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Main house, Manshausen Island

Manshausen Island

Northern Norway, Norway

Manshausen Island

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With sleek, design-forward cabins and a location on one of Europe’s most raw and remote archipelagoes, Manshausen Island is one of the best places to explore this part of Norway.

Most visitors arrive at the small private island via boat, a fitting approach for a hotel owned by polar explorer Børge Ousland. Once on the island, you’ll be able to explore the wild, untouched landscape on guided activities like sea kayaking, fishing, hiking, exploring the island’s Troll Cave, or climbing the Nordskot Traverse.

The handful of ultra-modern cabins are perched over the water with glass fronts to give you unfettered views of the sea and sky — ideal for catching the northern lights. The interior is compact but airy thanks to the generous windows and Scandinavian decor, with blonde wood and clean lines.

The hotel’s restaurant serves a locally sourced, seasonal menu for three meals a day, with an emphasis on fresh-caught seafood, as well as reindeer, moose, and lamb from the island’s resident herd.

OUR OPINION:

We love Manshausen Island for the way it blends the untouched landscape with award-winning modern design. Its rugged feel means it’s great for adventurous visitors who enjoy the unspoiled nature of the region.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Audley Travel Specialist Amandine

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Photos of Manshausen Island

  • Sea cabin, Manshausen (Credit: Nadia Nordskot)
    Sea cabin, Manshausen (Credit: Nadia Nordskot)
  • Sea cabin, Manshausen (Credit: Adrien Giret)
    Sea cabin, Manshausen (Credit: Adrien Giret)
  • Sea cabins, Manshausen (Credit: Adrien Giret)
    Sea cabins, Manshausen (Credit: Adrien Giret)
  • Restaurant, Manshausen (Credit: Jorunn Tharaldsen)
    Restaurant, Manshausen (Credit: Jorunn Tharaldsen)
  • Sea cabin, Manshausen (Credit: Kjell Ove Storvik)
    Sea cabin, Manshausen (Credit: Kjell Ove Storvik)

Rooms

Designed to complement the surrounding landscapes, the hotel’s Sea Cabins all jut out over the inky blue-black water, with glass fronts that provide unobstructed views of the changing sea and sky. The exteriors feature accoladed modern designs featuring wood, steel, and glass.

Inside you’ll find calm, minimalist decor, featuring classic Scandinavian details like blonde wood walls and floor, sleek lines, and plenty of white linens. The spaces are compact to reduce the effect on the landscape, but comfort is clearly a high priority, from the spacious bathrooms to the thoughtfully designed furniture.

Location

A private island off the northern coast of Norway, Manshausen sits inside the Arctic Circle and is conveniently located on your way from the mainland to the Lofoten archipelago. You reach the island via a private boat from the tiny town of Nordskot.

Food and drink

  • Three meals served daily.
  • Lunch and dinner reservations required 24 hours in advance.
  • Locally sourced menu features seasonal ingredients.

Facilities and activities

  • Sauna
  • Library
  • Cold plunge pond
  • Extensive menu of guided activities

Accessibility

The rugged nature of the island makes this hotel unsuitable for many people with any mobility issues.

Tour ideas in Northern Norway

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Manshausen Island as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Snowmobiling across Finnmarksvidda plateau
      Finnmarksvidda, Alta Region

      Snowmobiling across Finnmarksvidda plateau

      Snowmobiling across Finnmarksvidda plateau

      Home to Arctic hares, moose, and herds of reindeer, the Finnmarksvidda plateau is a landscape few ever glimpse. This snowmobiling trip across the snowy plains gives you a chance to explore the wilderness first-hand.

      View details

    Northern Norway and nearby places