In 1959, the young hotel-trained couple Walhovd took over the guest house. Their goal was to create Norway's best high mountain hotel, and already during their first Christmas season they had a full house and great success. They even lived in the beer and wine cellar, because all other rooms were rented to paying guests. In 1962, the guest house received hotel status with all rights. In 1967, Bardøla was expanded to 130 beds, and in 1972 to 170 beds. The indoor swimming pool and tennis courts were completed in the early 1970s. Bardøla was eventually supplemented with its own hair salon, miniature golf course, outdoor pool, and the Kongsgården and Dronninggården cottages.

Hallingtunet
In 1971, Elsa and Egil Walhovd fulfilled a long-held dream. An entire mountain farm from the 1700s was moved to Bardøla from farms in Hallingdal. Today, Bardøla's guests can use Gamlestugu and Storstugu in Hallingtunet for company gatherings and other events.

Well-being and heartwarming
Elsa and Egil Walhovd placed great emphasis on well-being and heartwarming in the development of the hotel. They combined hotel management with a hearty involvement in the local community and helped Geilo become famous throughout the country. Egil Walhovd passed away in 1986, and a few years later Elsa Walhovd decided to sell Bardøla.

Hans Wille
During 15 of Walch's years at Bardøla, the dedicated hotelier Hans Wille was their director. His winning personality and professional expertise meant a lot to Bardøla's loyal guests. Wille is also known as Geilo's "Uncle Hans."

Therese and Bernt Junger
The late 80s were characterized by ownership shifts, financial crises, and a generally difficult operating and market situation. In the 90s, Therese and Bernt Junger operated the hotel. By focusing on the staff, hosts, and good food, they got the hotel back on track. Together with their employees, they did a fantastic job with Bardøla.

Ola Vindegg
Ola Vindegg was both co-owner and chairman of the operating company in 1995, and in 1997 he took over the entire property. In 2000, Ola became an owner, but invited Roger Espeli and Terje Simonsen to join him early on. Ola was the main shareholder until 2007, when a generational shift was completed. Ola Vindegg built log cabins in connection with the hotel. From the first in 1997 – to today's 26. The hotel was completed in 2001 with 24 new modern rooms as well as expanded restaurant capacity. Today the hotel has more than 600 beds. The hotel is well run and solid, thanks to Ola's sense of constant quality and expertise in maintenance.

Terje Simonsen, Rolf Ingar Rotegård, and Holtefjell Group
Terje Simonsen, Rolf Ingar Rotegård, and Holtefjell Group took over as owners of Bardøla, and Arill Ottersen became CEO. They thus continued the tradition that the owners also run the hotel, with close contact with employees and guests. Bardøla is today a competence company with apprenticeships, which contributes to general professional development in the industry. Bardøla appears as Geilo's classic high-mountain hotel, with a strong foothold in the wide market – one of Norway's most visited hotels. Collaboration and destination highlighting has always been important to the hotel – today with Visit Geilo and Geilo IL. The term "Bardøla – more than a hotel" contains a good legacy from earlier times. Over the last few years, Sofias Café and Bar.

Pål Georg Gundersen
Mr. Gundersen bought the hotel in November 2016, and now we stand strong with our sister hotels like Vestlia Resort and Highland Lodge as part of The Geilo Group. Together we are ready for tomorrow’s discerning hotel guest.