Book your stay – Straand Hotel .straand-booking { --white: #ffffff; --off-white: #f8f6f3; --border-grey: #e2dfd9; --divider: #e2dfd9; --divider-strong: #cfcabd; --text-heading: #312F2D; --text-body: #4a4845; --text-muted: #8a8682; --gold: #C09A5D; --burgundy: #80004D; --burgundy-hover: #9a1a65; --font-heading: 'Merriweather', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; --font-body: 'DM Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-family: var(--font-body); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0 auto; position: relative; } .straand-booking *, .straand-booking *::before, .straand-booking *::after { box-sizing: border-box; } .straand-booking .booking-form { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.3fr 1.3fr 1fr 1fr auto; align-items: stretch; margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 1px solid var(--border-grey); } .straand-booking .field { background: var(--white); padding: 18px 22px; position: relative; cursor: pointer; transition: background 0.18s ease; display: block; min-height: 76px; border-radius: 0 !important; } .straand-booking .field + .field { border-left: 1px solid var(--divider); } .straand-booking .field:hover, .straand-booking .field:focus-within, .straand-booking .field.is-open { background: var(--off-white); } .straand-booking .field-label { display: block; font-family: var(--font-body); font-size: 0.65rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--burgundy); margin-bottom: 8px; pointer-events: none; } .straand-booking .field-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; pointer-events: none; } .straand-booking .field-icon { flex: 0 0 16px; color: var(--text-muted); } .straand-booking .field-value { font-family: var(--font-heading); font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 400; color: var(--text-heading); line-height: 1.2; } .straand-booking .field-value.is-placeholder { color: var(--text-muted); font-style: italic; font-weight: 300; } .straand-booking .field--date input.datepicker { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; opacity: 0; border: 0; background: transparent; cursor: pointer; padding: 0; font: inherit; color: transparent; border-radius: 0 !important; } .straand-booking .field--select { position: relative; } .straand-booking .field--select .field-row { padding-right: 18px; } .straand-booking .field--select select.native-select { position: absolute; left: -9999px; width: 1px; height: 1px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } .straand-booking .field--select .chevron { position: absolute; right: 22px; top: 50%; width: 8px; height: 8px; border-right: 1.5px solid var(--burgundy); border-bottom: 1.5px solid var(--burgundy); transform: translateY(-25%) rotate(45deg); pointer-events: none; transition: transform 0.2s ease; } .straand-booking .field--select.is-open .chevron { transform: translateY(25%) rotate(-135deg); } .straand-booking .submitButton { background: var(--burgundy); color: #fff !important; border: none; border-radius: 0 !important; padding: 0 40px; font-family: var(--font-body); font-size: 0.85rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.06em; text-transform: uppercase; cursor: pointer; transition: background 0.2s ease; -webkit-appearance: none; appearance: none; align-self: stretch; height: auto; min-height: 76px; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; } .straand-booking .submitButton:hover { background: var(--burgundy-hover); color: #fff !important; } .straand-booking .submitButton:active { transform: translateY(1px); } @media (max-width: 880px) { .straand-booking .booking-form { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } .straand-booking .field:nth-child(4) { border-top: 1px solid var(--divider); border-left: none; } .straand-booking .field:nth-child(5) { border-top: 1px solid var(--divider); } .straand-booking .submitButton { grid-column: 1 / -1; padding: 18px; min-height: 56px; } } @media (max-width: 480px) { .straand-booking .booking-form { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .straand-booking .field { border-left: none !important; } .straand-booking .field + .field { border-top: 1px solid var(--divider); } .straand-booking .submitButton { grid-column: auto; } } /* FIXED positioning so sticky parents don't break placement */ .straand-dropdown { position: fixed; background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #cfcabd; box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(49, 