Nestled in a Norwegian pine forest, high on a hillside above the town of Odda, you will discover The Woodnest, an extraordinary treehouse hotel offering its visitors the ultimate ‘friluftsliv’ experience.
Friluftsliv or outdoor living, celebrates the physical and spiritual benefits of being out in nature, and I for one have appreciated being outside as much as possible this last eighteen months regardless of the season or weather.
The long-held dream of husband and wife, Kjartan and Sally Aano, as well as with their young daughter Lily, The Woodnest, or ‘Banksia’ and ‘Kongla’, as the two heartwood pine shingle-clad cabins are affectionately known, where designed in collaboration with leading local architecture firm Helen & Hard.
A modern take on the traditional Norwegian ‘hytta’, the pinecone like structures are suspended around six metres above the forest floor and attached to the trunks of two carefully selected living pine trees using steel collars.
While their exact location remains a secret, visitors to The Woodnest must take a 20-minute walk along winding paths that lead up from the town and through the picturesque forest to reach two short wooden bridges that extend from the hillside to the cabins’ entrances.
Once inside however, your efforts are rewarded tenfold with the most spectacular views through the treetops and out over the breath taking Sørfjorden and mountains beyond.
At just 15m2, each treehouse is carefully organised around the central tree trunk, with their panelled black alder interiors left neutral and natural so not to compete with the view. As you would expect the living space takes centre stage, with a pair of iconic Krysset lounge chairs by Eikund to rest and relax on, as well as a small sofa.
There is also a cosy mezzanine bedroom offering the perfect spot to enjoy a locally sourced breakfast, additional sleeping for another two guests cleverly tucked away, as well as underfloor heating, WiFi, a fully functioning bathroom with shower, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette with a tea/coffee maker, sink, fridge, and two hotplates if you don’t fancy eating out.
With another two treehouses due to be finished by summer 2022, I would love to head to The Woodnest with my family for some much needed friluftsliv soon.
To find out more about The Woodnest and to book a stay visit their website. Rates start at kr 3200 (around £270/€315) per night.
All photography courtesy of The Woodnest and Helen & Hard.
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