Manshausen Island

Manshausen Steigen

Manshausen is a tiny island situated off the Northern coast of Norway, a stone throw from the charming village Nordskot in Steigen in Nordland. Steigen is unique with hundreds of small island, white sandy beaches, spectacular and beautiful mountains protected by the Lofotwall.

Manshausen Island belongs to the adventurer Børge Ousland, the leading polar explorer of our time. Børge is known for solo expeditions both to the North and South Pole, he has crossed the Arctic and Antarctic from coast to coast, he is a true adventurer and traveller. I was so lucky and honored to meet him when I was there.

On Manshausen he has built the most unique place named after the island. It is a travel attraction by itself and a the place to stay when exploring Steigen. Staying at Manshausen is a dream come true.  

• LOCATION

Visitors are collected by boat from the village of Nordskot only a few hundred meters away. The location is excellent and as close to the sea as it can get. The view and the landscape is magnificent. From the cabins there are floor to ceiling windows to let the amazing nature in, no TV needed. In the unique cabins you can experience the northern lights both inside and outside.

• CHARME & STYLE

The cabins are simple, beautiful, stylish, modern and innovative of wood and glass with spectacular views. The buildings harmonize with the areas amazing nature. The materials use are lasting and in every way there is a huge focus on being sustainable. The furniture is modern and designed in Norway. 

Visitors to Manshausen are treated like friends and not like hotel guests, this experience was really unique. It goes for the owner, that I was so lucky to meet when I was there, the couple that run the place Jesper and Astri, Ola serving me and the cook Anthony just to mention the ones I remember by name. 

• ROOMS

The cabins have all the comfort you need and privacy. There are only seven cabins so make your booking in early. I was late with my booking and stayed at the Expedition loft, for me as a solo traveler that was perfect.

I was so lucky with the weather with sun both day and night. As a Norwegian it is embarrassing to say so, but I saw the midnight sun for the very first time. Because the night was so beautiful I could not waste it by sleeping and spent very little time in my bed. 

In addition to the cabins and the execution loft it is possible to spend the night in one of the boats. The most famous of them is the Northern Passage catamaran, the first boat to sail through both the Northeast and Northwest Passages during one and the same season.

• SERVICE & FACILITIES

Cool down in the refreshing saltwater dam and get warm in the hot tub or in the sauna.

On the north side of Manshausen there is a private beach with white sand.

On the loft in the mainhouse there is a library/relaxing lounge with great view and a big Polarbear is the rug on the floor. 

For those who like to keep active there are endless possibilities for hiking trips. Manshausen has sea-kayaks and rowboats that can be borrowed. 

• FOOD & DRINKS

Meals are served in the beautifully decorated main house, originally a farmhouse dating back to the 18th century. The dishes are seasonal and made with local ingredients. I booked a three course dinner in advance. I had to leave with the boat was early in the morning, before breakfast had started, but the amazing staff at Manshausen started breakfast earlier because of my early departure.