Lysebu Hotel is a historic gem on the Tryvannshøyden hill, offering one of the most unique origin stories in Norway. Originally built in 1916 as a private residence, the estate was later gifted by the Norwegian people to Denmark as a heartfelt “thank you” for the critical food aid provided during World War II. Today, it remains under the stewardship of the Fund for Danish-Norwegian Cooperation, dedicated to fostering cultural exchange between the two nations.
Designed by the renowned architect Magnus Poulsson, the hotel is a masterpiece of traditional Norwegian style. Its architecture draws inspiration from the grand manor houses of Eastern Norway and the romantic aesthetic of fairy-tale estates. The interiors feature rich woodwork and classic motifs, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping back into a more elegant era.
The hotel is perfectly positioned as a gateway to Nordmarka, Oslo’s sprawling wilderness. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with ski tracks and hiking trails starting right at the doorstep. During the winter, guests can take advantage of the nearby Oslo Winter Park for skiing, while the hotel itself offers a peaceful retreat with an indoor pool and sauna to warm up in after a day in the snow.
Though it feels worlds away, the hotel is just a scenic 30-minute metro ride from Oslo’s city center. Nearby, you’ll find the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump, a landmark that defines the skyline and offers incredible views over the city and the fjord, making Lysebu the perfect blend of historic charm and natural beauty.
Expert reviews
“A gorgeous Norwegian-folk-style building from 1916 with easy access to the wilds of Nordmarka. Rooms are decorated in a clean, classical style that’s comfortable but far from twee, with spectacular views.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Indoor swimming pool
- Garden
- Friendly staff
Location
Recent guest reviews
24 August 2025
Great place in a tranquil location
Absolutely everything!
A real treat and I’m so glad I found this place.
Glad to have a single option.
Friendly staff
Breakfast fantastic!
Swimming pool looked amazing
Lovely grounds
Tea/ coffee machine
So much to see wandering around the hotel.
No shop around
No tv in room
No dressing gown/ slippers ( I saw others with this, so may have just been the single rooms )
9 August 2025
The overall impression is very good. This place is worthy to be visited once again.
Exceptional location, beautiful view from the dining room window, enjoyable calm and cosiness. The interior is renovated with a delicate taste and a very stylish fireplace.
Breakfast didn't meet the expectations- fried eggs were overcooked, porridge was flavourless, the variety of fruit and vegetables could be greater.
The bathrooms of standard rooms are small. Definitely, next time would choose the superior room.
As for the 5 stars hotel it was little bit strange that the slippers and bathrobes for standard rooms were not inclusive.
6 August 2025
The best place for deep breathing !
The staff was incredibly attentive. Breakfast and dinner were delicious. I had a culinary orgasm while eating the steak. A mazing place for hiking. I will definitely visit again :)
I can't say anything.
23 July 2025
Very quite and comfortable place :)
Swimming pool
12 March 2025
Delightful, with some points of improvement
Location, room, friendliness, calm, great views
The breakfast had a wide range of choices and the staff worked very hard, BUT: they were too few or lacked some organisation, as the food waited out for hours in the buffet, and became less fresh as the breakfast hours passed. It needs to be refilled more often, in smaller portions, and the hard-working staff could be need one or two more persons during the busier hours.
21 February 2025
Delightful hotel with magical Forest surroundings
The location and property was great. And the staff super helpful.
There wasn’t anything to dislike. Charming property. Feels like a Winter Wonderland.
13 February 2025
Despite the very small issues the stay was beautiful. The property is very special and has left lasting memories.
Beautiful hotel and location.Breakfast was fantastic with a view out of this world . Facilities were amazing and we were surprised by an upgrade which made our stay extra special. Staff were very accommodating and happy to help.Train station a short 10 min walk away so great location..
No tea/coffee facilities in room.There are stations located were you can make drinks but the one by our room didn’t have coffee regularly topped up. We did order a charcuterie platter which seemed overpriced for the small amount of good we got.
16 December 2024
Wonderful stay in historic and tranquil hotel
Fantastic hotel with great facilities and friendly staff
The walk from the metro in the snow. Taxis advised!
