History of Hotel Finse 1222

Black-and-white photograph of a snowy, rocky mountain landscape on the Hardangerjøkulen glacier in Norway, with two distant people.

A name shaped by nature

Before it all

The name Finse likely comes from Old Norse and means “lake in the wilderness,” a perfect match for the high mountains, vast Finsevatnet, and untouched terrain that define the place. Long before railways or hotels, this landscape was shaped by weather, wildlife, and the rhythms of snow and wind.

Black-and-white photo of a child in winter clothing beside a stroller and a train in a snowy mountain landscape.

A country divided by geography

Mid-1800s

Travel between eastern and western Norway was slow, fragmented, and often impossible in winter. As Norway grew, so did the desire to link its two most important cities, Oslo (Kristiania) and Bergen, with a railway that would shape the nation’s identity and infrastructure.

Black-and-white historical photo of four quarry workers sitting on logs beside a rocky cliff and inclined rail track.

Engineering against nature

1896-1909

Construction of the Bergen Line became one of the most challenging feats of its time. Railway workers endured extreme weather, avalanches, and snowdrafts that could swallow entire camps. Finse emerged as a crucial support point, a place where workers could eat, rest, and prepare to face the next storm.

Black-and-white mountain landscape with a partially frozen lake, snow-covered rocky slopes, utility poles, and a long mountainside building.

From simple shelter to alpine hub

1901

The first building at Finse was a humble hut at the station, intended to support the railway crews. It provided necessities in a harsh climate, and set the foundation for something much larger to come.

Black-and-white photograph of a person walking through deep snow beside a snow-covered vehicle in a blizzard.

Reaching the roof of Norway

1908

On 10 June 1908, Finse Station opened at 1,222 meters above sea level, the highest railway station in Norway and on the Bergen Line. There were no roads here; everything arrived by rail, and Finse became a permanent settlement with workers, services, and a growing sense of place.

Historic black-and-white photo of people skiing through a snow-buried village street lined with wooden houses and utility poles.

finse Fjeldstue opens

1909

As the Bergen Line neared completion, Finse’s station hut evolved into a proper guesthouse, and in 1909 it officially opened as Finse Fjeldstue, part safety refuge, part welcoming stop for travelers braving the mountain route.

Black-and-white historical photograph of five adults gathered around a tea table with a small dog in an Art Deco interior.

Alice Lister Fangen: A driven pioneer

1908

After a few months, the hotel was taken over by Alice Lister Fangen, a resourceful five-child mother who had already been running a predecessor guesthouse at Finse since 1903. Her energy and hospitality helped shape the hotel’s early identity and its reputation across Europe.

Historic black-and-white photo of people ice skating inside a large wooden rink with arched roof beams and sunlit windows

A roof for ice and ambition

1914

In 1914, Finse opened what is believed to be the world’s first indoor ice rink. It attracted great athletes like Sonja Henie and Oscar Mathisen to train in the mountains, mixing sport, society, and alpine culture.In 1914, Finse opened what is believed to be the world’s first indoor ice rink. It attracted great athletes like Sonja Henie and Oscar Mathisen to train in the mountains, mixing sport, society, and alpine culture.

Black-and-white historical photo of five people sitting on a steep, snow-covered shingle roof, with a snow-covered building in the background.

Golden era of guests

1916-1930´s

In 1916, Andreas Klem took over the hotel and guided it through 17 years of growth. This era welcomed explorers and prominent figures including King Haakon, Fridtjof Nansen, polar aviator Tryggve Gran, author Karen Blixen, and intrepid adventurer Ernest Shackleton, who trained here before Antarctic expeditions.

Historic black-and-white photo of soldiers standing outside the Finse Hotel entrance.

War and transforamtion

1940 - 1945

During World War II, the hotel was requisitioned by occupying forces who attempted to build an airstrip and test aviation fuel under arctic conditions on nearby Hardangerjøkulen. One plane that landed could not take off again and had to be dismantled and shipped back by train after the war, a dramatic footnote in the hotel’s story.

Vintage black-and-white photo of skiers relaxing with drinks outside a mountain lodge in a snowy alpine landscape

The Resurgence of the mountains

Post War Rennisance

After the war, Finse Hotel regained popularity. The aristocracy and cultural figures of Norway returned; the place blended tradition with the growing appeal of mountain travel and winter sports

Three people posing with a rider on a large white fantasy creature in a snowy landscape

A cinematic world is born

1979

Finse’s dramatic terrain became the ice planet Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Filming endured one of the worst snowstorms in a century, but the location’s raw power made the scenes unforgettable.

Mountain lodge with slate roofs, hikers, bicycles, and a rocky snow-capped peak in Norway

New guides for the old lodge

1987-2020

After a turbulent period, the Norman brothers became part owners in 1987 and took full ownership in 1995, leading the hotel through shifting tourism trends while keeping its heritage alive.

Skiers gathered beside a large snow sculpture spelling “FINSE” outside a mountain lodge in Norway.

A festival of adventure

2010

Finse embraced its explorer spirit with events like Expedition Finse, launched by then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, celebrating polar history, outdoor skills, and human curiosity across ages and ambitions.

Collage of colorful vintage textile patterns featuring birds, flowers, foliage, and close-up fabric details.

a new era

2020-2021

A new group of Finse-enthusiastic owners went together with Snøhetta to carefully renovate the hotel. They brought old design pieces and photos back into the light, blending history with modern comfort. In summer 2021, the hotel reopened as Hotel Finse 1222, honoring its altitude, heritage, and future.

Leather Chesterfield sofa facing a window with people relaxing in the snow-covered mountains outside

still a gathering place

Today

Hotel Finse 1222 is a living piece of Norwegian history. Accessible only by train, skis, or bicycle, the hotel has welcomed guests for over a century to find peace, inspiration, and a close connection to nature.