Bardøla Fjelltun: Unbelievable Geilo, Norway Escape You NEED to See!
Bardøla Fjelltun: My Geilo Getaway – Seriously Spectacular, But… (The Truth!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I’ve just returned from Bardøla Fjelltun in Geilo, Norway, and my head is still spinning. Imagine a postcard, then crank the beauty dial to ELEVEN. Seriously, the views are insane. But before I launch into a full-blown love letter, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, because frankly, real life ain't always perfect, and I'm not afraid to spill the tea (or, you know, the aquavit—more on that later).
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First Impressions: OMG, Those Mountains! (And a Minor Panic)
Pulling up to Bardøla was like stepping into a fairytale. The traditional Norwegian architecture, the crisp mountain air… it was picture-perfect. Getting there? Relatively smooth! (That’s a win for travel, right?) Accessibility is decent (check). Elevator, check. But there were a few slightly narrow hallways I was initially unsure about. Nothing disastrous, but something to keep in mind if you’re heavily reliant on a wheelchair. (Accessibility). The sheer scale of the place is impressive, and everything looks pristine.
Rooms: Cozy, Techy, and (Blessedly) Dark!
My room? Oh, I loved it. Blackout curtains were a godsend (Available in all rooms). Because, let’s face it, those midnight sun moments during summer in Norway can mess with your sleep schedule. Free Wi-Fi was FAST (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), which, for a digital nomad like myself, is crucial! Internet access – wireless, check. There was a desk, perfect for working, and the usual amenities like coffee/tea maker, mini-bar, and a very comfortable bed. (Available in all rooms). And the bathroom! Private, with a separate shower/bathtub (Available in all rooms). I may have taken a bath with a view. Just saying.
BUT… (Here come the quirks!) The interconnecting rooms were available and tempted me. I'm a sucker for extra space. Ultimately, I didn't need the extra room, but I'll bring it up in the review! Also, there was a weirdly small TV. Not a huge deal, but hey, I'm an American, okay? I like my screens BIG.
Food, Glorious Food: From Breakfast Buffets to Asian Adventures (and a near-disaster!)
Okay, the food. This is where Bardøla really shines. Breakfast buffets (Buffet in restaurant) are a must-do – a sprawling spread of everything imaginable! Western breakfast (Breakfast [buffet]) was on point. Think cheeses, cold cuts, pastries, and a coffee machine that could probably power a small town. And the Asian breakfast (Asian breakfast) was great as well!
Restaurants (Restaurants) abound, with A la carte in restaurant (A la carte in restaurant) options if you don't want the all-you-can-eat insanity. One night, I decided to try the Vegetarian restaurant (Vegetarian restaurant) – and it was brilliant! The chef clearly cared about flavor. International cuisine in restaurant (International cuisine in restaurant) overall was of high quality.
The Near-Disaster: I’m a chronic over-orderer. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach. One night, I went full-on ambitious. I ordered the entire dessert menu. (I wasn't thinking straight, I was also already pretty relaxed after spa) I'll spare you the gory details, but let's just say I may or may not have waddled back to my room and spent a concerning amount of time on the sofa. Lesson learned: moderation is key. (I did, however, have a fantastic Happy hour (Happy hour) at the Bar (Bar) before this glorious overindulgence. All the drinks and snacks are lovely)
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Poolside Bliss
The spa? Oh. My. Goodness. This is where Bardøla truly earns its stripes. I opted for the works, and was not disappointed. Body scrub, check. Body wrap, check. Massage? Double-check! I think my muscles haven’t felt this relaxed since, well, ever. (Ways to relax).
And the pool! (Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view) Imagine this: crisp mountain air, a stunning view of the valley, and a heated outdoor pool. I literally spent HOURS floating around, absolutely content. The sauna, steamroom (Spa/sauna, Steamroom) , and foot bath (Foot bath) were the perfect post-massage rituals. My skin felt like silk, my worries had melted away. The staff were amazing, and made me feel pampered.
