After a marvellous drive from Lillehammer featuring brooding mountains, blooming wildflowers, lakes, forests, and fields, we arrived in Larvik and checked into the Farris Bad hotel that seems to straddle village and beach in a way that both both blends in and stands out.
While our room on the second floor was comfy with a big bathroom featuringtub and shower, plus a balcony that overlooked the little beach and out towards the ferry, it felt a little dark in places and a few more plug outlets might not have gone amiss. However, this was just a small gripe.
The hotel is most famous for its spa. The one at Farris Bad was the best I have ever been to – and that’s saying something. From glass-fronted saunas – one overlooking the sea – to a hot spring pool in cave-like surroundings, jets of water that massage your shoulders or feet, sitz baths, salt rubs, steam-baths, and a cold plunge pool, it was awesome in every way. I was told it is the biggest spa in Norway and I can believe that.
Sadly there was no time for the breakfast included in the price as we had a ferry to catch, but the staff sent us on our way with a few sandwiches and fruit in a paper bag. Ferris Bad is definitely a hotel I’d like to return to, just to luxuriate in that beautiful spa again