10 December 2024
Great time spent in Lysebu in December
Amazing view from the balcony, rich breakfast and food in the restaurant was fantastic. Location is breathtaking. For relax I appreciated great swimming pool and sauna. Hotel staff were always nice and helpful. The hotel is beautifully decorated in winter and it feels extremely cozy.
23 August 2024
Hidden hotel in Oslo
Very nice room and bathroom with nice view. We were able to eat in their restaurant even though it is normally closed on Sundays with almost no one else and at a window table. Very good breakfast. Parking was free. The hotel was surrounded by woods so that you felt like you were in the countryside instead of in the outskirts of Oslo.
There was not an elevator in the hotel and we had to go up a few flights of stairs to get to our room with all our luggage. The room also had a few stairs in two spots so we had to be very careful to not fall down the stairs when moving around the room.
3 August 2024
Excellent in every respect.
Everything was perfect. The room, the decoration, the quiet, the staff, the food! Nb make sure however to book a SUPERIOR ROOM.
Having to pay for the parking.
9 July 2024
The staff make this place . They are the best hotel staff. I have ever met . They are warm, personal , genuine and reall
Beautiful traditional Norwegian feel
Nothing . It’s a stunning place .
1 July 2024
We would stay again, hopefully with enough time to take advantage of some of the walking trails.
We loved the historical charm and the Norwegian cultural items on display. The breakfast was very good.
The staff was great. The fellow at reception went out of his way to give us the hotel's history and even show us around.
The room was a bit small, but sufficient for our needs; I'd probably book a superior room next time.
29 June 2024
very relaxed stay. Dinner fine.
perfect.
24 June 2024
Luxurious hotel near Holmenkollen arena
The hotel is very nice, our room was very spacious and design was superb. The vibe is very relaxing as you are in middle of nature, but close to Holmenkollen arena. The staff was very helpful, breakfast buffet of good quality and variety, we appreciated sauna and swimming pool free of charge.
It would be nice if parking was included in the price when considering the quality of the hotel.
19 June 2024
Fab location and great food
Location was amazing and food fantastic
Rooms were small
4 June 2024
Best hotel ever! A gem hidden in the mountains.
The staff there is incredibly kind and attent, specially Kit. Big shot out to him as he made our stay extra special!!! The hotel is outside of the city center, in the mountains so it feels as a retreat. Perfect in every single way. Super clean and tidy, comfortable beds, a lot of space in the bathroom and a view to die for. Nice swimming pool, a lot of space to sit and rest or read a book. Perfect yummy breakfast with a lot of options (porridge, waffles, pancakes, eggs, fruit, cereals, flapjacks and salty stuff as well). This hotel blew my mind and all my expectations by far!
2 May 2024
Great Hotel but weirdly enough no free parking.
The Hotel is located up in a mountain, around 30 min by train from Oslo. Plus 10 min walking. It's a quiet and nice area, the Hotel has it's charm and character. Loved the Pool and also the different areas and salons to sit. The view from the dinning room is very nice and the Breakfast was good, although few things to improve I'd say, like juice and fruits.
That you have to pay for parking when it is a pretty expensive Hotel and the land is so big it is simply a big NO.
29 February 2024
Beautiful hotel, food and location.
Breakfast was amazing, great views and lots of choice
Swimming pool and sauna were clean but no towels available.
Location was beautiful and the rooms were a great size. The hotel was unique.
The evening meal was amazing but service was slow.
There was no coffee or milk available. After asking twice I gave up as we were not allocated in the main building. Staff gave no information on check in regarding breakfast or meals and it was hard to find the correct rooms and spa.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
Services
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
- - Luggage storage
Activities
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Fitness centre (additional charge)
- - Skiing
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hiking
- - Cycling
- - Indoor pool (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool (all year) (additional charge)
- - Public bath (additional charge)
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
Ski
- - Ski storage
- - Ski school (additional charge)
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Shallow end
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
Reception services
- - Invoice provided

More photos

26 August 2025
Perfect stay in the nature with all facilities, also accessible with public transportation.