Hotel Union Øye is a legendary boutique hotel nestled in a remote fjord village, where Victorian-era charm meets modern sustainability. Established in 1891, this “fairytale hotel” has hosted kings, queens and explorers drawn to its splendid Sunnmøre Alps setting. Guests today step back in time: each of the 30 rooms and suites is individually decorated with antique furnishings and named for illustrious visitors (think Queen Wilhelmina or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). Gilded beds with canopies, rich wallpapers and claw-foot tubs evoke the romance of 1890s Norway – yet contemporary comforts abound, from deluxe bathrooms to high-speed Wi-Fi. Beyond its storied past, Union Øye is committed to sustainable luxury. The hotel operates on 100% renewable energy and is certified as an Eco-Lighthouse business (Miljøfyrtårn), adhering to rigorous Norwegian eco-standards. Preservation of local culture is key: the hotel’s painstaking 2021 restoration used traditional craftsmanship to maintain its historic architecture while improving energy efficiency (for example, installing insulation and low-impact heating). The Union Øye team also revitalized the tiny Øye village, creating over 150 local jobs and saving the community from decline. Many staff hail from nearby, and the hotel supports local farms and fisheries. In the kitchen, farm-to-table dining shines: the conservatory restaurant’s seasonal menus feature fjord seafood, foraged berries, and lamb from neighboring farms. Guests savor gourmet dinners under crystal chandeliers, pairing each course with organic wines. Days at Union Øye can be as adventurous or relaxed as you wish. The hotel arranges guided hikes to pristine mountain lakes, kayaking on the Hjørundfjord, fishing trips, and winter ski-touring on untouched slopes. After exploring, unwind with a local craft beer in the wood-paneled Palm Room bar, or enjoy afternoon tea in the same lounges where European royals once lounged. With its own hydrogen initiative to power fjord boats by 2026, Union Øye is at the forefront of green innovation in tourism. Staying here is not only a journey into Norway’s elegant past – it’s a commitment to its sustainable future, delivered with warm, “at your service since 1891” hospitality.