The Hotel Industry in Kongsberg: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Overview of the Hotel Industry in Kongsberg

The hotel industry in Kongsberg consists of 8 companies with a total of 217 employees and a combined sales volume of NOK 36.2 million. The industry has been marked by significant fluctuations in recent years, with a sharp decline in sales of -67.7% from 2022 to 2023, followed by a mild increase of +7.4% in 2024. There is a clear connection between the fluctuations in the tourism sector and the hotels in the municipality, which depend on both local and international guests.

The broader accommodation group (which includes camping and short-term cabins) has 22 companies in Kongsberg, showing that hotels form a smaller but important part of the municipality's accommodation services. This provides a basis for comparison in future analysis.

Economic Trends in the Hotel Industry

Sales Development (2016–2025):

Employees (2016–2026):

The most dramatic sales decline (2019→2020) was likely due to the pandemic, while the increase in 2021–2022 reflects a gradual reopening. Employees have been more stable, with a strong increase in 2022 (+34.7%) due to increased activity.

Companies in the Hotel Industry

The following companies are registered in the hotel industry in Kongsberg:

1. Quality Hotel Grand As (Christian Augusts gate 2) – 92 employees, EBITDA: -254,000 NOK
2. Clarion Collection Hotel Kongsberg As (Sildetomta 2) – 54 employees, EBITDA: 8.4M NOK
3. Søstrene Storaas Hotell As (Jondalsveien 1530) – 43 employees, EBITDA: 2.9M NOK
4. Gyldenløve Hotell As (Herman Foss gate 1) – 28 employees, EBITDA: 187,000 NOK
5. Gyldenløve Eiendom As (Herman Foss gate 1) – 0 employees, EBITDA: -46,000 NOK
6. Jonsknuten Da (Knutehytta) – 0 employees, EBITDA: 0 NOK
7. Knutehytta Drift As (Rajeveien 89) – 0 employees, EBITDA: 0 NOK
8. Søstrene Storaas Holding As (Jondalsveien 1530) – 0 employees, EBITDA: 0 NOK

Organizational Forms: All companies are registered as AS (4 companies), except Jonsknuten Da (DA). No companies are registered as bankrupt, but several have negative EBITDA values, indicating economic challenges.

Geographic Distribution of the Business

All hotels in Kongsberg are located in the Kongsberg area. There is no sub-breakdown of activity in sub-areas or districts. This suggests that the business is centrally located in the municipality's main town, which can be both an advantage (proximity to the city center) and a disadvantage (competitive pressure from other hotels).

Dynamics and Bankruptcies

No companies in the hotel industry in Kongsberg are registered as bankrupt, indicating relative stability in the industry. However, several companies have negative EBITDA values, such as Quality Hotel Grand As (-254,000 NOK) and Gyldenløve Eiendom As (-46,000 NOK). This may indicate economic challenges, especially for companies with low sales volume or high operating costs.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs in the hotel industry in Kongsberg, it is important to be aware of the fluctuating trends that have characterized the industry in recent years. Although there has been a gradual increase in sales (from 35.6M NOK in 2023 to 38.2M NOK in 2024), there is still a significant decline compared to 2022 (110.1M NOK). This shows that the industry is highly dependent on fluctuations in the tourism sector.

A possible strategy could be to focus on cost control and differentiation of the offering, especially in a competitive market. Kongsberg has a strong tourism industry, which can give entrepreneurs an advantage if they can adapt to local needs and international trends.

Outlook for the Broader Accommodation Companies

The broader accommodation group in Kongsberg has 22 companies and a combined sales volume of NOK 41.1 million in 2025. This is significantly higher than hotels alone (NOK 35.4M), showing that accommodation companies include both camping and short-term cabins.

Peer Companies in Accommodation (Non-Hotel):

This group has a more stable sales volume, but also more companies with negative EBITDA values. This shows that both hotels and accommodation companies have their challenges, but accommodation companies offer a wider variety of products and target groups.

The hotel industry in Kongsberg is an important part of the municipality's tourism sector, but has been marked by significant fluctuations in recent years. With 8 companies and 217 employees, the industry is relatively small, but has growth potential if it can adapt to local and global trends. The broader accommodation companies in the municipality show that there are opportunities to expand the offering with camping and short-term cabins.

For entrepreneurs, it is important to be aware of both competitiveness and economic stability. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations and strategies to establish oneself in this dynamic industry.