Blog post
German Tour Operator Chooses Straand Hotel in Vrådal: Over 400 Guest Nights Secured for 2027
More and more European travelers are discovering Telemark and the many nature experiences the region has to offer. Historic Straand Hotel in Vrådal has now entered into an exciting partnership with the German tour operator Wikinger Reisen. Even before the first travel season is over, more than 400 guest nights have been confirmed for 2027. We see this as a wonderful recognition of both Vrådal and all the beauty we have right outside our hotel doors.
International interest in active nature experiences in Telemark
We’ve always believed that Vrådal is a rather special place. With mountains, forests, lakes, and excellent hiking opportunities on every side, there’s so much to experience, whether you prefer mountain hikes, cycling, paddling, or simply enjoying nature at your own pace.
Now, fortunately, more people have discovered it too!
Straand Hotel has entered into a strategic partnership with the German tour operator Wikinger Reisen, one of Europe’s established players in active holiday travel.
The partnership focuses on developing new hiking and activity trips in Telemark, with Straand Hotel in Vrådal as the starting point for the experiences.
And the interest has already produced concrete results.
Over 400 guest nights have been confirmed for 2027, providing a solid foundation for the further development of nature-based tourism in Vrådal and West Telemark.
The news has also caught the attention of the tourism industry. Hotellmagasinet has covered the partnership and its significance for Straand Hotel.
Wikinger Reisen invests in hiking holidays and active trips in Norway
Wikinger Reisen was established in 1969 and has, over several decades, specialized in hiking holidays, cycling holidays, and active nature experiences.
The German tour operator has more than 58,000 travelers annually and offers organized trips to a wide range of destinations.
The trips often combine physical activity with local experiences, culture, good food, and time to get to know the place being visited.
That fits well with what we want to offer our guests at Straand Hotel.
Here in Vrådal, we have nature right on our doorstep, but also a long history of hospitality, traditions, and good meals.
We believe this exact combination is part of what makes Telemark attractive to international guests.
Wikinger Reisen has now also presented its new hiking holiday in Southern Norway under the name Gipfel, Strand und Madagaskar. The eight-day program combines mountain hikes, cycling, and canoeing, with overnight stays at Straand Hotel.
See Wikinger Reisen’s hiking holiday in Telemark based at Straand Hotel.
From German cities to mountains and lakes in Vrådal
For many who visit Norway, it’s precisely the contrasts that make the trip special.
From busy cities and a hectic everyday life to quiet mountain lakes, fresh air, and long summer evenings.
And here in Vrådal, fortunately, you don’t need to travel far to find great nature experiences.
As part of the partnership, product developer Peter Bartel from Wikinger Reisen has visited Vrådal to test and further develop the activity program.
Together with Straand Hotel’s Travel Trade Manager, Sigrid Medley-Tellefsen, he has taken a closer look at several of the area’s finest hiking opportunities.
Among the experiences that have been considered are hikes to Venelifjell, Hægefjell, Åhomnuten, and Roholtsfjell, cycling trips around Vråvatn, and canoeing between the islands of Nisser.
Local culture and nature experiences, such as the historic M/S Fram and Fjoneferja, have also been part of the work.
In other words, it’s not just a single attraction that draws travelers to Telemark.
It’s the whole package.
Hiking holiday in Telemark: Experience Venelifjell, Hægefjell, and Roholtsfjell
Telemark is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves exploring nature on foot.
Here you’ll find everything from short, family-friendly walks to more demanding mountain hikes with views across large parts of the landscape.
Venelifjell: Beautiful nature and stunning viewpoints
Venelifjell is a popular hiking area near Vrådal, with varied terrain and great opportunities for both short and longer hikes.
Here you can experience mountain landscapes, small lakes, and open areas with wonderful views.
It’s a great spot for anyone who wants to experience Norwegian mountain nature without necessarily taking on the most demanding hikes.
Hægefjell: One of Telemark’s beautiful mountain areas
Hægefjell is known for its impressive mountain formations and spectacular views.
The area attracts both hikers and climbers, offering wonderful nature experiences for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.
From the mountain, you can enjoy views across the characteristic landscape of West Telemark, with forests, lakes, and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Roholtsfjell: A mountain hike with views over Vrådal
Roholtsfjell is another great destination for anyone wanting to experience the mountains around Vrådal.
The hike offers varied terrain and beautiful viewpoints, and is well suited for experienced hikers looking for an active day out in nature.