**A major shoutout to the *Spa (Spa)* itself: it's pure bliss. The facilities are impeccably clean and well-maintained, with professional-grade sanitizing services (Cleanliness and safety). The staff (and I have been to a lot of them in my time) are exceptionally skilled and attentive… (More of this later!).
Safety and (Surprisingly) Efficiency:
The place felt safe (Cleanliness and safety, Safety/security feature). There were smoke alarms, security cameras (CCTV in common areas), and a 24-hour front desk (Front desk [24-hour]). They were taking safety seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff were friendly and trained in safety protocols (Staff trained in safety protocol). They even offered room sanitization opt-out (Rooms sanitized between stays), which gave me peace of mind. Also, I saw the staff actively changing things for physical distancing of at least 1 meter (Cleanliness and safety).
Check-in/out was a breeze (as usual) - Contactless check-in/out (Services and conveniences).
For the Kids & Families:
I didn’t have any kids with me, but I noticed kids facilities (For the kids). The place felt very Family/child friendly (For the kids).
The Details: Not Everything's Perfect…
- Laundry Service (Services and conveniences) was available, but I didn't personally use it.
- The gym/fitness (Gym/fitness) was fine, but nothing to write home about.
- Internet (Internet) was great, but could occasionally drop out in the super remote bits of my room.
My Verdict: Go. Just Go!
Bardøla Fjelltun is fantastic. It's a place where you can truly unwind, get away from it all, and recharge. Despite the occasional minor hiccup, the stunning scenery, incredible spa, and delicious food make it an unforgettable experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. And I'm already dreaming of that outdoor pool… Go!
Shah Alam Luxury: Unbelievable 2-Bedroom I-City Family Suite!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my slightly disastrous, utterly delightful, and definitely opinionated trip to Bardøla Fjelltun in Geilo, Norway. Consider this less a perfect itinerary and more a chronicle of chaos. Prepare for emotional whiplash.
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh My God, It's So Pretty I Could Cry" Syndrome
- Morning (Lost in Translation, Literally): Arrive at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen. The plan? Seamless train ride to Geilo. Reality? Well, let's just say my Norwegian language skills peaked in middle school with "Takk." Ended up on the wrong train (twice!), narrowly avoiding a destination that may or may not have involved a fjord full of very grumpy fish. Finally, finally, after a slightly sweaty negotiation with a very patient ticket conductor, land in Geilo.
- Early Afternoon: The Journey to Paradise (Almost): The scenic bus ride up to Bardøla Fjelltun. And holy moly. The mountains. The quaint little houses with smoke curling out of the chimneys. The air… it’s crisper than a goddamn apple. I swear, I almost burst into tears from sheer beauty. Like, full-on ugly cry. This is the moment you realize all the train mishaps were worth it.
- Late Afternoon: Check-in. The room is… cozy. Okay, it's tiny. And the view? A majestic mountainside dotted with those little wooden cabins I’d been drooling over. My initial thrill, fueled by the scenery, is quickly tempered by the fact that I can barely swing a cat (not that I have a cat, but you get the picture).
- Evening: Dinner and Deep, Existential Thoughts: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food? Hearty, mountainous fare. Think reindeer stew and potatoes that taste like they’ve been kissed by a thousand angels. Seriously. Delicious. Over dinner, I start to reflect on my life choices. Am I doing this right? Should I have learned Norwegian beforehand? Is it possible to fall in love with a landscape? (Spoiler alert: yes). Finish the evening contemplating the vastness of the cosmos while wrapped in a fleece blanket, peering at the stars from the hotel's balcony.
Day 2: Skiing, Falling, and the Glorious Taste of Defeat
- Morning: The Snowboarding Dream (Turned Nightmare): Right, so, I thought I was a snowboarder. I mean, I’ve watched snowboarders. And in my mind, I was practically Shaun White. Reality? Let's just say more "Shaun White's clumsy, slightly terrified cousin." The ski shop was a minefield of expensive gear; after being told a board by the ever-so-patient staff, I headed to the bunny slope. This, my friends, is where the true comedy began.
