Ben's Cafe and Motel

Despite its proximity to the E39, Bens's Café and Motell AS are located in peaceful and scenic surroundings. There are many great opportunities for hiking, inland fishing etc. just outside the doors.

Ben’s Café started in 1958, in the basement of Ben and Amanda Hetland’s home in Helleland. In 1969, a dedicated café building was constructed across the street. The café is still located there. In 1988, there were further expansions – a motel with 20 rooms, as well as new conference and event facilities.

The magazine Motor.no named Ben’s Café as one of the finalists for Roadside Meal of the Year in 2016. They write the following: Simple and proper. The fish is served freshly fried with sour cream and onions. The meatcakes and lasagna are homemade, and the generous omelette is made with eggs from the neighboring farm. Clean and pleasant.

The story

Ben's Café (and later Motel) has always held a central place in the local community. The café is a regular gathering spot for all age groups. In 2013, we renovated the café and developed the outdoor area. Its popularity extends far beyond the local area, especially among professional drivers both domestically and internationally. Much of the credit for this popularity goes to Amanda Hetland. It is now the daughter and son-in-law—and eventually also the third generation—who have taken over the main responsibilities. Amanda has also become the "nickname" for the café—many may not know where Ben's Café is, but when you mention "Amanda," it rings a bell for many. There are several stories about Norwegians abroad who have had trouble explaining their hometown in Norway, but everything became clear when "Amanda" was mentioned. "Amanda" even has her own song. The local country and western band Tennessee released an LP/cassette in 1987 titled "Ben's Café"—the title track is a warm tribute to the popular stopover for modern cowboys (truck drivers) in Helleland. "I’m gonna sit right down and rest my soul in old Ben’s Café where Amanda is always waiting with a smile as sweet can be." Many column inches have been written about us in newspapers and magazines. Vestlandsfanden has also written a song about us. Ben's Café/Amanda has also been celebrated in local revues. Lars Magne Hannisdal painted a picture for the Helleland revue in 1991, and it still hangs in the community center as a source of pride and joy.

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