At the heart of the small village of Gerianger lies one of Norway’s most scenic hotels, The Hotel Union. Blessed with sweeping views of the UNESCO listed Geriangerfjord, this first-class establishment is a destination in its own right.

A family run business for four generations, we spoke to husband-and-wife team and current managers Sindre and Monja. The share with us the Hotel Union’s history and the many ways you can pass a relaxing 48 hours in these blissful surroundings.

For travel inspiration: Norway destination guide

The Hotel Union – A Destination in Itself

“My wife Monja and I have been running the hotel for over 25 years and our family have owned it since 1899,” Sindre tells us, adding that The Union’s history began with his great grandmother who came from the area outside Lillehammer. “She moved to a village not far from here in the 1890s, working herself up from being a maid to the managing director [of a hotel].

When she met his great grandfather, they shared a mutual desire to buy the hotel in Geiranger. “It was my great grandmother who bought the hotel,” he says. “She’d inherited money and they bought it in 1899.”

Discover this on: Timeless Scandinavia

Rooms With a View You Won’t Want to Leave

Originally built in 1891 out of timber, Sindre tells us that that the hotel was constructed in “the Swiss Norwegian dragon style”. Having been expanded and renovated several times, today the Union is a modern hotel with 197 rooms. Over and above standard rooms, guests can choose deluxe rooms with a fjord view.

With this kind of scenery, you may not even want to leave your room, but there are plenty of reasons to. “The hotel is a four-star hotel but is also a full-service hotel with all everything you can imagine for a [fabulous] vacation,” says Sindre. “We have two restaurants, a small cafe, bars, and even a nightclub if you want to go dancing. We also have our spa.”

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Wining and Dining

Of course, exceptional dining comes hand in hand with a hotel of this caliber. Fjorden is the main restaurant which serves a breakfast and dinner buffet, with a wide selection of both hot and cold dishes. You can also lunch outside with spectacular views of the fjord at the hotel’s Café Løsta.

For a bespoke fine dining experience, Restaurant Julie is the a la carte restaurant, serving a seasonal lunch and dinner menu. Enjoy dishes showcasing fine local ingredients such as halibut, served with nashi pear, green chili, Tamari soy sauce and finger lime. You can also savor a fine range of selected international ingredients and a great vegetarian menu, the perfect way to spend an evening. The hotel has its own wine cellar and offers wine tasting for groups upon request.

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Geirangerfjord, a Natural Paradise

The Geirangerfjord was created over a succession of ice ages, its deep blue waters surrounded by mountainous peaks and numerous waterfalls which create a never-ending display of rainbow colors. The perfect setting to create one of Norway’s most scenic hotels, Sindre explains that “the nature here is dramatic and beautiful,” and has not only placed the fjord on the UNESCO World heritage list but has also been creating tourism for the area since 1869.

“Geirangerfjord has so many waterfalls and also its mountain farms, which make not only the nature but also the life stories around Geiranger such a very special experience,” he says.

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Lose Yourself in Nature

There’s plenty of ways to enjoy this natural paradise, using the Union Hotel, one of Norway’s most scenic hotels as a base, “You can go on different hikes around in the area here, or spend time cycling and kayaking,” says Monja. “You can sail the fjord, either with tours or small private boats.”

She also recommends spending time at the World Heritage Center right beside the hotel. The exhibitions and interactive stations give you an opportunity to learn about the geological processes that formed the fjord landscape, and to see what the landscape looks like today.

“Of course, you have to see the Seven Sisters,” she enthuses, talking of the famous and most photographed waterfall in the fjord. The 410m waterfall consists of seven separate cascades, one of which has a 250m freefall.

“The Flydalsjuvet is a beautiful viewpoint where you can take great pictures,” she advises. Divided into an upper and lower area, this is one of the most popular photography spots in Norway and for good reason

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While Away Time Admiring Vintage Cars

Image credit: @hoteluniongeiranger
on Instagram

For all petrol lovers, the Union Hotel has a unique vintage car museum, featuring American and British cars from the 1920s and 1930s and is open for all guests staying at the hotel. Perfect way to while away a few hours in admiration.

“The car museum was established by my father,” Sindre explains. “He was interested in the history and the culture of the village, and in the 1930s there were a lot of taxis in Geiranger.” Fascinated by these vintage cars, Sindre’s father, together with friends, collected and bought them.

When asked his favorite from the collection Sindre says “the Studebaker 1932 model, which is the only one existing in the world. With a sentimental thought, Monja says the Buick 9032, because that’s the one “I was driven in by my father-in-law when we got married.”

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Relax in the Spa

“We Norwegians love to be on the couch, relaxing and maybe watching TV,” says Monja, “but we also like to go to different hotels, enjoy the food and wine and the spas. So, we built our Spa at The Union with this coziness in mind.” With Norway’s hygge culture gaining an international following, the cozy, intimate and welcoming vibe is something you must experience for yourself.