- Midday: The Bunny Slope Tango: Two hours. Two hours of me face-planting, cursing myself, and narrowly avoiding small children. I think I spent more time on my butt than actually on the board. I feel a kinship with the mountain. We both seem to be in an abusive relationship. The worst part? The small, smug children effortlessly whizzing past me.
- Afternoon: Giving Up (for a Brief Moment): After another spectacular tumble, I retire to the lodge, defeated and slightly bruised. A hot chocolate and a dramatic self-pity session are in order.
- Late Afternoon: A Second Wind (and a Slightly Less Steep Slope): Inspired by a few of my (much) younger snowboarding classmates, I dragged myself back on the board. Found a slightly less challenging slope. Things started to click! I was gliding! Okay, maybe gliding is an overstatement. I was not falling every two seconds. It was a minor victory, but it was my victory. I felt invincible (until the next wipeout).
- Evening: Burger and Beer, and Soul-Searching: Celebrating my minor snowboarding triumph (and nursing my bruised ego) with a burger and a local beer. I think I ate the burger in five minutes flat. Sitting by the fire, staring at the mountain, the snow slowly falling - I felt content, even considering the day's many failures. This is what it is to be alive.
Day 3: Hiking, Waterfalls and "I'm Actually Getting the Hang of This Nature Thing"
- Morning: A Walk in the Forest: Ditched the snowboard (for a day, at least). Opted for a gentler hike. The trail was stunning! Think towering pines, the sound of rushing water, and the most invigorating air you’ve ever inhaled. I’m starting to get the whole "feeling at one with nature" thing. I even managed to ID a few local birds (thanks, Google Translate and a whole load of luck).
- Midday: Waterfall Whispers: Found a waterfall. It was absolutely breathtaking. I sat on a rock, listening to the roar of the water, and, for a moment, felt truly at peace. It was the kind of moment you want to bottle up and keep forever.
- Afternoon: A (Slightly Embarrassing) Photo Session: The scenery was begging for photos. So, I spent an hour taking pictures. A few of them turned out okay. The rest are a testament to my lack of photographic talent. I even tried to stage a dramatic pose with the waterfall – ended up slipping on the wet rocks and nearly took a tumble. The mountain wasn't impressed.
- Evening: The End of the Trip! Dinner, packing, and a final, lingering look at the mountains. Seriously, this place is magical. I leave with a sense of accomplishment (at least, as far as the "not falling on my face constantly" thing goes), a slightly bruised backside, beautiful photos, and a profound longing to return.
- Final Thoughts: This trip wasn't perfect. I face-planted. I got lost. I probably looked like a complete idiot half the time. But it was perfect in its imperfection. It was real. It was funny. It was everything a trip should be. Geilo, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart. And I promise I’ll be back to try snowboarding again. Maybe. Definitely. Probably with more lessons.
Bardøla Fjelltun: Your Questions Answered (and My Ramblings!)
Okay, okay, so *what* is Bardøla Fjelltun, exactly? Is it just another hotel?
Alright, picture this: a cozy hug from the Norwegian mountains. That's kinda Bardøla. It's not just a hotel, it’s more like a… well, a *compound* of cabins and buildings nestled in the heart of Geilo. Think traditional Norwegian charm meets modern comfort. Seriously, even the *air* feels different there. It's crisp, clean, and smells faintly of pine. And listen, *everyone* there – from the staff to the other guests – are just so chill. It’s not like those stuffy, pretentious places. You’re instantly able to relax. I remember when I first saw the main building, with its rustic wooden facade and welcoming lights. I got goosebumps! (And I'm not even particularly fond of wood buildings, usually. The charm got to me!)
Is it *really* as beautiful as the pictures? Because, you know, Instagram...
