New dining, architecture and design experiences in the fjords

There is always something exciting happening in the Norwegian fjord region, whether it's new adventures, attractions or cultural events. Lately there has been a boom in new unique accommodations and also within the culinary field. Here are a few of the latest developments that have opened this spring and summer.

IRIS EXPEDITION DINING AND SALMON EYE

Iris Expedition Dining offers a unique food experience in the heart of the Hardangerfjord. This exclusive restaurant is located at the art installation Salmon Eye, which also serves as a visitor center for the aquaculture industry. As a guest, you get to experience the total package: the fjord, mountains, and the ever-changing elements in Iris' enviroments.

The restaurant experience at Iris is a journey. It all starts with a boat ride aboard one of the fully electrical boats Malm and Melder from the centre of Rosendal to chef Anika Madsen's boat house on Snilstveitøy. Here you are presented the menu for the evening and served a welcoming snack. The journey continues on to Salmon Eye, where you are in for a multisensory experience.

With a magnificent view of the fjord and mountains! Iris takes you through their 18-course tasting menu, where each dish is unique in taste and experience. If the weather permits, one of the courses will even be served on the rooftop, grilled over an open flame for you to enjoy in the fresh fjord air. At the end of the evening, you will be transported back to Rosendal by boat, marking the end of your journey. Combine the restaurant experience with a tour of Salmon Eye to learn more about the seafood industry.

The experience, including the tasting menu, costs 3200 kr per person. At least two people are required to book the tasting experience.

Viewing experience

Salmon Eye offers a guided learning experience focusing on the footprint of the aquaculture industry in Norway. Maybe you know something about this already? Perhaps you have never been exposed to the industry yourself? The experience encourages you to challenge what you already know and reflect on how we can develop food production in the sea.

www.restaurantiris.no

www.salmoneye.no

BECKERWYC HOUSE

Former world champion chef opens hotel and food academy in Norway

Ørjan Johannesen has opened Beckerwyc House, a family run hotel at Austevoll island outside the city of Bergen. With his own food academy, he will provide world-class food experiences for his guests.

Beckerwyc House just opened its doors on June 16. The hotel is beautifully situated on the hillside by Bekkjarvik Harbour in Austevoll, south of Bergen, offering magnificent views of the idyllic harbor as well as the fjord and the mountain peaks of Sunnhordland. It has 20 exclusive rooms and suites, half of which have their own patio. The outdoor area consists of several terraces where hotel guests can relax in both the lounge and jacuzzi. There are car parks with charging points for electric cars for guests arriving by car. The hotel is a natural part of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri Hotel & Suites, just four minute’s walk from the traditional and historic guest house.

"In Bekkjarvik there has been an accomodation business since the 17th century. With our feet firmly plantet in history, we are now taking a big and important step into the future. We believe that Bekckerwyc House will have an international appeal for both foodies who travel for unique food experiences, and for people who want to find peace and experience the destination Austevoll with its wide range of activities. At the same time, we are very excited about strengthening our overall offer to both local, national and international travelers", saus CEO Rønnaug Nymark at Beckerwyc House.

But Beckerwyc House will be much more than an exclusive hotel. With Ørjan Johannessen at the helm, the Beckerwyc Food Academy will offer guests food expertise and knowledge along three axes.

"The food cathedral on the hotel´s top floor will provide room for a variety of food and drink experiences, which are given considerable attention in Beckerwyc House. The academy aims to increase food skills by offering food courses for private individuals and businesses, digital food courses via streaming, and competence for our own industry", says Johannessen.

Boutiquehotellet Beckerwyc House på Austevoll

ELVA HOTEL - THE RIVER

Unique hotel opening in Norway - design, nature and extensive activity menu.

For over 30 years, Frode Solbakk has been offering spectacular nature-based experiences in Voss in the Hardangerfjord region. Now he has opened a unique landscape hotel that can really put Voss on the world map.

Hotel manager Jeanette Lillås has previously run the brewery Voss Bryggeri and is now ready for new challenges at Elva Hotel.

‘I’m still amazed when I enter the hotel, and the view from the hotel rooms makes you feel as if you’re soaring over the water! It’s really motivating to be a part of something so special. After all, with fourteen rooms and 42 beds, this is a small and exclusive hotel. That means there’s time to provide proper follow-up and service. I love talking to people, going the extra mile and creating a nice atmosphere,’ says Lillås.

In addition to the scenery and activities, the hotel focuses on fine dining made from local ingredients, which is perfect for Lillås.

‘It’s always been important to me to work closely with local producers. At Elva Hotel we offer fine dining with ingredients sourced locally and from the region as far as possible. On weekdays we will have a three-course dinner, and on weekends there will be a seven-course tasting menu,’ says Lillås.

https://www.elva.no/welcome/