Manshausen
Minimalist Arctic adventure retreat — Scandinavian 'compact living' design philosophy, expedition spirit, raw coastal setting. No TVs, no fuss, just sea, mountains, and dramatic changing light.
Book the hot tub time slot in advance — it's popular and needs to be reserved
Why It Matters
The Sea Cabins have won 41 international architecture and design awards. The property was conceived by Børge Ousland, the first person to reach the North Pole solo and unsupported. The cabins are cantilevered directly over the Arctic Sea — guests literally watch the Northern Lights from bed through full-length glass walls.
Manshausen is a 14-acre private island in Norway's Steigen Archipelago, about 62 miles above the Arctic Circle, owned and developed by legendary polar explorer Børge Ousland. The island's 1880s-era main house anchors a collection of seven award-winning larchwood-and-glass Sea Cabins and two newer Tower Cabins, all designed by architect Snorre Stinessen — they cantilever right at the water's edge and put floor-to-ceiling sea views squarely in your bed. Getting here requires a flight to Bodø, a 1.5–2 hour express ferry to Nordskot, and a short boat transfer to the island itself. It is genuinely remote. But the cabins and the landscape are genuinely extraordinary.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Sea Cabin — Everest
From NOK3,200 / nightNamed after the Everest expedition. Compact larchwood-and-glass Sea Cabin with two bedrooms, private outdoor deck, and the same award-winning Scandinavian minimalist interior as its siblings.
Sea Cabin — Frans Josef Land
From NOK3,200 / nightNamed after the Franz Josef Land expedition. One of the original seven cabins in the award-winning Stinessen-designed collection. Two bedrooms, compact Scandinavian interiors, sea views.
Sea Cabin — Grønland
From NOK3,200 / nightOne of the original seven Sea Cabins designed by architect Snorre Stinessen, named after Børge Ousland's Greenland expedition. Clad in larchwood, glazed on three sides with floor-to-ceiling windows that put sea and mountain views directly in your sightline from bed and the comfortable chairs. Compact but cleverly designed — drawers double as benches, shelves become tables. Perched along the old stone jetty. Features a full Corian kitchen, a well-appointed bathroom with walk-in shower and underfloor heating, and an outer entryway designed like a diver's airlock to keep weather out.
Sea Cabin — Nordpolen
From NOK3,200 / nightNamed after the North Pole — Ousland's most famous expedition. Partially cantilevered over the cliff edge and water below. Same compact larchwood-and-glass design as the other Sea Cabins, with two bedrooms and panoramic sea views. Guests report feeling suspended directly above the Arctic sea.
Sea Cabin — Patagonia
From NOK3,200 / nightNamed after the Patagonia expedition. Part of the original seven Sea Cabin collection, with the same architectural pedigree and compact-living design. Floor-to-ceiling glass, two bedrooms, larchwood interiors.
Sea Cabin — Svalbard
From NOK3,200 / nightNamed after the Svalbard expedition. Elevated on a natural ledge or hill, offering views over the sea and mountains from a slightly higher vantage point. Same Stinessen larchwood-and-glass design.
Sea Cabin — Sydpolen
From NOK3,200 / nightNamed after the South Pole expedition. One of the original Sea Cabin lineup with the same Stinessen-designed larchwood-and-glass form, two-bedroom layout, and unobstructed sea views from the stone jetty position.
Tower Cabin — Amundsen
From NOK4,900 / nightCompanion to the Nansen Tower Cabin, named after Roald Amundsen. Same two-story architecture on the edge of the old stone pier — burnt larch exterior, solar panels, glass ground floor with coffee station and guest bed, upper double bedroom under a full glass roof. All meals included in rate (breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner). Climate control. Private outdoor seating area. No kitchenette.
Double (upper floor) + Single (ground floor under stairs)Tower Cabin — Nansen
From NOK4,900 / nightOne of two new two-story Tower Cabins opened June 2023, named after explorer Fridtjof Nansen. Sits on the edge of the old stone pier. Built in solid wood clad with burnt larch, with solar panels on the rear. Ground floor: sea-facing glass living area, coffee machine, bookshelf, storage, and a single guest bed under the stairs. Upper floor: double bed under a full glass roof and glass front wall, a pull-out desk, and a French balcony facing east for morning sun. No kitchenette — all meals in the Main House (breakfast, lunch, and 3-course dinner are included in the room rate). Climate control throughout.
