The tip against your winter blues, now useful: Manshausen Norway
Sometimes we write something that we hope the owner of the location in question will read very loudly (and preferably chuckle a few times). And then he says: 'Hey, nice job, would you like to come and stay here elsewhere?' Take now Manshausen in Norway. It is not what we call a 'honeymoon' destination – because then we want sun and high temperatures – but it is what we call a dream destination.
Think of tiny houses on abandoned rocks. With a view of a clear, clear lake, and with a bit of luck also a view of the Northern Lights. The Manshausen 'resort' can be found on the island of the same name of about 55 hectares in the north of Norway (what's in a name, right?). This floating oasis of rocks and greenery is located about 500 meters off the coast of the small village of Nordskot. So the mainland is pretty damn close, yet Manshausen is a world unto itself. It is where 'sea and mountains meet' and the serene tranquility of the water makes it feel a bit like the end of the world. And we like to walk around there.
To increase the mythical feeling, a little history. Thanks to its well-protected harbour, Manshausen used to be an important and busy part of the old trading post Grøtøy, in 1698. Fishing was key, but now the range has been expanded to include kayaking, diving, climbing and adventure walks. Behind every rock you will find a piece inner peace, that idea.
Then about the 'resort.' This consists of several sea cabins (better known to the yuppie as a tiny house) scattered throughout the rocky landscape. Three of these cabins are placed on the old stone jetty, further along you will find two on the rocky north side of the island and the last two are placed a little higher up on the site, so that you are guaranteed a view of the sea and mountains.
In addition to the cabins - where you can relax with a good book if you ask us - there is also a main building. This originally dates from the 1800s and then had 9 bedrooms. Now it is the reception, restaurant and library under one roof.
Such a destination is of course expensive. For a cabin you pay around 1100 euros for three nights during the high season. But hey, then – yes, we're going to say it – you also have something.