Ramme Hotel and Edvard Munch

The history of Ramme Farm stretches far back in time, but it became a recreational spot for visitors from Kristiania when the steam engine made it possible to travel to Vestby and Hvitsten by train and passenger boat from Oslo. Several renowned artists visited and stayed in Hvitsten during the summer.

The world famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, mostly known for “The Scream”, lived and worked at Nedre Ramme for several years starting in 1910. His time there is relatively unknown in Norwegian art history, despite him painting several of his masterpieces there.

Birthday gift

Petter Olsen received Ramme farm by the Drøbak Sound for his 18th birthday. He has spent the last 40 years transforming it into an experience center. It was to finance the development of Ramme and Havlystparken that Petter Olsen sold one of the four original versions of “The Scream” in 2012.

Olsen now owns a total of 38 works by Edvard Munch, including 20 oil paintings. These are displayed in an exhibition space in the basement of Ramme Fjordhotell. The security measures are on par with those of major galleries to accommodate international art loans.

The hotel

Ramme farm consists of several parts. The Fjord hotel features two main buildings constructed in an old style. “Skysstasjonen” is built in an 18th-century style, furnished with antiques and period-appropriate furniture. The 42 rooms are named after Munch’s paintings, with copies hanging in each room.

The other building, making up the second half of the hotel, is 100 years “newer” and built in brick and timber frame. Known as “Brenneriet,” (The Distillery) it is constructed in a 19th-century industrial style and houses the hotel’s reception.

I absolutely love old houses, and I’m impressed by the quality of all the new additions. The attention to detail in the style is impeccable. I was particularly impressed by the iron staircase, glass doors, and not to mention the fantastic library.

The rooms are incredibly well-designed and I would love to spend the night in one of these pretty rooms.

I enjoy historical hotels and rooms, like the historic Walaker Hotel! This place is just as charming but new. Quite remarkable.

Local food

In the restaurant, designed as an orangery with a Russian-inspired onion dome, both meat and vegetables from the farm’s own production are served, along with other local products like cheese from Rygge dairy.

Restauranten på Ramme — My parents enjoyed the tour and lunch at Ramme

Ramme also has two large greenhouses, one of which is a shop and café. The shop sells the farm’s own organic vegetables, other organic products, and a wonderful selection of interior and garden items.

The items for sale can be described as English garden style, which isn’t surprising given that one of the main attractions is the enormous park surrounding Petter Olsen’s residence.

Magnificent Park

The park is the main attraction. A 90-minute guided tour of the garden is a wonderful experience.

The park features several “rooms” and sections, many water installations, and various artworks. There’s an Asian garden, a Buddhist prayer tower, a “phallus park,” and a Greek-inspired lake with a gazebo.

There’s another greenhouse or orangery with espaliered apple trees, providing a perfect setting for weddings or other large events.

Drivhus i hagen som kan brukes til selskaper

Down by the sea, they have restored Edvard Munch’s old house. He rented it during the summer and painted many of his “happy” pictures here. They say this is where he found the inspiration for “The Sun”, a huge painting hanging in the University of Oslo. In the exhibition room in the basement, Petter Olsen has actually recreated the painting and the hall itself, on a smaller scale, where many of Munch’s paintings are displayed.

Culture

Ramme farm also hosts a wide range of cultural events in addition to art exhibitions. Concerts are frequently held in the hall, and they have built an outdoor theater perfect for Shakespeare performances. High trellis walls covered in ivy create a fantastic backdrop for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed under the stars on a warm summer evening.

The buildings connected to the hotel include course and conference facilities, a courtyard that can be decorated and set up for parties, or where all the carriages Petter Olsen has collected can be displayed to transform the carriage house into a mingling area with canapés and champagne.

Bakgården på Ramme — The carriges are in the room on the left and can be rolled out on the courtyard.

Ramme is a magical place. I’ve been there three times already. The garden is a fantasy world filled with sculptures and installations.

It’s worth visiting in different seasons to see the various plants and flowers in full bloom. The different guides have unique stories to tell, making each garden experience different.

Guiden vår Odd — Our guide named Odd (yes, that’s his name) was really good.

Portal — A replica of a royal arch in the garden.

Munch’s house

The only thing really missing at the hotel is the sea view. For that, you have to go down to Munch’s house. Here, Munch spent some of his happiest days, painting in the sunlight. Happy, colorful pictures, unlike some of his more somber and famous works. The house has been meticulously restored and can be rented for a small group, with food delivered from the restaurant, offering a truly special experience in Munch’s footsteps.