Welcome to Singerheimen
Singerheimen was built in 1921 by the American couple William H. Singer Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer. William, born into a wealthy family in Pittsburgh, USA, chose to pursue his passion for art over business. A talented landscape painter, he spent years searching for the perfect place to settle. In 1913, he discovered Olden, and he never looked back.
At Singerheimen, you can step back in time and experience life as the Singers did a century ago. Relax in the elegant lounge, where kings and queens have once sat, enjoy a drink from the bar, admire the art collection, or play Anna Singer’s original grand piano.
Wake up to the scent of freshly baked bread and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the glass veranda. Your knowledgeable hosts are happy to share the captivating history of the house with you through a guided tour, revealing a story of love, immense wealth, philanthropy, war, and tragedy.
The estate consists of nine buildings, including a studio, barn, servants' quarters, guest house, and a mausoleum. The basement of the main house, once used by the staff, is equipped with a kitchen, pantry, laundry, workshop, and dairy. On the first floor, you'll find the beautifully decorated lounge, glass veranda, dining room, and the bedrooms of Anna, William, and Martin. Later, Jaap Dooijeward also made this his home. On the second floor, King Haakon of Norway and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands each had their own rooms. Four additional bedrooms were later added for nurses from Nordfjordeid Hospital. Today, guests can stay in all of these rooms, with a free tour of the property included with your stay, offering a fascinating glimpse into life 100 years ago.
Singerheimen is a truly special place, carefully preserved by passionate individuals over the years. Few changes have been made, allowing guests to experience an authentic, original atmosphere. However, this also means that some modern comforts, such as private bathrooms and large double beds, are not available. There are no TVs, and all rooms share bathrooms. At Singerheimen, history and experience are at the heart of the stay. It’s not a hotel, but a unique experience for those seeking something different.
Despite being just outside the center of Olden, a stone's throw from the cruise pier and a short drive from the famous Briksdalsbreen and Loen Skylift, Singerheimen remains a peaceful sanctuary with a remarkable history. The property, once home to William and Anna on the hillside in Olden, continues to serve its original purpose: offering a retreat from the outside world, surrounded by beauty and tranquility, with freshly baked bread.
Singerheimen is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The hosts recommend staying more than one night to fully appreciate the magic of this unique guesthouse. Welcome!