47, 45, 0.12); z-index: 99998; max-height: 280px; overflow-y: auto; display: none; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; } .straand-dropdown.is-open { display: block; } .straand-dropdown .dropdown-option { padding: 12px 22px; font-family: 'Merriweather', serif; font-size: 0.95rem; color: #312F2D; cursor: pointer; transition: background 0.15s ease, color 0.15s ease; } .straand-dropdown .dropdown-option:hover { background: #f8f6f3; color: #80004D; } .straand-dropdown .dropdown-option.is-selected { background: rgba(128, 0, 77, 0.08); color: #80004D; } .straand-dropdown .dropdown-option + .dropdown-option { border-top: 1px solid #e2dfd9; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; background: #ffffff !important; border: 1px solid #cfcabd !important; border-radius: 0 !important; padding: 16px !important; box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(49, 47, 45, 0.15) !important; width: 320px !important; z-index: 99999 !important; position: fixed !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-header { background: transparent !important; border: none !important; padding: 0 0 12px !important; margin-bottom: 8px !important; border-bottom: 1px solid #e2dfd9 !important; position: relative !important; display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; justify-content: space-between !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-title { font-family: 'Merriweather', serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important; font-size: 0.95rem !important; color: #312F2D !important; text-transform: capitalize !important; margin: 0 !important; flex: 1 1 auto !important; text-align: center !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-prev, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-next { width: 28px !important; height: 28px !important; border-radius: 0 !important; background: #f8f6f3 !important; border: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; top: auto !important; left: auto !important; right: auto !important; position: relative !important; display: inline-flex !important; align-items: center !important; justify-content: center !important; transition: background 0.2s ease !important; text-indent: 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important; flex: 0 0 28px !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-prev:hover, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-next:hover { background: #80004D !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-prev .ui-icon, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-next .ui-icon { display: none !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-prev .nav-chevron, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-next .nav-chevron { width: 10px !important; height: 10px !important; display: block !important; stroke: #312F2D !important; fill: none !important; pointer-events: none !important; transition: stroke 0.2s ease !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-prev:hover .nav-chevron, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand .ui-datepicker-next:hover .nav-chevron { stroke: #ffffff !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand table { width: 100% !important; border-collapse: collapse !important; font-size: 0.85rem !important; margin: 0 !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand th { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; font-weight: 600 !important; font-size: 0.65rem !important; letter-spacing: 0.1em !important; text-transform: uppercase !important; color: #80004D !important; padding: 8px 0 !important; background: transparent !important; border: none !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td { padding: 0 !important; border: none !important; background: transparent !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td a, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td span { display: block !important; text-align: center !important; padding: 8px 0 !important; margin: 2px !important; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; font-size: 0.85rem !important; color: #312F2D !important; background: transparent !important; border: none !important; border-radius: 0 !important; transition: all 0.15s ease !important; cursor: pointer !important; text-decoration: none !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td a:hover { background: #f8f6f3 !important; color: #80004D !