Double (upper floor) + Single (ground floor under stairs)The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Skippered boat trip targeting cod, halibut, sea trout, and more. The waters around Manshausen have been a prime fishing ground since the 16th century. Options: 2-hour or 4-hour trips. Includes boating suit, fishing equipment, guide, and boat.
Guided kayak tours through the Steigen archipelago with Manshausen's own guides. Clear water, white sandy beaches, and dramatic mountain scenery. Options: 2-hour or 4-hour guided tours. All equipment included. The property also offers a 'våttkort' NPF certification course over two days. Kayaks can also be rented independently.
Two rowboats available for guests to borrow free of charge. Well-suited for the sheltered waters immediately around Manshausen. Great for casual fishing from the gunwale or just drifting.
Single and double kayaks available for independent use, with paddles and life jackets included. From September 1 to May 31, a drysuit is mandatory and available to rent. Non-overnight guests can also rent kayaks.
The 14-acre island has a private white-sand beach on its west side. Wild sheep roam the island. Kids can play in the saltwater pond next to the sauna (shallower, sheltered water). Tide pool exploration is popular with families.
Several hiking routes accessible from the island and nearby Nordskot. Trails range from easy strolls to the technically demanding Nordskot Traverse. The coastal mountains rarely receive heavy snow, so hiking is possible year-round (snowshoes may be needed in deep winter).
The island's signature adventure. A 7–9 hour semi-technical guided climb starting with a hike to the top of Sørskottind, then a 5-meter rappel to access the narrow ridgeline. Guests travel roped together along the ridge with panoramic Vestfjord views on both sides, before descending to Ersvika and returning by boat. Rated Medium/Hard difficulty. Strongly recommended to do with a Manshausen guide.
The floor-to-ceiling glass walls of all cabins make Northern Lights watching from bed a genuine possibility. Aurora season runs September through March. Best months are October–February. Guides can also arrange late-night Northern Lights excursions.
A 140-meter long cave (known locally as Resshola or the Troll Cave) accessible by a 45-minute walk from Nordskot village. Good footwear and headlamps required. A hit with families and those who like getting underground.
Climbing available at the Nordskot red granite cliffs. Climbing equipment rental available at 350 NOK/day. Guides available for half-day (1,000 NOK/person) or full-day (2,000 NOK/person) guiding.
Guided boat tour to observe the area's remarkable White-Tailed Sea Eagles — some of the largest concentrations in Europe, with wingspans over two meters. Outer islands are a nature reserve and nesting ground for migratory birds. Great for wildlife photography. Max 4 people.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Located in the New Boathouse (Nynaustet). Seats up to 30 people. Popular for corporate brainstorming sessions, leadership retreats, and strategy meetings. Autumn and winter are peak conference seasons.
Wi-Fi available in the Main House only. Not available in the Sea Cabins or Tower Cabins — this is intentional. The entire island has excellent 4G mobile service, however.
Fishing equipment (250 NOK/day), climbing gear (350 NOK/day), drysuit (250 NOK/day, mandatory for kayaking September–May). Life jackets available. No gym — outdoor activities are the fitness offering.
Gift cards personally signed by Børge Ousland and sent by post. Valid for two years. Contact post@manshausen.no for details.
Upstairs in the Main House with panoramic sea and mountain views. Stocked with Børge Ousland's personal polar expedition book collection, National Geographic volumes, and assorted titles. A great spot to decompress after a day of hiking.
Small private beach on the west side of the island. Additional sandy beaches on nearby islands in the immediate vicinity.
Dogs are not permitted on Manshausen Island.
Floating dock with 2.5-metre-deep waters. Equipped with electrical and water hook-ups. Primarily for guests arriving by private boat. Rates: up to 40ft NOK 300/day; 41–50ft NOK 450/day; 51ft+ NOK 600/day. Includes electricity and water.
Specially designed sauna that mirrors the Sea Cabin aesthetic — large window looking out to sea. Adjacent to the saltwater pond and hot tub. Outdoor showers and changing rooms nearby.
A dug pond filled with constantly refreshed seawater next to the sauna and hot tub. Open to all guests. Used for cold plunging and traditional Scandinavian hot-cold hydrotherapy. Underwater lights at night.
BUILD YOUR MANSHAUSEN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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