🏨 Internship at Skjolden Hotel: My Experience, Tips & Tricks

07/04/2026

About Skjolden Hotel

Skjolden Hotel is located in Luster, right on the fjord's edge in the world's longest fjord, the Sognefjord. The site has been a guesthouse since 1908, when Skjolden was an important trading hub.

Today, the hotel has 41 rooms, a bar, terraces, a garden, its own microbrewery, and a restaurant that focuses on local ingredients. Guests also have access to an indoor swimming pool, sauna, free parking, and EV charging. The hotel is pet-friendly as well.

Its location makes it a perfect base for activities in the area, from waterfall hikes and fjord tours, to RIB boats and even llama safaris.

Before the Internship – Expectations & Nerves

I was very nervous before starting my internship. I had never worked in the tourism industry before – only had my experiences as a guest at hotels, and my background as a healthcare worker.

I knew I would try different tasks: breakfast service, housekeeping, reception, and hosting. It felt scary, but I had one clear goal: to learn as much as possible in the four weeks I was there.

👉 Tips if you're about to start your first internship:

It's normal to be nervous – almost everyone is.
Remember, you're not expected to know everything – you're there to learn.
Think about what you want to get out of the internship – it helps you stay focused.

First Impressions

I was welcomed by the hotel manager, who was also my supervisor. On the first day, I was given my own hotel room to stay in during most of the internship, at first, I thought it had to be a mistake because it was so big and beautiful!

Being included in the team quickly made me feel safer. We had dinner together at 4 PM every day, and I worked with colleagues from Norway, Spain, and the Czech Republic. It was also a good chance to practice my English.

My Tasks at the Hotel

Breakfast

Asking guests if they wanted eggs and bacon, telling the kitchen, and serving.
Refilling juice, water, coffee, plates, and cutlery.
Clearing tables and setting them again.
Vacuuming and preparing the dining room for lunch.

Challenge: When many guests came at once, it was hard to remember who ordered what.
Learning: I got better at recognizing faces and remembering orders.

Lunch

Serving not only hotel guests but also cruise ship visitors.
Presenting the food (often in English, important for allergies).
Checking in with guests, refilling, clearing, and resetting tables.

Challenge: My English wasn't great, and I forgot words sometimes.
Learning: Smiling and talking to guests made a big difference, service matters more than perfect language.

Housekeeping

Cleaning rooms and bathrooms, making beds, changing sheets and towels.
Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, restocking linen closets.
Keeping everything neat and high-quality, they even had Rituals soap in the bathrooms.

Challenge: My asthma. Changing bedding especially triggered it, and I ended up having to visit the emergency room once.
Learning: I gained respect for how much work goes into keeping a hotel clean and fresh.

👉 Tips:

Wear good shoes – there's a lot of walking.
Tell your supervisor if you have allergies or health issues, there are usually other tasks you can do.
Don't be afraid to ask when you're unsure, it's better than making a mistake.

How the Internship Felt

To be honest, I was super nervous. When I get anxious, I get stomach problems – sometimes I even throw up or have to run to the bathroom. I was afraid of not being good enough or making mistakes.

But it got easier. I learned so much, gained confidence, and felt supported by my supervisor and colleagues. That made me feel safe and more comfortable.

👉 My best tips if you're anxious about your internship:

Tell your supervisor you're nervous – they'll usually understand.
Mistakes are part of learning – don't be too hard on yourself.
Take short breaks if you need to breathe.
Use the opportunity to try everything you can – you'll learn more than you think.

The Best Parts of the Internship

I got varied experience: breakfast, lunch, housekeeping, reception.
I met guests from all over the world.
I practiced English and became more confident.
I was allowed to live at the hotel, eat meals with the staff, and feel like part of the team.
I received praise and encouragement,which boosted my confidence.

Summary

My internship at Skjolden Hotel was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I started out nervous and unsure but left with new skills, more confidence, and experiences I would never have gotten otherwise.

So if you're anxious about your internship: you're not alone. It gets better, and you'll learn more than you expect.

👉 To learn more about the hotel: skjoldenhotel.no