Boen Gård
Heritage agricultural manor meets modern-rustic Scandinavian boutique. Think exposed timber frames, parquet floors, period antiques in the main house, and deliberately spare contemporary interiors in the riverbank buildings. Quiet, adults-only, and food-focused.
Book the Royal Stay package at least 4 weeks ahead — the 13-course King Oscar II menu from 1891 requires advance notice and a minimum of 4 guests
Why It Matters
One of Southern Norway's most historically significant private estates, open to guests only since 2012. Holds a Michelin Key for the hotel and a Michelin restaurant recommendation — a rare double. The kitchen operates at roughly 80% self-sufficiency on vegetables, fruit, and berries, and the salmon served may literally have been caught that morning from the estate's own 1.2km stretch of river.
A working farm and manor estate with roots stretching back to 1520, Boen Gård sits on the banks of the Tovdalselva River, about 20km outside Kristiansand. The main house dates to 1813 and has been restored with period furniture and original artwork intact. Fourteen rooms occupy two red-painted historic farm buildings — the old threshing barn (Treskelåven) and the granary (Kornmagasinet) — right at the river's edge, with Scandinavian modernist furniture and bathrooms that are a clear upgrade on 19th-century farm life. The restaurant earned a Michelin recommendation in 2022, and the hotel itself followed in 2023; it's one of just 18 Norwegian hotels in the Guide.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Kornmagasinet Rooms
Eight en-suite bedrooms inside the Kornmagasinet — the estate's granary, built around 1860. Located in the same riverside cluster as Treskelåven, the wine cellar, and the Ishuset conference building. Exposed inner timber walls made from coarse original materials sit alongside Scandinavian furniture and modern fittings. Sleeps up to 16 total, with a shared kitchen and spacious lounge. Guests report loving the river views and the sound of water through open windows.
Treskelåven Rooms
Six en-suite bedrooms inside the fully renovated Treskelåven — the old threshing barn — positioned roughly 20 metres from the Tovdalselva riverbank beside the legendary 'Stolkie' salmon pool. The barn's original ceiling and timber framework have been preserved, while a striking glass-and-steel bridge connects the upper-floor rooms above the shared lounge and kitchen. Scandinavian modernist furniture throughout. The building sleeps up to 12 guests total and includes a well-equipped shared kitchen and lounge.
West and East Wing Apartments (Fløyleilighetene)
Two unique apartments occupy the wings of the 1813 main house — the same chambers where the estate's servants once lived. Each apartment has two en-suite bedrooms plus a well-equipped kitchen with its own dining area. The decor reflects the original period atmosphere of the house, making these the most historically immersive option on the property. Four rooms total across both wings.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Afternoon tea has been offered in the historic main house parlours — check with the property for current availability and scheduling.
Local trails on and around the estate are used for cross-country skiing in winter months, depending on snow conditions.
The estate grounds are extensive — mature parkland, herb garden, riverside paths, and working farmland. Walk the tree-lined avenue, sit by the gazebo (late 1600s), or follow the river trail. In summer, sheep and lambs graze along the water's edge.
The green lawns in summer are set up for croquet and ball games. Low-key, appropriately old-fashioned for the setting.
The estate controls 1.2km of double-sided salmon fishing on the Tovdalselva River — a stretch with legendary status that attracted British lords in the early 1900s. Historic fishing spots still carry English names: 'WR Line', 'Stolkie', 'Martins Point'. The river is unregulated by large reservoirs, which means water levels vary but salmon are reliably present at this lower stretch regardless of conditions. Stairs, a casting dock, and a covered lean-to shelter on each bank have been installed. Optimal group size is 4–8 anglers. Enquire directly with the estate.
Guests can visit the estate's wine cellar — a well-stocked and carefully curated collection. A stop here before dinner is a good way to sharpen the appetite and get a preview of what will be poured.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
No lift/elevator on-site. Worth noting for guests with mobility needs.
Recently renovated 'Ice House' with metre-thick stone walls, full AV/technical equipment, and seating for 20–40 people. Available for meetings, courses, and events.
Available in rooms and throughout the property.
Breakfast is included with all stay packages and served daily in the dining room, featuring local specialties.
The main house has two cosy bars and several parlours available for guests before and after dinner.
Extensive parkland garden with mature trees, herb garden, gazebo (late 1600s), and riverside terraces. Summer al fresco dining available.
Strictly adults-only. All guests must be at least 18 years old. No pets allowed.
Well-equipped communal kitchens in both the Treskelåven and Kornmagasinet buildings, available to guests staying in those buildings.
Staff arrange airport transfers, local excursions, and taxi deals to/from Kristiansand city center.
On-site private parking with no reservation required. No EV chargers reported.
No swimming pool on-site.
No traditional spa or fitness center on-site. Masseur available at additional cost on request.
BUILD YOUR BOEN GÅRD PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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