Manshausen Island Resort
Manshausen Island, norway
PERSONALITIES
Design and architecture lovers. Northern Lights chasers. Explorers. Fishermen. Adventurous families.
MOMENTS
Overlooking the place where the sea and the mountains meet through large floor-to-ceiling windows. Wild Norwegian coastline. Tranquil fjords. Watching sea eagles soar above. Fluorescent sky. Reading National Geographic by the fire after a day full of adventures.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
The best time to visit Manshausen Island in Norway is between June and August, during the summer months. This period offers mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and the enchanting Midnight Sun, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the island's stunning landscapes and outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and fishing. The surrounding waters are calm and ideal for exploring, and the natural beauty of the island is in full bloom. For those interested in experiencing the Northern Lights, however, a visit during late autumn or early winter, from September to November, is ideal. Although the weather is cooler, the chance to witness the aurora borealis in a more peaceful, serene setting is a unique and unforgettable experience. Manshausen is closed from early November to early February.
COST
WHY STAY
Manshausen Island Resort, located in the Steigen Archipelago in northern Norway, offers a stunning escape where modern luxury meets rugged nature. Founded by polar explorer Børge Ousland - the first person to visit the North Pole in a solo expedition, the resort is designed to harmonize with its environment, featuring award-winning minimalist cabins that seemingly float over the sea.
Manshausen Island offers a range of accommodation options designed to provide unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise waters of the fjord, immersing guests in the beauty of Norway’s untamed wilderness. There are nine Sea Cabins, each offering panoramic views and a tranquil, minimalist design focused on comfort and simplicity. In addition, two new Sea Towers, provide a unique, award-winning take on “Compact Living”. The island also features the Main House, home to a restaurant and library, and the Boathouse, which serves as a conference facility.
The on-site library (fully stocked with National Geographic) and cozy communal areas are perfect for unwinding, while the hotel’s sauna offers a soothing experience with views of the surrounding sea. Whether it's the chance to witness the Midnight Sun during summer or to spot the Northern Lights in autumn, Manshausen offers a unique blend of adventure, solitude, and luxury, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a remote, nature-immersed escape.
WHY WANDER
You are located in the Steigen archipelago of Northern Norway - one of the most remote places in Europe and 62 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Visit Loftoten islands to the north or kayak to hundreds of small islands in the area. Fish directly from your cabin. Spot seals, eagles, and even porpoises. Discover another kind of white sand beach in the West Fjord, created from ancient coral reefs, washed up on land over the years. Go hiking in some of the most picturesque parts of the worls. Visit Resshola, a 140 metres deep cave. Go rock climbing at Nordskot red granite cliffs.
INDULGE IN
Fresh caught mackerel, halibut and seatrout. Local produce such as reindeer, lamb or elk.The seasonal specialties are bacalao, “lutefisk”, fresh cod and wild sheep from Steigen.
GETTING THERE
Fly into the Bodo Airport. Take the ferry from Bodø city centre to Nordskot and arrange to be picked up by Manshausen's boat for the final leg of the journey.
More info at manshausen.no/getting-here
WILD INITIATIVES
Sustainability is at the core of Manshausen Island’s philosophy, shaping both its design and operations. The resort’s Sea Cabins and Sea Towers are built using eco-friendly materials and designed with energy efficiency in mind, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape without disrupting the environment. Solar power is used to support energy needs, and waste is carefully managed to minimize the island’s ecological footprint. Manshausen also emphasizes the importance of protecting local wildlife and marine ecosystems, encouraging guests to interact with nature in a responsible and low-impact way.
*Images property of Manshaussen + Steve King, Adrien Giret, Jorunn Tharaldsen, Adrien Giret, Fergus Bell, Kjell Ove Storvik, Lars Ebbesen, Nadia Nordskot, Nadia Nordskot