There’s no nicer way to enjoy the views from one of Norway’s most scenic hotels, than to while away a morning, afternoon or even a decadent full day at the Spa. A place where the body and soul can rest, swim inside or out. Enjoy a sauna, Japanese hot bath or a hydra walk, then choose from the extensive treatment menu. The signature ‘Geirangerfjord’ massage and facial with hot black stones is highly recommended.

“You can be in your bathrobe, lay down on the sofas and enjoy a glass of wine as you look out over the fjord and the mountains,” says Monja. “That’s how we do it in Norway – here you relax by just being and not doing.”

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Simply Unmissable

Its undeniable that this is a place you simply must have on your travel bucket list. “UNESCO have listed Geirangerfjord as one of the top natural sites in the world,” says Monja, adding that National Geographic have rated it as one of the top five unspoiled places on Earth. “You should absolutely come here to see it once in the lifetime and all of us at the Union Hotel look forward to welcoming you.”

To enjoy a stay at The Hotel Union, one of Norway’s most scenic hotels, take a look at our Timeless Scandinavia small group journey.

For wine lovers, tasting wine isn’t just about sipping and swallowing; it’s an art form that engages all your senses. Whether you’re a novice wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, understanding the fundamentals of how to taste wine can enrich your appreciation of this ancient libation. From holding the glass to swirling the wine, there’s something deeply engaging about the experience. So, if you’re ready to elevate your wine-tasting experience to the level of a sommelier, we’ve put together a guide to help you get started.

Discover more about Luxury Gold’s Exceptional Dining offering.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the intricacies of how to taste wine, it’s essential to grasp the basics. Wine tasting involves observing the wine’s appearance, assessing its aroma, savoring its flavor, and evaluating its finish. Each step provides valuable insights into the wine’s character and quality.

1. Visual Examination

Begin by pouring a small amount of wine into a clear glass. Take your glass by the stem and hold it against a white background. Observe the wine’s color, clarity and viscosity. White wines range from pale straw to golden yellow, while red wines can vary from light ruby to deep purple. Swirl the wine gently to release its aromas and observe any legs or tears that form on the glass.

2. Aromatic Assessment

Next, bring the wine in your glass to your nose and inhale deeply. Take note of the bouquet, the wine’s smell, which encompasses its various aromas. Swirl the wine again to intensify the aromas before smelling it once more. Pay attention to fruit, floral, herbal and spice notes, as well as any oak or earthy undertones. Wine aromoas can also provide clues about its grape varietal, age and winemaking techniques.

3. Palate Pleasure

Now it’s time to taste the wine. Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate. Notice the wine’s texture, acidity, sweetness and tannins. Is it light-bodied or full-bodied? Crisp and refreshing or smooth and velvety? Identify the primary flavors and secondary characteristics, such as minerality or oak influence. Consider the wine’s balance, complexity and length on the palate

4. Evaluating the Finish

Finally, assess the wine’s finish, also known as its aftertaste. Paying attention to how long the flavor lingers on your palate, is it pleasant and lingering or abrupt and short-lived? A wine’s finish can reveal additional nuances and insights into its overall quality and aging potential.

In Chile, visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines. on Classic South America.

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Developing Your Wine Palate

Becoming proficient at wine tasting takes time and practice. Key to the tasting experience is development of the pallette. For most people, chances are you’ve never really considered your palate. Our tongues hold up to 4,000 taste buds in five regions, but that is not the only place we taste. Here are some tips to help you hone your palate and refine your sensory skills:

Taste Widely: Explore a diverse range of wines from different regions, grape varieties, and styles. Experiment with both red and white wines to exoercise your tatse buds, as well as sparkling and dessert wines, to expand your tastepalate. Older wines often taste smoother and richer.

Take Notes: Keep a wine journal to record tasting notes of your experiences, including the wines you’ve tried, your observations and your preferences. Documenting your impressions can help you identify patterns and enhance your abilities of how to taste wine over time.

Seek Guidance: Attend wine tastings, classes, and workshops led by knowledgeable sommeliers and wine professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from experts who can offer valuable insights and recommendations.

Trust Your Senses: While tasting wine like a sommelier involves analyzing its various components, it’s also important to trust your instincts and enjoy the experience.

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What to expect from some popular wines

Chardonnay is known for its versatility, offering a range of flavors from crisp green apple and citrus to creamy vanilla and buttery notes. Depending on the winemaking style, you may encounter oak influences such as toastiness and caramel. Coming from a cool climate wine region, expect a medium to full-bodied wine with moderate acidity.

