The Britannia Hotel – once a turn-of-the-century pied-à-terre for aristocrats, Arctic explorers, and literati, has reopened in Trondheim, Norway following a £107m (US$139.5, €123.8m) overhaul.

The 148-year-old landmark features 257 newly renovated rooms and suites, as well as revamped common areas, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

The spa centre at the Britannia comprises a 200 sq m fitness room, six treatment rooms, a heated lap pool, a sauna, steam bath, ice bath, and a relaxation room.

Therapies on offer range from bespoke detox and anti-stress packages to traditional services, such as facials, waxing, and pedicures.

Interiors were rehauled by Oslo-based firm Metropolis Arkitektur and Design, who consulted with local historians to in order to best preserve the building’s unique aesthetics.

Norwegian financier Odd Reitan, who has admitted that owning the hotel was a "childhood dream" of his, was the project's primary financial backer.

The Britannia is Trondheim's oldest hotel – and one of the most grandiose hospitality venues in the Arctic Circle.

In its long-lived existence, the space has hosted an array of dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, the King of Thailand, various members of the Norwegian royal family, the adventurer Fritjof Nansen, and multiple Nobel Prize winners.

The Britannia became a member of the Leading Hotels of the World luxury brand in 2018.