Alright, buckle up, because here comes the truth: THE PICTURES DON'T DO IT JUSTICE. Seriously! I mean, yeah, the photos are beautiful, all snow-capped mountains and pristine landscapes. But being *there*? It’s an entirely different beast. The sheer scale of it… my jaw *actually* dropped the first time I crested the hill and saw the valley. Okay, now I'm getting all sentimental – I need to stop! I almost cried. It was… overwhelming, in the best possible way. The air is so clear, the light just *shimmers*. It's genuinely breathtaking, okay?! And the silence at night - you can't get that anywhere.
What’s the accommodation like? I'm fussy!
Okay, fussy? I get it. I'm a princess when it comes to beds, admittedly. But honestly, the accommodations are great. The cabins are the real win here. The rooms are simple, but cozy, with everything you *actually* need. No pretentious, useless fluff (thank goodness). Their beds are comfortable, which is a huge plus for me. I absolutely loved the little details, like heated floors in the bathroom and the fireplace in the living room in some of the cabins. Plus, the views from my window were insane. Seriously, waking up to that mountain panorama every morning? Pure bliss. Okay, maybe I *am* getting carried away!
And the food? Is the food any good? I’m a foodie.
Foodie! I'm one, too! The food isn't *Michelin-star* fancy, you know? But it's… *real*. Hearty, delicious, and made with fresh, local ingredients. Think Norwegian classics: hearty soups, delicious rye bread, fresh fish, and of course, amazing waffles. Oh, the waffles! Okay, now I'm drooling. You have breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, so you don't have to worry about finding restaurants all the time. The staff is super accommodating. They even catered to my weird gluten-free needs (which, believe me, isn't always easy!). One night, they had a massive buffet with… oh boy, let's just say I ate *way* too much. Worth it. Every. Single. Bite. Absolutely!
Is there anything *to do* there, or is it just staring at mountains? (I hope there's more to do!)
Oh, honey, is there ever! Geilo is an outdoor adventure playground. You can go skiing (obviously!), snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking in the summer… literally, whatever your heart desires. They've got activities for all skill levels. I'm more of a ‘gentle ambler’ myself, so I spent a lot of time just hiking around, taking photos. I'm not saying I'm a pro hiker, but I managed some seriously impressive (for me!) trails. Seriously, I spent hours just wandering, breathing in the fresh air. It was wonderfully restorative. And, don’t forget the spa! One day, I'll tell you all about my experience at the spa (it wasn't good, haha, I should have stayed in the hot tub).
Is it family-friendly? I'm considering bringing the kids.
Absolutely! It's super family-friendly. They have play areas for the kids, and tons of activities geared towards families. Plus, the staff is amazing with kids. But, even if you don't have kids, you can relax in the peace and quiet, and even make friends. I saw families playing in the snow together, laughing, all of it. Honestly, it was just really nice to see.
What’s the one thing you remember the most, above all others?
Oh, that's a tough one, because there were so many amazing moments! But if I had to pick *one* thing… it would be the feeling of pure *contentment* I felt sitting by the fireplace in my cabin at night, after a full day of adventure. The crackling fire, the smell of woodsmoke, the quiet of the mountains… It was pure, unadulterated bliss. It’s the sense of peace, the feeling of being completely unplugged and away from the hustle-bustle, that really got to me. I genuinely felt like I was recharging my soul. I'm getting a little choked up thinking about it. (Don’t judge!) And it’s also the memory of my first time seeing the Northern Lights while I was there. It was ethereal! Okay, clearly I need to go back.
Anything you *didn’t* like? Be honest!
Okay, okay, so nothing is perfect. If I *had* to nitpick… the Wi-Fi wasn't always the strongest in my cabin. But honestly? That was a *good* thing! It forced me to disconnect, to really be present in the moment. The one thing that genuinely bothered me was… I wasn't there long enough! I felt like I barely scratched the surface of what Geilo and Bardøla had to offer. Next time, I'm blocking out *at least* a week. Seriously, the fact that I had to *leave* was the worst part. Ugh!
Is it expensive?
Let's be real. Norway isn't cheap. But, considering the experience… well, it's worth the investment. You're paying for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. Do your research onHotel Bliss Search