A Cabernet Sauvignon typically features bold flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and tobacco. It often has firm tannins and a full-bodied structure, with a long, satisfying finish. Look for wines with good acidity and aging potential.

Pinot Noir is renowned for its elegant and delicate profile, offering aromas of red fruits along with earthy and floral undertones. On the palate, expect a medium-bodied wine with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a smooth, lingering finish.

Last but not least, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright and zesty character, featuring aromas of citrus, green apple and tropical fruits like passion fruit and pineapple. It often exhibits herbal notes of grass, green bell pepper and gooseberry, with refreshing acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

Enjoy wine tastings with Luxury Gold in some of the world’s most iconic wine producing countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Chile, South Africa and Australia, with our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

To whet the palate: Exceptional Dining with Luxury Gold

Where do truffles grow?

One reason truffles are so expensive is that they don’t grow in every part of the world. Historically speaking, truffles were largely only found naturally in European countries like Italy, France, Spain and Slovenia. In recent years, some other countries in North America, South America and Asia have successfully started growing their own.  

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How do truffles grow?

Truffles grow beneath trees in a symbiotic relationship by attaching their spores to the tree roots. The transfer of nutrients enables them both to grow. Most truffles grow beneath specific tree species, including hazelnut and poplar, which influence their taste and scent. 

Why are truffles expensive?

Truffles are expensive because they’re so rare to harvest. Grown naturally only in a few European countries, truffle hunting is a centuries-old practice in which truffle hunters rarely share their hunting grounds with anyone else. The most expensive truffles are white truffles found in Italy’s Piedmont region. The International Alba White Truffle Fair is the preeminent truffle fair where you’ll find the largest, most expensive truffles for sale.

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Where can I hunt for truffles with truffle hunters? 

Luxury Gold’s Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour is a two week itinerary filled with unforgettable activities, including hunting for truffles with a local farmer in Istria. You can also hunt for truffles on our Ultimate Italy tour in Florence. Keep in mind that the best time to harvest white truffles is typically between September and November, though peak season may alter based on the summer season’s temperatures, spring’s rainfall, and if the holes where the prior year’s truffles were found were filled properly. Black truffle harvest is between April and October in some areas like Slovenia, and their bounty is also impacted by seasonal climate fluctuations.

Read more about truffle hunting: A day in the life of one of Croatia’s top truffle hunters

Where can I taste a truffle?

Although only found in select countries, you can taste truffles at restaurants across the world. Casa di Langa, a hotel just outside of Alba, Italy, has a restaurant with a case of fresh truffles you can choose from. Restaurant Zigante in Livade, Croatia, is another fantastic dining destination where truffles are blended in delicious ways, including in truffle ice cream.

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Italy

Italy is the epicenter for truffles. When the most expensive truffles are up for auction, it’s likely that they were found in the Italian countryside. Truffle hunters stay silent about where they find these fungi in Le Marche, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Umbria, but the restaurants in these regions aren’t shy about featuring them in both fine and rustic dishes. 

Truffle hunting on the Ultimate Italy tour is the ultimate way to find and taste fresh Italian truffles.

Croatia

Italy may stay in the limelight for having the most expensive truffles, but Croatia’s Istria region has a bounty of its own worthy of your attention. The truffle capital of Croatia wasn’t lauded as such pre-1999, until a hunter and his dog dug up what became the largest white truffle in the world. Now, the Istrian Peninsula is regarded as a popular destination for truffle hunting and sampling.

Get off the beaten path and uncover gems like fresh truffles on the Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour.

Spain

The majority of Spain’s truffles are black truffles and its black winter truffles are especially popular, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, it was until the mid-1900s that truffle hunters from France started seeking out the black diamond truffles they knew in the hills of Spain. When Spanish farmers realized how valuable these truffles were, they seized the opportunity and have since become the world’s largest producer of black winter truffles. 

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France 

It should be no surprise that anything grown in French soil is delectable; that includes truffles. France produces nearly one-third of the world’s truffles. The “black diamond” is a popular truffle found in Provence and Southwest France. Also known as the Périgord truffle, black diamond truffles are known for their strong scent and distinctive taste.

Sample truffle-infused dishes as you explore the French countryside on our Ultimate Southern France tour.  

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Slovenia

Slovenia shares a small piece of the Istrian Peninsula with Croatia. With Italy as its adjacent neighbor, one shouldn’t be shocked to learn that Slovenia is an underrated destination for truffle hunting and dining. One of the unique experiences you can have in Slovenia that you seldom can elsewhere is hunting for the rare spring white bianchetti truffle which is harvested around March each year. 

With Exceptional Dining a hallmark of every Luxury Gold journey, see how you can enjoy a truffle-infused vacation, or other gastronomical pleasures with our worldwide collection of luxury tours.