Sundvolden Hotel was constructed during an era marked by global exploration that defined much of the 15th through the 17th centuries.

Dating back to 1648, Sundvolden Hotel is among the most historic in Norway. Originally a modest stopover inn, Sundvolden Hotel was mainly occupied by migrant workers transporting coal from Ringerike to the iron works of Bærums Verk. The inn provided the basic demands to satisfy thirst and hunger until 1805, when a new road opened up across from Krokskogen. Sundvolden quickly became a desired vacation destination when the prominent political figure Thomas Bennett began arranging tours in 1848. Many international luminaries followed in Bennett’s footsteps, as they were awestruck by the region’s overwhelming beauty. Among the many noteworthy individuals to visit the area was Victor Hugo’s mistress, Madame Biard. Her appreciation of the hotel’s great character is made evident in a letter that she wrote in 1838:

“...on the northbound road from Christiania you travel through one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Sundvolden, where we stayed, deserves to be as famous as Interlaken and Chamonix. The village is hidden in a green valley that opens up to a wonderful scenery and great fjords with small islets. Far away you can spot the green twigs of spruce in the mountain hills against the pale blue sky.”