Checking in for Three Nights at Eggedal Borgerstue: A Charming Historical Hotel in Norway

Eggedal Borgerstue in Eggedal, Norway

Three years. That’s how long it took to drive back into Eggedal. I’ve traveled quite a lot since then and visited some great places, but nothing compares to the feeling I got when driving into this beautiful mountain village again.

The moment those familiar mountains and peaks showed up, it felt like coming home. And that's not so odd, since I've lived in these surroundings for over 4 years.

Coming home

Eggedal is more than just a location to me - it's a memorable and important chapter in my life.

For over four years, I ran Tempelseter Fjellstue. A ski lodge situated in the mountainous area of Tempelseter in Sigdal municipality, which is located on the west side—often referred to as the sun side (solsiden)—of the large Norefjell mountain range. It's a couple of hours' drive from Oslo, so if you're in the area, you might want to visit! No, you should visit!

I jumped into the role as a manager at the lodge with zero experience, and honestly, the only way I made it through those first months was thanks to the steady support of the locals and the area's cabin owners.

Funny how life throws the most extraordinary things your way sometimes. It wasn't just fun, and I didn't just learn a lot and get in great shape—it was an experience I will never forget. It was an active lifestyle full of adventures and cool, supportive people, like Elisabeth, the owner of Eggedal Borgerstue.

Returning to Eggedal Borgerstue

This recent trip of mine was a chance to reconnect with the mountains, reminisce, spend time with friends who also made the trip up to Eggedal, and, most importantly, say hello to the village and the people who were once a part of my everyday life.

I stayed in Legekontoret (The Doctors' Office). This actually was used as a doctor's office once!

Staying at Borgerstua gave me a significant boost in energy. First of all, I love historical hotels, and since I know this hotel particularly well, I knew my stay would be precisely what I needed after too many months at the computer screen.

I mean, you can't go wrong with clear and crisp air - singing birds, a beautiful historic hotel room, great food, and finding total peace.

The owner, Elisabeth Bøle, is the heart of Borgerstua. She helped me out a lot when I moved to the mountains in 2017. I mean, I knew nothing about running a kitchen or much about the hospitality industry. But I learned! :)

Today, she runs this family-owned historical hotel with a staff of friendly, hardworking locals. Her two daughters, who basically grew up in the hotel, also help out whenever they're back in the village.

Elisabeth and her youngest daughter, Nora.

It was great to see Elisabeth again. We spent time hiking, catching up, and even came up with some collaborative plans together!

A Historic Hotel in Norway with a History You Can Feel (and Taste!)

So, a little history about the hotel. Eggedal Borgerstua was originally an old coach station (skysstasjon). Back when travel was slow and tiring, these stations were crucial. They gave weary travelers fresh horses, a hot meal, and a safe spot to crash before tackling the mountains again.

That whole heritage, being a vital spot for rest and community, is what gives Eggedal Borgerstue its welcoming feel today. It’s a tradition of service that has literally been passed down for generations.

And the food? The food! They are dedicated to using local ingredients whenever they can. This isn't a forced concept - it’s simply how they do things. It's traditional, satisfying, super tasty, and full of the flavors of Norway.

Wooden board with cheezes and vegeetables.

In addition, the building has been used as a bank, a village meeting place, a doctor's office, a shoemaker's shop, and for many other similar purposes. Must be some ghosts around, although I've never encountered anything.

But what makes Borgerstue really special is the family behind it. Since 1966, the Koren Bøle family has lovingly managed the hotel! It was Elisabeth's grandmother who started it all. And I hear she was quite the woman.

This over half-century of dedication means that every single corner of Eggedal Borgerstue is filled with personal history and a deep commitment to keeping the place authentic.

And, as some of you know, my big thing about visiting hotels is the breakfast. If a hotel has clean bathrooms and good breakfasts, it's usually a very good sign.

I obviously knew what I was in store for, but that made me look forward to visiting even more. In addition to having a varied selection of local delicacies, there is so much to choose from, something for everyone.

A Gazebo and a Pizza Oven with 100-Year-Old Views

I was super surprised to see a new addition to the property. The latest addition since I left is the new Gazebo (lysthuset). It’s truly something special! I love how it's been decorated with old furniture that brings you back in time and makes you sit up just a little bit straighter. :)

They managed to find 30 or so 100-year-old windows, restore them, and build them right into the new space. This gives the new building a lovely, historical feel that matches the main building perfectly.

And what's inside this beautiful new room? A big, stone pizza oven!

I came up to Eggedal on a Thursday, and on Friday, "ysthuset" was buzzing with villagers and guests.

We ate delicious, wood-fired pizza and drank wine late into the night. It was a proper village gathering, seeing old friends, familiar faces, and the next generation all together. That’s the magic of Eggedal Borgerstue - it’s the community's living room.

Eggedal: The Real Norway Xperience

If you’re looking for an actual Norway experience, you need to get off the main road, and that’s where you’ll find Eggedal.

One of many views you'll discover when you visit Eggedal.

Eggedal is not overrun with tourists, which is part of its appeal. It’s authentic, untouched, and simply beautiful. It’s a great place to hike in the summer and to ski in the winter. It’s nature at its best.

And now that you know that you'll be staying at the historical hotel "Eggedal Borgerstue" when you're in Norway, the rest is up to you.

While you're here, make sure to visit Hagan. This museum was the home of the famous Norwegian painter Christian Skredsvig.

It's a beautiful, artistic home built out in the mountains, and it was one of the first houses in the entire region to have a functioning bathroom with running water!

It’s a cool piece of history that shows the inventive spirit of the people who settled down in this valley.

Until Next Time Eggedal

My time running Tempelseter Ski Lodge and living in Eggedal was one of the best chapters of my life. All the laughter, community feel, and memories will always be a part of me.

This visit to Eggedal Borgerstue was the perfect moment to reflect and look forward. Going back in time is great and often a smart way to appreciate the present, but the future is where the possibilities lie.

I won't wait three years again!

Before you leave, stop by Eggedal Borgerstue's website and check out all they have to offer. And who knows, maybe we'll meet!