You will never find us Norwegians far from nature; after all, we are blessed with some of the finest lakes, mountains, forests and beaches in the world. Even if I do say so myself! So it’s tough to resist the allure of a getaway in an off-the-beaten-track cabin, especially when they look as chic and magical as these. Perched on a rocky coastline or nestled in a thick forest, I have picked five of the best cabins in Norway in which to switch off, recharge and whet your appetite for the great outdoors.
Perched on the rocky coast, 30 minutes from the city of Haugesund in the south are these angular timber cabins (above). The five incredible structures are triangular in shape to withstand the harsh climate and strong winds. While small in size inside, each boasts a giant window from which to gaze out at the crashing waves and sweeping coastline. Designed with a beautifully paired back interior – the emphasis here is definitely on the landscape beyond – each has a kitchen, toilet and a living room complete with a cosy fireplace. Designed by Holon Arkitektur, the only permanent trace left on the landscape by the cabins are four holes drilled into the rock per cabin to anchor the steel columns which hold them.
These two luxury treehouses (above) not only boast breathtaking architecture, they stand in a majestic setting too, overlooking the stunning Hardanger fjord. Each Woodnest treehouse can house up to four people and comes with all the mod cons; including a hot shower, flushing toilet, even underfloor heating. To maintain privacy, the exact location is kept secret until the week of your arrival and the 15–30-minute hike up into the woods to the treehouses is all part of the adventure. The tree lives inside the structure of the pine cone-like treehouse and the interior is crafted from beautiful black alder wood.
An hour by boat west of Bodø in the north is the remote and windswept Arctic Hideaway (above) overlooking the ocean on an island in the Fleinvær archipelago. The hideaway ‘village’ comprises 12 multipurpose wood-clad buildings, including sleeping houses which are private spaces, as well as a bath house, cooking and eating house, a chill out/open studio, and a sauna and changing room. The perfect place to switch off and immerse yourself in nature; here, walking, cycling, rowing, sea bathing and collecting mussels are the order of the day. Its location means there is little to no darkness here from late May to early August and no sun from late November to mid January, but incredible stars, moons, planets and aurora.
Perched on the water’s edge on Manshausen island, these sea cabins (above) are an incredible place to watch the ever-changing light and scenery in this rugged part of northern Norway – as I discovered when I stayed here last Summer. These simply decorated cabins are all about celebrating nature; there’s nothing quite like the sound of the wind and waves beneath you lulling you to sleep. As for the view from your bed across the sea from the huge floor to ceiling windows? Very special indeed.
As the name suggests, this magical cabin sits on a high platform between the trees on a small island in the Agder forest, about an hour from my home town of Kristiansand. I visited a couple of years ago with some girlfriends and with no light pollution, it’s an amazing place to stargaze and watch the incredible sunrises from the veranda. With a bonfire and barbecue area, as well as a canoe or rowing boat to explore lake Bervannet, this is the place to relax into a slower pace of life. A floating bridge even connects the island to the mainland where you can indulge yourself in the outdoor hot tub and sauna cabin. Bliss!
[main image: @aivitinjsh/Instagram]
Want to experience a slice of Norway without leaving the UK? Our Scandi-inspired Summerhouse in Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire is available to book for short stays year round. Discover more Norwegian travel and lifestyle inspiration over on the NORSK blog, find out more about our cafe in Haddenham, and shop our authentic Scandi homeware and gifts.
