential in the plot.
This place shapes our lives, just as much as nature does. We try our best to take care of and develop our business keeping in mind the values we have. Sustainability is at our core.