by Ron Bernthal
For travelers to Norway who wish to enjoy a quiet and unique experience in the Norwegian countryside, renting a treetop cabin in any of the several regions that offer them offers a memorable, off-the-beaten-path journey that is easily accessible. Visitors are able to choose between gorgeous designer cabins and rambling buildings, all situated in good hiking and skiing terrain, often by a fishing lake where you can go canoeing or swimming in summer, and the views are always breathtaking.
The nature experiences by the cabins is often intense, with possible sightings of moose, deer, beaver and grouse, in addition to the many birds that share the outside with you. Here the silence is only broken by the wind in the treetops and the night sky, filled with stars, is overwhelmingly beautiful.
Listed below are some of the treetop cabins that are located in various regions of Norway. Some of them have become quite popular, while others have just opened up over the last couple of years, or will open for the first time in summer 2021.
The Treehouse Dome in Rakkestad is just a 90 minute drive southwest of Oslo, at Rakkestad, in the deep forest. The unique construction of The Treehouse Dome differs from many other similar cabins, as the sleeping room is situated on a loft with ceiling windows allowing guests to gaze at the stars before falling asleep. The house includes bathroom, kitchen and a living room with fireplace.
Trehyttene are treetop cabins locarted in Gjerstad in Southern Norway, between Oslo and Kristiansand. They offer three different tree houses: Kråkeslottet (“the crow castle”), Gjøkeredet (“the cuckoo’s nest”) and Flåklypa. The surrounding area is great for family activities like fishing, hiking, swimming, with a climbing park nearby.
Woodnest Treehouse in Odda, Hardangerfjord (Fjord Norway) combines the adventure of Norwegian nature without having to forgo luxury and comfort. Woodnest is a luxury tree house experience, where each tree house offers a heated floor, wi-fi, a small kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, and a stunning view over the Hardangerfjord.
Himmelhøy is located in Namdalen, Trøndelag. (which means “sky high” in Norwegian), is located just north of Namsos. The cabins have room for up to seven visitors, offering two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and a large porch. Included in the cabin rental are canoes, rowing boats and fishing rights in the nearby river.
Tretopphytter Oslofjord offers five cabins, all located more than 300-feet above sea level with a spectacular view over the fjord. Each fully furnished cabin can accommodate from seven to ten people, and are situated just one hour south of Oslo, in the county of Vestfold.
Engeset Tree Houses is a new and unique accommodation situated in Sandane in Nordfjord. The cabins are organically built and integrated into nature, as they move with the wind and birds build their nests in bird-crates on the decking. The cabins have spectacular views of the fjord and are excellent starting points for both winter and summer activities.
The award winning PAN Treetop Cabins are located in Finnskogen, a two-hour drive from Oslo. The cabins can accommodate up to six people and are built about 24-feet above ground. Guests can enjoy many activities in the area, such as yoga, biking, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and even wolf safaris.
At Hardanger Fjordtun, in the region called Fjord Norway, guests can choose between a romantic stay in a treetop cabin or a stay in a funky panoramic cabin with space for families or groups of friends. These architect-designed wooden cabins offer great sleeping and living quarters with large glass surfaces to let the nature in.
Å Auge Treetop House in Tinn, Telemark offers an excellent experience in the Norwegian forest. Å auge means “River Eye” in Norwegian, and although its location is easily accessed, the treetop house is still hidden away and 100% off the grid. In addition to the treetop house, Å Camp offers glamping, hammocks, bush baths and activities in the Norwegian wilderness.
The owners of Fosstopp, the luxury treetop cabins at Vassfaret in Valdres (two hours from Oslo), are local enthusiasts who are passionate about the development of the local area. These genuine treetop cabins are surrounded by the forest, a waterfall, and mountains. Fosstopp has three unique wooden cabins with high standards and practical design, situated 25-feet above ground and attached to pine trees.
Trekronå’s new cabins in Ogna will open in summer 2021 in the Stavanger region, near one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast Norway.
These three cabins are on steel legs in the middle of a small pine forest next to a golf course. Nearby you can find Holmasanden beach, which is a great place to enjoy sunny days of swimming and surfing as well as hikes all year round.
For information on visiting Norway, go to Visit Norway.