In 2007 we, Marie José and Marco, decided to trade in our Amsterdam city life for the Heggenes village vibe. Along came Balder, our, back then, three year old son. We both had creative jobs in the Netherlands. Marie-José’s profession being interior designer while Marco used to be graphic designer at an advertising agency.
While we traded in the city’s concrete for the Valdes region wildlife, Jotunheimen's national parks mountains and trees, our passion for design did not stay behind. We put all our creative energy in this old wooden Norwegian farm. And so we transformed tradition into modern day luxury with an authentic atmosphere. Modern day luxury built on and mixed with the history and character of Herangtunet that anybody would love to have at home!.
It has been quite some years now, since we left our desks in the Netherlands to become design hotel owners in Norway. But even after all these years, we still can’t get enough of the long and warm summer nights, the bursting flames of fall and magic snow-covered winter nights.
Our small luxury hotel in Norway still changes every day, every season, every year. With hard work, persistence, many hands and much help, we transformed an ancient soul into a modern, luxurious and intimate boutique hotel.
Embraced by the natural beauty of the nearby Jotunheimen National Park, the white ski-slopes of Beitostølen, the crisp air and an infinite galaxy at night, this is a special place, a way of life we invite you to experience with us.
A world filled with interior design. With an intimate restaurant where we serve our guests Norwegian cuisine ‘Herangtunet style’. Where in winter the wood-burning stove warms every table and summer nights are endless in time and tastes…
Some time ago the Province of Valdres decided to conserve part of its cultural heritage. The approach taken was one of ‘breaking down to build up.’ Being encircled by historical Valdres buildings, we still enjoy the result of the Province’s choice to give the past a future every day here at Herangtunet.
Our Norwegian boutique hotel itself also has a lot of history going for it. Herangtunet means ‘farm garden’ in Norwegian and animals were indeed kept on our lands. For instance by the kind folks in black and white, Øystein Rudi and his wife Sidsel Dale. Before their son Knøt Olav Rudi – the last Herangtunet farmer - took over, they had a horse, eights cows, two piglets and seven sheep walking around the building that now houses the New York City, Rome Imperial, Aspen Royal and London Luxury Suites.
Being held in the arms of the Heggefjord and Jotunheimen National Park and cradled by beautiful Valdres history, our goal was to give old wooden heritage a bright new future. At an elevation of 500 meters and surrounded by woods and water, we hope we succeeded in giving our guests the feeling they sit on top of the world.
De Historiske - historic hotels & restaurants - is a unique membership organisation containing many of Norway’s most charming hotels and restaurants. The group consists of 50 hotels, 17 restaurants and 2 ships which are members of the group.
A very de nite perception of the responsibilities of the proprietor is required to qualify, with the relating of history forming the setting for the guests’ own overnight stay and gastronomic experience.
Our aim is to use the past as a backdrop for our guests, to enable them to create their own history based on experiences. It is our hope that these narrations may continue to live in the memories of our guests long after their return home.
Although the members of De Historiske each have their own distinctive characters, you will nd that they have features in common: a warm welcome, good service, a friendly atmosphere and high quality in every respect. The quality standards that the group has in common ensure a generally high standard in the group, and our values of ”hospitable”, ”personal” and ”quality conscious” shall aid us in achieving our shared vision: we want visitors to nd us ”a good place to be”.
Delicious meals and vintage wines, beautiful art and culture, design and decor based on deeply-rooted tradition and history, elegance, exciting tales, a romantic atmosphere and much more can be experienced without leaving the hotels. Golf, sleigh rides, ski trails, fjords, waterfalls, shing, hunting, boating, mountain tops, museums, shopping, horse riding, walking tours and many other activities are there to tempt you right outside your door.
We offer far more than just a comfortable hotel bed and a tasty meal: we represent a wealth of experiences, for both the body and the soul.
Take your story home.