Manshausen, Norway: Where Sea and Mountains Meet

North of the Arctic Circle, deep within the fjords of Norway's island-studded Steigen region, lies a tiny 14-acre island called Manshausen. Once an important 16th-century fishing and trading post, it has since been transformed into an award-winning boutique island retreat — winner of over 40 architecture awards, and often described as "Norway's most unique experience." The man behind it, Børge Ousland, is a North Sea diver turned polar explorer, famous for solo crossings of both the Arctic and Antarctic. Through years of expeditions, he carried one recurring dream: to own an island of his own in the far north. Manshausen is that dream realized.

The Concept: Architecture in Dialogue with Nature

At the heart of Manshausen is a simple philosophy — architecture in interaction with nature. Every structure on the island embraces "sophisticated simplicity," stripping away anything superfluous so that space, light and the surrounding seascape can take centre stage. Børge drew on his own experience as a diver, tent-based expedition traveller and sailor to shape a design language he calls "Compact Living": drawers become benches, shelves become tables — everything is as functional and multi-purpose as possible, without sacrificing comfort.

Manshausen island, surrounded by the Steigen fjords

As Børge puts it, Manshausen is "for adventurers and philosophers, families and friends — and conferences for creative minds." Whether guests come to unwind completely or to seek inspiration as a team, the island's deep calm and dramatic scenery shape a different experience for every visitor. In recent years the hosts have also made sustainability a priority — sourcing local ingredients, supporting the neighbouring communities of Nordskot and Steigen, and working steadily toward a fully electric, carbon-neutral operation.

The Facilities: Sixteen Buildings on One Island

The island is home to sixteen buildings in total, each with its own clear role. At the centre is the renovated Main House (Hovedhuset): the ground floor holds the Restaurant and an open kitchen, while upstairs a Library and Lounge with sweeping sea views — soft sofas, binoculars within reach — is the natural gathering place for a pre-dinner drink, a late-night chat, or simply watching the light change. The New Boathouse (Nynaustet) houses a meeting room that seats up to thirty, making Manshausen a favoured venue for off-site brainstorms and conferences, particularly in autumn and winter.

The Main House (Hovedhuset), at the heart of the island

The sauna, right on the water's edge

Outdoors, the island offers a hot tub and a sauna, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking, kayaking or diving, along with a kayak shed, the hosts' private quarters, and a service building. In many ways the 14-acre island itself is the greatest amenity of all — fishing, diving, cycling, hiking and rock climbing all change character with the seasons.

The Accommodation: Sea Cabins Suspended Above the Water

Manshausen currently offers nine Sea Cabins, each named after a place tied to Børge's own expeditions — Grønland (Greenland), Patagonia, Nordpolen (North Pole), Sydpolen (South Pole), Everest, Svalbard, and more.

The Sea Cabins beneath a starlit Arctic sky

Every cabin has floor-to-ceiling windows, so the ever-changing light and scenery are visible whether you're lying in bed, relaxing in a chair, or cooking in the kitchen. Though compact, each cabin is fully self-contained: behind the main room is a second bedroom with bunk beds (the top bunk is 1.4 metres wide, big enough for two, with a single bed below) — enough space for two couples to share, or for a family with children. A separate entryway, designed like a diver's air-lock, keeps wind, rain and snow from following you inside. There is deliberately no TV — only the sound of the waves below, and the light pouring through the windows, inviting guests to be fully present in the moment.

Panoramic window inside the Grønland cabin

The Food: Local Flavours, from the Sea to the Table

Dining is central to the Manshausen experience. All meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — are served in the Restaurant at the Main House, and guests are welcome any time for a coffee, a chat, or a drink in the lounge. The kitchen is currently led by Head Chefs Eliška and Tonda, whose culinary ambition and commitment to local ingredients align closely with Manshausen's own philosophy.

The Restaurant at the Main House: every dish shaped by what's in season

The menu changes with the seasons and the island's own bounty — fresh seafood, lamb, reindeer or moose — and guests may even find the fish they caught themselves served up as that evening's entrée. In winter, the kitchen showcases its "preservation" side, fermenting and preserving produce in the traditional ways of Arctic communities. A small but precious garden sits right beside the restaurant, adding another layer of local flavour to the kitchen's work. Dinner reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

The New Highlight: Tower Cabins Amundsen and Nansen

Manshausen's most talked-about recent addition is a pair of Tower Cabins designed by architect Snorre Stinessen — the most ambitious architectural statement on the island so far. Named Amundsen and Nansen after two of Norway's great polar explorers, the towers stand on the edge of an old stone pier, with completely unobstructed views of the sea and mountains.

Tower Cabin Amundsen, set on the edge of the old stone pier

Unlike the single-storey Sea Cabins, each Tower Cabin spans two floors and, for the first time, incorporates a full glass roof — bringing the sky itself into the design, and opening the cabins up to the northern lights and the midnight sun. The buildings are built in solid wood, clad in burnt larch, with solar panels covering the rear façade — a continuation of Manshausen's commitment to environmentally conscious building.

Watching the aurora through the full glass roof — the signature experience of the Tower Cabins

From an old fishing trading post to an award-winning architectural retreat, Manshausen has redefined what a stay above the Arctic Circle can feel like — through minimalist design, locally rooted food, and a way of living close to nature. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection, outdoor adventure with family, or inspiration for your team, this small island is ready to welcome you with the sea, the light, and the silence.

Image sources: Manshausen's official website (manshausen.no)