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About us

From mountain lodge to boutique hotel

Danebu Kongsgaard is beautifully located at the top of Aurdalsåsen, approx. 170 km from Oslo, 1000 m.a.s.l. in the heart of Valdres. The hotel has a magnificent view of the Hemsedal mountains, the Vang mountains and Jotunheimen. The place has a unique history and was originally built as a gift from Norway to Denmark as thanks for the help during WW2.

History

Danebu Kongsgaard was originally a gift from Norway to Denmark as a thank you for their help after the war. The initiator was the then editor of a large newspaper, P. Chr. Andersen, who put forward the idea of a fundraiser for this purpose right after second World War. The Ski Association took the idea further through its chairman Lauritz Schmidt's initiative and started a nationwide fundraising campaign on Denmarks constitution day. This was a great success with thousands of small and large contribution.

As early as August 1945, the Ski Association was able to present the deed of gift to the so-called "Danskehytten" (or "Danish Cottage") to the Danish Sports Association. It was architect H. Astrup who together with Colonel Bloch-Hansen found a magnificent plot with a great view on top of Aurdalsåsen in Valdres. After an architectural competition that was won by Esben Poulsson with his drawing of "Kongsgaarden" (King farm), Danebu was built in the years 1947-50. Danebu Kongsgaard could finally open the doors to guests on December 16, 1950.

Over the years, Danebu has of course hosted Danish holidaymakers, but it has also been a place for training for many famous Norwegian sports stars such as Wirkola, Grini, Tomtun and Jensen, and ice skating stars like "the big five". Later on, many alpine groups have chosen Danebu as their training destination.

Danebu has also been a meeting point for cabin guests in Aurdalsåsen and a popular place to celebrate weddings and other anniversaries.

For a long time, however, the hotel appeared out-of-date and worn, and there was a great need for improvement and renovations.

Old image of guests on cross country skiing trip.

From mountain lodge to boutique hotel

During the last few years from 2020, Danebu Kongsgaard has been through a major development and is now classified as a cozy Boutique hotel, which often characterizes a bit smaller, modern hotels with a personal touch and unique style and atmosphere. This type hotels focus on offering their guests a very special experience because interior, design, service and food have that something extra.

Through support from Innovation Norway, Danebu Kongsgaard launched a completely new visual identity in 2019/2020 with a new concept, design profile and values. (Read more below). The hotel has been through 3 rounds of upgrades to date. There has been invested in a completely new and modern kitchen, new entrance area and reception, and a major upgrade of all rooms and common areas. Interior designer Christine Fikseaunet has designed the interior and created a cozy and inviting atmosphere. She has managed to take care of both the history and the "soul" of the place through the interior upgrade, while simultaeneously ensuring that the place meet today's demands for aesthetics and comfort. The design was highlighted in Interiørmagasinet autumn 2021 and in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review of 2022 (The Oscar's of interior design).

Danebu Panorama

The Sandvik family has operated the hotel since 2011, and in 2020, Sverre Monsen Sejersted, joined the ownership team. The same year, a regulatory process for the property in the Danebu Panorama project started. Danebu Panorama are new apartments, duplex cabins and cabins associated with Danebu Kongsgaard. Danebu Panorama will provide capital for the development of the hotel, but also create a foundation to build "Destination Danebu" with, among other things, the possibility of letting, development of activities and service offerings.

The next steps

Danebu Kongsgaard has come far in the development plan. The hotel now appears as a boutique hotel and the basics are in place. However, we are still not finished. During the next few years the next steps of our plan will be executed. There will be sustainable development, skill development, signature kitchen, more local ingredients, taste experiences and much more on the agenda. Most importantly, though, we will start the developing "Destination Danebu", which will include among other things development of activities, services to the cabins, letting, easier booking and much more.

The hosts

We have a philosophy that everyone who works at Danebu Kongsgaard are the hosts, and should feel like one. Every employee you meet with us will therefore be your host.

Eco-lighthouse certification

In July 2022, Danebu Kongsgaard became Eco-lighthouse certified - something we are incredibly proud of. We now have visible proof that we take responsibility, and have a concrete tool to work with continuous environmental improvements and green transition. Now we will continue working on achieving greener purchasing, lower energy consumption, smarter transport, less waste and a better working environment. As an Eco-lighthouse, we also contribute to achieving several of the UN's sustainability goals. A sustainable future needs concrete action and a joint effort from businesses, authorities and consumers alike!

Danebu Kongsgaard is eco lighthouse certified

The concept

- Relax and Recharge

There is a calmness in the mountains that you rarely experience in the city. At Danebu Kongsgaard there is a calmness and atmosphere you rarely experience at any other mountain hotel. The mountains in Valdres do not just offer beautiful sceneries, they also impact your wellbeing. The silence, the clean air, the colours enable you to think deep thoughts, have good conversations and read thick books. Take a hike to Fjellenden, go fishing at Damtjeren, or maybe just relax in the lounge with one of our locally brewed beers. In the kitchen, our chefs prepare our local specialities with the taste of the nature that surrounds you. A dining experience you will want to return for. Danebu is a place to relax and a place to recharge. By the time the sun sets you have already become completely relaxed. Do not be surprised if you wake up as a new person.
Welcome to the mountain gem, Danebu Kongsgaard.

Chairs on terrace with view in the background.

The logo

The logo of Danebu Kongsgaard is a unique crown. The crown is inspired by the mountains, the traditional braids and the antlers of the moose hanging in the fireplace lounge. On the top of the crown there is an unpolished pearl. Because real pearls are unpolished and beautiful. Just like Danebu Kongsgaard.

Values

Our values are personal, authentic, fairy taly and tasteful.

Being a guest at Danebu Kongsgaard should be an experience that feels personal to you. We want to get to know you and for you to get to know us. You should feel seen and welcome.

We are authentic - we are real and always true to ourselves. We take care of the soul and history of the hotel in addition to the traditions of the area.

A farm for kings from the fairy tales where both the hotel itself, terraces, the outdoor area and the fantastic view make you experience something unique and adventurous. Something that feels like you just stepped in to your own fairy tale.

Food, drink, interior and service must be experienced as tasteful.

Our promise

A boutique hotel with a personal touch and unique style and atmosphere. Danebu Kongsgaard is focused on offering our guests an experience that feels like a fairytale where beautiful interior, service and food have that little extra. A somewhat private atmosphere where you feel like traveling with your loved ones, invite friends, family or colleagues for celebration, conversation, work, or just for being together.