History

The Hotel Union Øye was established in 1891 in order to cater for the increase in tourism of the late 19th century. At the time it was mainly the aristocraty and the upper classes who sought new and exciting destinations.

Many of these guests became regular visitors, among these were Emperor Willhelm II of Germany and Queen Willemina of the Netherlands. Among other distinguished guests who have honoured the hotel by their visit are members of the Norwegian and Swedish royal families. The old guestbooks show names like King Oscar II, King Haakon, Queen Maud, Queen Willemina, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Amundsen, Nansen, Ibsen and Grieg.

In May 1996 the Hotel Union Øye received a message that many can only dream of receiving. "You have been selected as one the world’s 12 most exciting and enchanting hotels". The Austrian Princess Claudia Auersperg was among the members of the committee that had been given the difficult and responsible task of selection. The Hotel Union Øye was notified in May 1996. The selection serves in a way as a vote of thanks for the idealism that lies behind the Hotel Union Øye. There are innumerable hours of unpaid, backbreaking work, tears and a unique labour of love invested in the restoration work carried out in refurbishing the hotel.

The year is 1989
The man who starts the ball rolling and initiates the work is Ola Ratvik. The idea is to restore the hotel to its original glory. Johan Øye and Idar Nordang from Norangsdalen join him as partners in 1991. With a team consisting of one ‘true believer’ and two carpenters they have achieved that what few thought was possible. In co-operation with the hotel’s Directors during 8 years of tireless effort, they have restored the hotel, acquired a period inventory, developed a preferred position in the market place and achieved nigh on maximum utilisation.

In 2001 the hotel was 110 years old and newly restored and refurbished. It is perhaps best described as a romantic "Fjord Palace" in Swiss style. It is idyllically situated amid beautiful, untouched natural scenery, with rich freshwater and fjord fishing close by. A short distance to Geiranger, Stryn Summer Skiing and the Runde Bird Sanctuary Island. The hotel has its own boat harbour.

We wish you a heartfelt welcome to an unforgettable romantic stay at the Hotel Union Øye...