Friends, I have something a little different for you. If you love Scandinavian interiors, lifestyle and travel then you’re in for a treat. I came across Ingrid (Opstad) of That Scandinavian Feeling on Instagram sometime ago, naturally I was inspired by her wonderful posts. If you head over to her blog you’ll find that it represent a feeling of coziness and calm with a Nordic simplistic, minimalistic style. All the things I love.
For this blog I’m stepping away from my Nordic kitchen and Ingrid will take you on a virtual tour of some truly amazing places in Norway. So if you’re planning a trip for next year when travel will hopefully be easier, here’s some inspiration. Let me introduce you……
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Hei, my name is Ingrid, I am a Norwegian writer and content creator living in northern Italy. My blog is intended to share my knowledge and love for Scandinavia; touching upon everything from interiors, design, lifestyle, travel to hygge. A place where you can get inspired to find that Scandinavian feeling yourself, no matter where in the world you are. My focus is on the importance of slow living and being cozy, and I believe that we all can benefit from ‘enjoying the simple things in life’.
Planning a trip to Norway? If you want to see and experience something breathtaking, something out of the ordinary, then here are a few suggestions that will let you discover this beautiful country in unique ways:
The Twist
Spectacular museum, sculpture and bridge at Kistefos
The new spectacular museum building The Twist opened September 2019, it twists into an ‘impossible form’ and spans 60 meters across the Randselva river. The building is a museum, sculpture and bridge – all in one and is designed by world-renowned architects Bjarke Ingels Group BIG.
Located in the middle of the Kistefos sculpture park, the 15,000-square-foot structure hosts a variety of exhibitions from world-renowned artists and function as a natural extension of the exploration of the sculpture park. The aesthetic and iconic twist makes this a unique and exciting visit on your next trip to Norway.
Where?
KistefosSamsmoveien 41Jevnaker, Norway
Manshausen
Modern cabins bringing you close to the Norwegian sea and mountains
With breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscapes, the Manshausen Cabins provides you with front-row seats to experience the northern lights. Located in Steigen in northern Norway close to the Lofoten Islands, this truly is a unique travel destination. Here you get the possibility to enjoy a varied selection of exciting outdoor activities in combination with comfortable and private waterfront lodges. Three of the modern sea cabins are placed along the old stone jetty, two more on the rocky Northern side of the Island, and the last two units situated above the others on natural ledges in the terrain.
“Our focus when building the lodges was architecture, design and location, where you will be close to nature also when inside. Here you can enjoy the northern lights in winter or midnight sun in summer from the warm comfortable bed, or in the hot-tub, after an active day outdoors, says Børge Ousland”.
Where?
Lille Manshausen, Mannshausen, 8283, Norway
Under
A restaurant five and a half meters below the surface in Norway, exposing you to the wonders beneath the sea
Under is a new restaurant located half-sunken into the icy waters of Lindesnes in Rogaland – Europe’s first and the world’s largest underwater restaurant! In Norwegian, the word ‘under’ has the dual meaning of ‘below’ and ‘wonder’. Developed in collaboration with the award-winning architect firm Snøhetta, the restaurant aims to provide a journey into the unknown while focusing on marine research, architecture and gastronomy in a stunning way. By welcoming guests to immerse themselves in the Norwegian marine ecosystem, Under provides a new niche for underwater tourism. Each guest is given a unique opportunity to experience a submerged universe, exploring marine life in ways they otherwise may never see.
“Fresh ingredients and pure, naked flavours are of the utmost importance to us. At the same time, we want to provide a unique dining experience that ushers our guests beyond their comfort zone, says head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard”.
Where?
Juvet
A meeting between raw Norwegian nature, cultural history and modern architecture
Consisting of seven small cubes on stilts with glass walls that offer each space a striking view, welcome to the award-winning architecture at Juvet Landscape Hotel. Every Landscape room has one or two walls that are entirely built in glass. Through careful orientation every room gets its own exclusive view of the piece of the landscape, changing with the season, the weather, and the time of day. While no two rooms are alike, all the rooms have a dark interior to avoid stealing focus from the scenery.
Located on the northwest coast of Norway, just outside the village of Valldal, approx. 90 minutes driving from the city of Ålesund. The Hotel residence in the middle of the famous Norwegian scenic route between the unesco world heritage fjord Geiranger and the dramatic road and viewing point Trollstigen.
