Tuddal Høyfjellshotel voted Norway's best - a first-class Christmas experience

Guests at Tuddal høyfjellshotel book their stays years in advance, says general manager Malin Gurholt. – They come to experience the good life with fresh air and peace of mind. The hotel was voted Norway's best in 2025 and is run by the 5th generation Gurholt. Here you are guaranteed to be in the Christmas spirit.

When the online newspaper Reisetips invited readers to vote for Norway's 20 best hotels, they received over 2,600 responses. With a range from unique accommodations by fjords and mountains to luxurious city hotels around the country, a small mountain hotel in Telemark topped the list.
The award highlighted the hotel's close and personal atmosphere as a place where one was greeted with genuine care and warmth. 

Historical rush

Tuddal Mountain Hotel was originally built as a mountain sanatorium for wealthy city dwellers who sought out the mountains to gain new strength in beautiful nature. The hotel is described as one of the country's best-preserved wooden hotels with newly renovated TV-free rooms and an authentic mountain style. Today, Malin and Einar Gurholt are the owners and operators. She with the title of general manager, - he as director and chef with experience from Michelin restaurants both at home and abroad. 

Regulars

– We have spent a lot of time and energy on the hotel. The fact that we were voted Norway's best this year was both a great motivation and a lot of fun. Our guests come from both near and far. New Year's Eve is something that guests already book when they leave here after Christmas. Among other things, we have a married couple from Switzerland and Denmark who want to sit at the same table every year. They have gotten to know each other here at the hotel and have made it an annual tradition to meet here to celebrate the start of a new year together. 

Peaceful start

– New Year's Eve will be inaugurated with a four-course menu, she says. – Inspired by seasonal ingredients, we invite you to a festive dinner based on both home-produced dishes and local food. As usual, the menu is set and served every evening at 7:00 PM.
In the past, we have tried to arrange dancing until midnight, but the guests prefer to retreat to the living rooms and continue chatting there. And at midnight there are fireworks and champagne for those who wish.
Over time, we have gotten to know most of the guests, so it is almost like celebrating Christmas and New Year as a big family. We are filled with anticipation and joy like them.
There's something special about welcoming Christmas in the mountains. 

Facts:

Tuddal Høyfjellshotel has a total of 20 rooms, of which 18 are in the main building. The rooms are not large but they all have their own character and are decorated with stylish furniture. In addition, the hotel has two rooms in an annex where both two- and four-legged guests are welcome. 

Text: Trude Henrichsen