Where to put your suitcases for total immersion?

Ah, Norway. These colorful facades, these majestic fjords, these breathtaking landscapes … A real dream for lovers of nature and authenticity. But the Norwegian charm is not limited to its large spaces: its cities are also worth the detour. Among them, Bergen and Stavanger, respectively second and third largest cities in the country, stand out by their singular atmosphere – and act as perfect falling points to explore the region. If you plan to venture there soon, here are two addresses where to stay, combining comfort and total immersion in the Norwegian atmosphere. Follow the leader !

The XVI opus: the art of living in the Norwegian

In the heart of Bergen, on the imposing place Vågsallmenningen, the XVI opus throne in Majesty. Hold by the descendants of the composer Edvard Grieg who gave him the name of one of his most famous concertos for piano, this 4 -star hotel married brilliantly and history. Ideally located to discover Bergen and its charming multicolored wooden facades, it is also a pied-à-terre of choice to escape to the fjords and the famous Norwegian hikes, including the essential Trolltunga. A luxurious haven to kiss nature without giving up city comfort.

Fitted in an old bank, the XVI opus has managed to keep the architectural elegance of its past: imposing columns, marble floors, high ceilings and even two authentic workers always visible in the common areas. Today, the establishment offers 65 rooms, including 8 suites, all tastefully decorated, mixing oak parquet, noble fabrics and soothing tones. Each room is equipped with high -end bedding, an office area and a luxurious bathroom. The consequences, like the majestic suite Grieg, have a separate lounge and sometimes a view of Mount Fløyen or the roofs of the old town.

On the kitchen side, the XVI opus will be able to delight your taste buds. In an elegant setting mixing granite, canopies and velvet, the hotel restaurant offers a varied and inspired menu, which gives pride of place to local products with a French touch. It is found, pell-mell, a salmon tartare with fresh herbs, a pan-fried cod served with puree of artichokes and seasonal vegetables, or a poultry supreme accompanied by a creamy risotto. For dessert, Paris-Bergen revisits a great classic with audacity. In the afternoon, we gladly dwell on a afternoon teawhile nightfall, the bar comes alive slowly, perfect for a last drink in a cozy atmosphere. A place where good taste is enjoyed on all floors.

Opus XVI is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. From € 231 per night, breakfast included. Reserve By clicking here .

The Eilert Smith Hotel: a design case in the heart of the fjords

In Stavanger, the Eilert Smith Hotel stands out as an address of choice for travelers in search of high -end comfort. Installed in a former 1930s warehouse, this intimate hotel pays tribute to the architect Eilert Smith through a careful reinterpretation of functionalist architecture. With its elegant facade and its cozy atmosphere, the establishment offers an ideal starting point to explore the Rogaland region, to explore the fjords and climb the famous Preikestolen, one of the most spectacular hikes in the country.

With only 12 rooms, the Eilert Smith Hotel cultivates an exclusive atmosphere. Here, no badge or key: on arrival, a simple code received on smartphone is enough to open the door of your room. Inside, noble materials, clean lines and a range of warm tones make up a Scandinavian setting of great refinement, where every detail has been carefully thought. Exceptional bedding, clever + Goetz care products, homemade chocolates, generously garnished minibar … The level of service rivals without difficulty with the largest establishments. Breakfast, served in a room, extends this feeling of intimacy. But the highlight of the show is on the fourth and last floor. Built around an imposing golden spiral staircase, the Eilert’s Residence is much more than a simple room, it is a sumptuous 250 m² duplex, thought as a real place of life. Here, luxury reaches its peak, with the possibility of offering a private dinner orchestrated by a chef at home.

In terms of catering, the Eilert Smith Hotel is also the reception land of the Re-NAA restaurant, the first Norwegian establishment to have won three Michelin stars. Behind this feat: chef Sven Erik Renaa and his wife Torill, who manages it. Their vision? A cuisine of excellence, without ever giving in to the superfluous complexity. Back to fundamentals, priority to taste, absolute respect for local products: this is their magic recipe. Served in an intimate room of 21 covers, the tasting menu – 25 meticulously orchestrated sequences – tells a raw and refined Norway. A word of advice, however: remember to book before your stay because the restaurant displays very quickly complete – and we understand why.

Eilert Smith Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. From € 392 per night, breakfast included. Reserve By clicking here .