Where?
Ureddplassen
A wave-shaped toilet building with glass walls beautifully lit in the dark
Who would have thought a public toilet could be a destination but wait until you see this beautiful landmark. At Ureddplassen (Uredd rest area) you find a nine-metre-wide terrace with a wide view overlooking the fjord and towards the open sea, Fugløya, Lofotveggen and the horizon. Ureddplassen is a place for a short break, a nice rest and a picnic, or for long nights with midnight sun or northern lights. The restroom facility is open all year round.
Ureddplassen is also a memorial place. A monument was erected in memory of those who died when the submarine ‘Uredd’ hit a mine in Fugløyfjorden during World War II. The submarine was on its way to Gildeskål with agents from the Linge Company on their way to Sulitjelma to carry out a sabotage operation against the power plant by the mines.
Where?
Pan
Treetop cabins letting you experience nature from a whole new dimension
From the top of the trees, you will get a panoramic view of the surroundings. PAN Treetop Cabins are located in Finnskogen, a two-hour drive from Oslo and is a unique possibility for nature lovers who want to experience the quiet of the forest, exciting activities, traditional food and extraordinary animal life. A stay in these comfortable cabins is suitable for all travellers with the desire to experience the real Norwegian wilderness. The cabins are drawn by the award-winning architect Espen Surnevik.
Finnskogen is a great natural reserve brimming with history and a plethora of species. Mystery and the inexplicable have always been a part of daily life for the Finnish people who settled there. The Finnish settlers most important god was called Tapio, a Finnish version of our Pan, the greek god of forests and meadows.
“An essential and very important principle has been that the cabins will blend into the surroundings in a non-intrusive way. The underlying thought is that you should be able to remove the cabins and not be able to see any trace of human activity be left behind, says owners Kristian Rostad and Christine Mowinckel”.
Where?
Viewpoint Snøhetta
Impressive observation pavilion for the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Foundation
Located at Hjerkinn on the outskirts of Dovrefjell National Park, overlooking the mountain Snøhetta you find Viewpoint – a 90 m2 building open to the public that serves as an observation pavilion for the Wild Reindeer Foundation. A 1.5 km hiking trail leads visitors to this spectacular site overlooking the Dovrefjell mountains.
The building design by architecture firm Snøhetta is based on a contrast between ideas – a rigid outer shell and a soft, organic inner core. The wooden core is shaped like rock or ice that has been eroded by natural forces like wind and running water, and is placed within a rectangular frame of raw steel and glass. The interior’s shape creates a protected and warm gathering place, while still preserving visitor’s access to spectacular views.
Where?
Canvas Hotel
Experience glamping in hanging cocoons
At Canvas Hotel Hove you can experience the popular glamping (glamorous camping) in special hanging cocoon tents shaped like a ball surrounded by incredible scenery. This hotel is not like other hotels. Their goal is that you get the feeling of nature, the silence, warmth and cold and a sense of enjoyment while living two meters above the ground. A truly exciting travel destination.
Where?
Snowhotel
Sleep in a winter wonderland in the Arctic
Snowhotel Kirkenes is one of the most famous igloo hotels in Norway and in the world. The idea was to create something unique and natural. Idyllically placed, with the forest and mountains in the back, and the arctic fjord in front, the snow hotel consists of 20 dreamlike rooms uniquely carved by great ice sculptors from around the world. Every year their team sit down to create a new theme and new motifs for the hotel, but you will always find the Nordic touch with inspiration from both Norwegian and Sami folklore, fauna and fairy tales. With a constant temperature of – 4°, you are in for a cold and magical night and something special to tick off on your bucket list!
Where?
Atlanterhavsvegen
The most beautiful journey in the world
Atlanterhavsvegen (the Atlantic Ocean Road) is an 8.3-kilometre long section of road 64 that runs through an archipelago in Eide and Averøy in Møre and Romsdal in Norway. It connects the island of Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets spanned by a total of eight bridges. Known as ‘the Road in the Ocean, it takes you on a unique journey through the spectacular Norwegian scenery. It is considered the most beautiful road trip in the world by many, thanks to the combination of modern engineering and its natural surroundings.
“The Atlantic Road experience will give you memories for life”.
Where?
Thank you so much for having me on your lovely blog!
It’s a wonderful post to share Ingrid, so my thanks is to you!