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td .ui-state-active, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td a.ui-state-active { background: #80004D !important; color: #ffffff !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td .ui-state-highlight { background: #f8f6f3 !important; color: #80004D !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td.range-start a, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td.range-end a { background: #80004D !important; color: #ffffff !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td.range-mid a { background: rgba(128, 0, 77, 0.12) !important; color: #80004D !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td.range-mid a:hover { background: rgba(128, 0, 77, 0.22) !important; color: #80004D !important; } .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td.ui-datepicker-unselectable span, .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker--straand td.ui-datepicker-other-month span { color: #cfcabd !important; cursor: default !important; } (function () { let arrival, departure; const PREV_SVG = ''; const NEXT_SVG = ''; const settings = { closeText: "Lukk", prevText: "", nextText: "", currentText: "I dag", monthNames: ["januar","februar","mars","april","mai","juni","juli","august","september","oktober","november","desember"], monthNamesShort: ["jan","feb","mars","apr","mai","jun","juli","aug","sep","okt","nov","des"], dayNames: ["søndag","mandag","tirsdag","onsdag","torsdag","fredag","lørdag"], dayNamesShort: ["sø","ma","ti","on","to","fr","lø"], dayNamesMin: ["sø","ma","ti","on","to","fr","lø"], firstDay: 1, dateFormat: "dd/mm/yy", showAnim: "" }; function rangeMarker(date) { if (!arrival || !departure) return [true, "", ""]; const d = moment(date); const a = arrival.clone().startOf('day'); const b = departure.clone().startOf('day'); if (d.isSame(a, 'day')) return [true, "range-start", ""]; if (d.isSame(b, 'day')) return [true, "range-end", ""]; if (d.isAfter(a) && d.isBefore(b)) return [true, "range-mid", ""]; return [true, "", ""]; } function injectChevrons($dp) { $dp.addClass('ui-datepicker--straand'); const $prev = $dp.find('.ui-datepicker-prev'); const $next = $dp.find('.ui-datepicker-next'); if ($prev.length && !$prev.find('.nav-chevron').length) $prev.html(PREV_SVG); if ($next.length && !$next.find('.nav-chevron').length) $next.html(NEXT_SVG); } let observer = null; function watchDatepicker() { const dpEl = document.getElementById('ui-datepicker-div'); if (!dpEl) return; if (observer) observer.disconnect(); observer = new MutationObserver(function () { injectChevrons(jQuery(dpEl)); }); observer.observe(dpEl, { childList: true, subtree: true }); injectChevrons(jQuery(dpEl)); } function positionDatepicker(inputId) { const $input = jQuery('#' + inputId); const $field = $input.closest('.field'); const $dp = jQuery('#ui-datepicker-div'); if (!$field.length || !$dp.length) return; const rect = $field[0].getBoundingClientRect(); $dp.css({ position: 'fixed', top: rect.bottom + 'px', left: rect.left + 'px' }); } let activeDateInputId = null; function decorateOnShow(input, inst) { activeDateInputId = input.id; setTimeout(function () { injectChevrons(jQuery(inst.dpDiv)); watchDatepicker(); positionDatepicker(input.id); }, 0); } function updateDateDisplay($input) { const $field = $input.closest('.field'); const $value = $field.find('.field-value'); const val = $input.val(); if (val) { $value.removeClass('is-placeholder').text(val); } else { $value.addClass('is-placeholder').text($input.attr('data-placeholder') || 'Velg dato'); } } function refreshDatepickers() { jQuery('#arrival, #departure').each(function () { if (jQuery(this).datepicker('widget').is(':visible')) { jQuery(this).datepicker('refresh'); } }); if (activeDateInputId) positionDatepicker(activeDateInputId); } jQuery(function () { jQuery('#arrival').datepicker(Object.assign({ minDate: 0, beforeShow: decorateOnShow, beforeShowDay: rangeMarker, onSelect: function (date) { arrival = moment(date, 'DD/MM/YYYY'); if (!jQuery('#departure').datepicker('getDate') || !departure || departure.clone().subtract(1, 'days').isBefore(arrival)) { departure = arrival.clone().add(1, 'days'); } jQuery('#departure').datepicker('setDate', departure.toDate()); jQuery('#departure').datepicker('option', 'minDate', arrival.clone().add(1, 