For many, it’s precisely these kinds of experiences that make a hiking trip in Telemark memorable.
You get to use your body, feel the fresh mountain air, and discover places you might otherwise never have found.
If you’d like to explore more hiking opportunities in the area, you can find inspiration at Visit Telemark and VandreTelemark.
Active holiday in Vrådal with cycling, canoeing, and boat trips
Fortunately, an active holiday in Telemark doesn’t have to be all about mountain hikes.
With Straand Hotel as your base, there are also great opportunities to explore the area from a bike seat or out on the water.
Cycling trip around Vråvatn
Vråvatn is beautifully situated in West Telemark and offers wonderful surroundings for a cycling trip.
Here you can experience small villages, forested hills, and views over the lake as you cycle through the landscape.
It’s a great way to get close to nature while experiencing more of the area around Vrådal.
Cycling trips around Vråvatn are also part of the activity program developed by Wikinger Reisen.
Canoeing and island hopping on Nisser
Nisser is one of the great nature experiences in Vrådal.
The beautiful lake, with its many small islands, beaches, and calm bays, offers wonderful opportunities for activities on the water.
Here you can paddle a canoe, explore the islands, and experience the landscape from a completely different angle.
On warm summer days, there are also great opportunities to combine the trip with a break by the water’s edge.
And maybe even a little swim, if the temperature tempts you!
Historic M/S Fram and experiences on the water
For those who prefer to enjoy nature without paddling themselves, a boat trip with the historic M/S Fram is a lovely alternative.
The veteran boat sails on Nisser and Vråvatn, giving passengers the chance to experience the beautiful landscape from the water.
Here you’ll find both wonderful nature experiences and a small glimpse into the region’s history.
You can read more about experiences, activities, and attractions in Vrådal at Visit Norway.
Straand Hotel: Historic hospitality since 1864
After spending the day out in nature, it’s especially nice to come back to a comfortable place to stay.
At Straand Hotel, we’ve been welcoming guests since 1864, and through five generations we’ve preserved the traditions that make the hotel something truly special.
For us, hospitality is about more than a good room and a comfortable bed.
It’s about creating a place where guests can let their shoulders down, enjoy good meals, and feel at home.
Here you can start the day with a good breakfast before heading out for new experiences in Telemark.
And when you return after a day on the mountain, on your bike, or out on the water, you’ll find a restaurant, cozy lounges, and the chance to relax in the hotel’s indoor pool and sauna.
We think that’s a wonderful combination.
Active days out in nature and quiet evenings at the hotel.
Wikinger Reisen also highlights Straand Hotel’s history, its location by Nisser, and its family-run hospitality as important qualities of the stay.
Read more about Straand Hotel and our facilities.
A partnership that could bring more international guests to Telemark
The partnership between Straand Hotel and Wikinger Reisen is about more than the 400 guest nights already confirmed.
It’s also about developing Telemark as a destination for international guests seeking active and authentic nature experiences.
The work has come about through close cooperation, where Innovation Norway’s office in Hamburg has contributed knowledge and connections to the German market.
Sigrid Medley-Tellefsen has played a key role in developing the activity offerings, while Lars Arne Straand has emphasized the importance of partnering with a quality-conscious, family-run tour operator.
Both Wikinger Reisen and Straand Hotel have long traditions and build their businesses on values such as quality, personal service, and great experiences.
That provides a solid foundation for a long-term partnership.
The parties are also looking at the possibility of developing winter-based travel products in the longer term.
For us, that’s especially exciting.
After all, Vrådal has a lot to offer throughout the year, from summer’s mountain hikes and activities on the water to winter’s snow-covered landscape and skiing opportunities.
We hope the partnership will help even more people experience all the beauty Telemark has to offer, no matter the season.
Experience Telemark and Vrådal on your next holiday
Fortunately, you don’t need to travel all the way from Germany to experience what Wikinger Reisen has now discovered.
Vrådal and Telemark offer wonderful experiences for both Norwegian and international guests.
Whether you dream of an active hiking holiday, a cycling trip through beautiful nature, a day on the water, or just a few quiet days with good food and a cozy atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of options here with us.
And with Straand Hotel as your base, you’re just a short distance from many of the region’s nature experiences.
We think it’s especially nice that more international guests now have the chance to get to know Vrådal.
Maybe they’ll grow just as fond of the place as we are?
We look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests to Vrådal and historic Straand Hotel.
Sincerely,
Katrine and Lars Arne Straand
5th generation hosts