Manshausen Tower Cabins

Striking Arctic Towers for Adventurous Nomads

These two glass-roofed cabins were designed by architect Snorre Stinessen to interact with nature, embracing the northern light and midnight sun, with a sparkling blanket of stars guaranteed.

Built as towers across two levels and named for two great Norwegian explorers, the twin cabins claim an edge of the old stone pier at Manshausen, offering unbroken sea views and mountain silhouettes. Constructed of solid wood and clad in burnt larch, the solar-powered habitations feature sea-facing, glass-enclosed ground-floor living areas, with a coffee station, minimalist library, storage and guest bed built under the stairs. Head upstairs to the bedroom with its double bed, glass roof and workstation, and you'll also find a French balcony that let’s you wake up to the dawning sun.

Outdoors there’s a private seating area and gathering table, and like its neighboring Sea Cabins, three meals a day are included (dinner by reservation) in your stay (excluding alcohol), comprised of a hearty Norwegian breakfast buffet, a lunch of pasta, local fish, and seasonal vegetables (or a packed lunch by arrangement), and a delectably Nordic dinner of local fish, moose, reindeer or lamb from Lofoten, accompanied by locally grown vegetables and/or house-cured and homemade fermented items.

Experiences

The coolest of cool-cations, the Tower Cabins at Manshausen are all about adventure. Water, islands, wildlife and magnificent views are guaranteed, and the property includes two rowboats well-suited for the sheltered waters around this part of the island, skippered boat rental (independent rentals are available across the bay), kayak and dry suit rentals, fishing equipment and chartered sea fishing trips. Hiking, rock climbing, wildlife watching and night sky gazing are part and parcel of the experience, too.

Discover the neighboring Sea Cabins here.

Around

Situated on the water’s edge overlooking the spectacular Steigen Archipelago, this award-winning enclave’s two newest tower cabins, completed in 2023, were created for exploration and adventure on a private, 55-acre island. Manshausen lies in the middle of the Grøtøy Strait, between the dramatic peaks of the Lofoten Mountains and Barents Sea, a setting ripe for endless adventure year round. The former 17th-century harbor was a bustling trading post and fishing port, once one of Norway’s biggest, and the small village of Nordskot is the island’s commercial center, with a coastal museum and a shop or two, with more goods and services available via boat ride to neighboring Leinesfjord or Helnessund.

Location

Manshausen Island, Norway. Nearest airports: Bodo Regional is a 3.5 hour drive, or the ferry from Bodo to Nordskot takes approximately 1.5 hours. Getting to the island is surprisingly easy via express or private boat, car, bus, train or plane (detailed directions provided upon booking).

Best time to visit

February to October