'days').toDate()); updateDateDisplay(jQuery('#arrival')); updateDateDisplay(jQuery('#departure')); refreshDatepickers(); }, onClose: function (date) { activeDateInputId = null; if ((!date || date.length === 0) && arrival) { setTimeout(function () { jQuery('#arrival').datepicker('setDate', arrival.toDate()); updateDateDisplay(jQuery('#arrival')); }, 1); } } }, settings)); jQuery('#departure').datepicker(Object.assign({ minDate: '+1', beforeShow: decorateOnShow, beforeShowDay: rangeMarker, onSelect: function (date) { departure = moment(date, 'DD/MM/YYYY'); setTimeout(function () { jQuery('#departure').datepicker('setDate', departure.toDate()); updateDateDisplay(jQuery('#departure')); refreshDatepickers(); }, 1); }, onClose: function (date) { activeDateInputId = null; if ((!date || date.length === 0) && arrival) { setTimeout(function () { jQuery('#departure').datepicker('setDate', departure.toDate()); updateDateDisplay(jQuery('#departure')); }, 1); } } }, settings)); jQuery('.straand-booking .field--date').on('click', function (e) { const $input = jQuery(this).find('input.datepicker'); if (!$input.is(e.target)) $input.focus(); }); const $body = jQuery('body'); jQuery('.straand-booking .field--select').each(function () { const $field = jQuery(this); const $select = $field.find('select.native-select'); const $value = $field.find('.field-value'); const fieldId = $select.attr('id'); const $panel = jQuery('
'); $select.find('option').each(function () { const $opt = jQuery(this); const $row = jQuery('') .attr('data-value', $opt.attr('value')) .text($opt.text()); if ($opt.is(':selected')) $row.addClass('is-selected'); $panel.append($row); }); $body.append($panel); $value.text($select.find('option:selected').text()); }); function closeAllDropdowns() { jQuery('.straand-booking .field--select').removeClass('is-open'); jQuery('.straand-dropdown').removeClass('is-open'); } function positionPanel($field, $panel) { const rect = $field[0].getBoundingClientRect(); $panel.css({ position: 'fixed', top: rect.bottom + 'px', left: rect.left + 'px', width: rect.width + 'px' }); } jQuery('.straand-booking .field--select').on('click', function (e) { e.stopPropagation(); const $field = jQuery(this); const fieldId = $field.find('select.native-select').attr('id'); const $panel = jQuery('.straand-dropdown[data-for="' + fieldId + '"]'); const wasOpen = $field.hasClass('is-open'); closeAllDropdowns(); if (!wasOpen) { positionPanel($field, $panel); $field.addClass('is-open'); $panel.addClass('is-open'); } }); $body.on('click', '.straand-dropdown .dropdown-option', function (e) { e.stopPropagation(); const $opt = jQuery(this); const $panel = $opt.closest('.straand-dropdown'); const fieldId = $panel.attr('data-for'); const $select = jQuery('#' + fieldId); const $field = $select.closest('.field--select'); const $value = $field.find('.field-value'); $select.val($opt.attr('data-value')).trigger('change'); $value.text($opt.text()); $panel.find('.dropdown-option').removeClass('is-selected'); $opt.addClass('is-selected'); closeAllDropdowns(); }); jQuery(document).on('click', function (e) { if (!jQuery(e.target).closest('.straand-booking .field--select, .straand-dropdown').length) { closeAllDropdowns(); } }); jQuery(document).on('keydown', function (e) { if (e.key === 'Escape') closeAllDropdowns(); }); jQuery(window).on('scroll resize', function () { jQuery('.straand-booking .field--select.is-open').each(function () { const $field = jQuery(this); const fieldId = $field.find('select.native-select').attr('id'); const $panel = jQuery('.straand-dropdown[data-for="' + fieldId + '"]'); if ($panel.hasClass('is-open')) positionPanel($field, $panel); }); if (activeDateInputId) positionDatepicker(activeDateInputId); }); jQuery('#bookingform').submit(function () { const $f = jQuery('#bookingform'); $f.find('input[type="hidden"][data-dynamic-param="true"]').remove(); if (arrival) { $f.append(jQuery('').attr({ type: 'hidden', name: 'arrive', value: arrival.format('YYYY-MM-DD'), 'data-dynamic-param': 'true' })); } if (departure) { $f.append(jQuery('').attr({ type: 'hidden', name: 'depart', value: departure.format('YYYY-MM-DD'), 'data-dynamic-param': 'true' })); } }); }); })();
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
Select date
Adults
2 adults
1 adult 2 adults 3 adults 4 adults 5 adults 6 adults 7 adults 8 adults 9 adults
Children
0 children
0 children 1 child 2 children 3 children 4 children 5 children 6 children 7 children 8 children 9 children
Drage_gull.png

Autumn in Vrådal: 10 fantastic things you can do on your autumn holiday with Straand Hotel as a base

When the heat of summer lets go in Telemark, Vrådal transforms into a living painting in fiery red, golden and deep orange colours. Autumn is one of the most beautiful and peaceful times to visit the Norwegian mountains. The fresh, clear mountain air, mirror-like lakes and forest floor filled with berries make the area a perfect destination for both couples on a weekend trip and families on autumn holiday.

In the heart of Vrådal is the historic Straand Hotel, which since 1864 has welcomed travellers on the shores of Nisser. With its unique location, historic soul and modern facilities, the hotel is a natural starting point for experiences in the area. Today, the hotel is run by the fifth generation of the Straand family.

Here are 10 things you can experience in Vrådal in the autumn, whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, family time or pure relaxation.

1. Climb Venelifjellet – panoramic views in crackling autumn colours

One of Telemark’s popular and beautiful mountain hikes is the hike to Venelifjellet (905 masl). The name means “the beautiful mountain”, and the view from the top really lives up to the name. The hike starts over wooden bridges through marshy areas and continues along well-marked paths towards the top. In autumn, the view of the golden mountain landscape and Lake Nisser is very special. The hike is suitable for both adults and children.

2. Classic indoor coziness in front of the fireplace at Straand Hotel

After an active day out in the autumn air, there is nothing that beats real indoor coziness at the hotel. At Straand Hotel, you can sink into a comfortable armchair in the historic living rooms, feel the warmth of the fireplace and enjoy a good book, a cup of hot chocolate or a hot cup of tea. Here you will have time to lower your shoulders and enjoy the warm and personal atmosphere that hosts Katrine and Lars Arne Straand are so keen to preserve.

3. Lock cruise with the veteran boat M/S Fram

Experience Vrådal’s beautiful inland archipelago from the water on board M/S Fram from 1909. The boat departs from the pier close to Straand Hotel and sails on Nisser and Vråvatn. The trip takes you calmly through narrow straits, past bare rocks and autumn-coloured mountainsides. One of the highlights is the passage of Småstraum lock, Northern Europe’s highest hand-operated lock system. An atmospheric experience for both young and old.

4. Pure well-being: Indoor pool and warm sauna

When the autumn cold creeps in, it’s good to be able to pull indoors. At Straand Hotel, you can take a refreshing swim in the heated indoor pool, before warming up in the sauna. It’s a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking, cycling or other experiences in nature.

5. On a berry and mushroom trip in the forest

Autumn is high season for nature’s own pantry. In the forests and mountain areas around Vrådal, you will find, among other things, blueberries, lingonberries and various types of mushrooms. Take your family or partner for a leisurely walk in the forest and see what you find. Berries, mushrooms and nature are among the easiest, but also most enjoyable activities you can do on an autumn holiday in Norway. Remember to make sure you know the species before eating mushrooms or other plants you find in nature.

6. Play and activities for children at Straand Sommerland

If you are travelling on an autumn holiday with children, there are still good opportunities for play and activity around Straand. On the shores of Nisser is Straand Sommerland, with a playground, trampolines, climbing tower and sandy beach. The areas around the hotel also offer great hiking opportunities and space for play and exploration. And should the autumn weather show its wet side, it is extra good to have the hotel’s indoor facilities to draw in to.

7. Taste Telemark’s autumn: Game and local ingredients

An autumn holiday in Vrådal is also about good taste experiences. At Straand Hotel, local ingredients and Norwegian traditions are central, and autumn is a particularly nice time to enjoy the season’s flavors. Game, mushrooms, berries and other local ingredients are perfect for the season. A good meal in the hotel’s restaurant is a natural end to a day filled with experiences in the mountains and nature.

8. Golf in the autumn colours on Fossøy

Do you love golf? Then you should head to Vrådal Golf Club and the beautiful 9-hole course on Fossøy. The golf course is located on an island in the middle of Nisser, surrounded by water and mountains. In the autumn, you get to play in your very own frame, with sparkling autumn colours around you. The course is open as long as the weather and course conditions allow.

9. Experience the mountains from the bike seat

Vrådal is a great starting point for bike rides, and autumn gives nature a very special atmosphere. Straand Hotel is known for its Hubriding concept, where the hotel serves as a base for day trips on two wheels. Whether you prefer electric bikes, gravel roads or longer bike rides through forests and mountains, there are opportunities for different levels. With the autumn colours as a backdrop, the bike ride itself becomes part of the experience.

10. The perfect autumn weekend with peace, quality time and cosiness

Sometimes the best thing about a weekend or autumn holiday is simply to completely relax. In Vrådal, you don’t need a packed program. Start the day with fresh mountain air and a leisurely walk, enjoy a good meal, take a swim or warm up in the sauna and end the day in front of the fireplace. Vrådal’s combination of magnificent nature, historic surroundings and good facilities makes it easy to find peace and recharge your batteries.

Plan your autumn holiday in Vrådal

Whether you dream of fresh mountain hikes, quality time with the family or indoor coziness at the hotel in front of the fireplace, an autumn holiday in Vrådal has a lot to offer. With its historic charm, good dining experiences and many facilities, Straand Hotel is a natural starting point for autumn experiences in Vrådal and Telemark. Pack your warm sweater, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to experience Vrådal from perhaps its most beautiful side.

Warm regards,
Katrine & Lars Arne Straand
5th generation hosting
#Dehistoriske