Manshausen, Norway
Manshausen Island Resort, a daring Arctic retreat, offers glass-fronted sea cabins that blend minimalist design with the raw beauty of Norway's Steigen Archipelago.
Manshausen Island Resort is located on a private islet in Norway’s Steigen Archipelago, offering a striking blend of modern architecture and raw nature. Designed by architect Snorre Stinessen, the resort's Sea Cabins extend over the water with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, providing immersive views of the sea and the Lofoten wall. Founded by polar explorer Børge Ousland, the resort emphasizes minimal impact architecture, integrating seamlessly with the rugged Norwegian seascape. Guests experience a unique blend of adventure and solitude, with opportunities to kayak among sea eagles, dive into glacial waters, or simply enjoy the silence. Manshausen is a haven for those seeking a connection with nature and a retreat from the everyday.
Manshausen Island Resort offers a rugged adventure experience in the remote Steigen Archipelago. Guests can explore the sheltered waters by sea kayaking, with guided tours through nearby fjords and coastal caves. On land, hiking trails offer panoramic views of the Lofoten Wall, while rock climbing is available on the mainland and nearby islets. Fishing is a core activity, whether from the shore, dock, or by boat. During the darker months, aurora-watching hikes allow guests to witness the Northern Lights reflected in the sea. Manshausen is ideal for those seeking raw, dynamic encounters with nature, intimately tied to the sea.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
Route length: 19.4km loopEstimated time: 4.5hLoop routeEngelvær naturreservat is a protected nature reserve established in 2002 and managed by Statsforvalteren i Nordland. It is classified under protection class 1a and is dedicated primarily to the conservation of seabirds. The area is officially recognized as a nature reserve and follows strict environmental regulations to preserve its natural state.
Route length: 4.3km loopEstimated time: 57minLoop routeBrennvika naturreservat is a protected nature reserve established on December 6, 2002. It is managed by Statsforvalteren i Nordland and classified as a strict nature reserve (protection class 1a). The area is recognised for its natural value and is legally protected under Norwegian environmental law.
Route length: 1.1km linearEstimated time: 14minDifficulty: DemandingLinear routeNordskottraversen is a demanding alpine hiking path with a rocky surface. The trail visibility is reported as bad, indicating that hikers should be cautious while navigating. This path is suited for experienced hikers who are prepared for challenging conditions.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directManshausen says its guides can help with everything from a leisure boat tour to a real climb, and can accompany guests on hiking trips around the island and surrounding area. The hotel also notes that its island has walking routes and that neighboring islands can be explored as well.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directManshausen offers a guided Nordskot Traverse trip that starts with a hike to Sørskottind, continues with a short rappel, and follows a narrow ridgeline before descending toward Ersvika. The hotel describes it as semi-technical and recommends taking it with a guide unless you are an experienced climber.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directManshausen offers guided kayaking trips in the Steigen area. The hotel says it has single and double kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets, and that kayaking is available with or without a guide.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 16 km directPrestegårdskogen naturreservat is a protected natural area categorized as a nature reserve since 2011-02-25. It is managed by Statsforvalteren i Nordland and classified under protection class 1a, indicating a high conservation value. The reserve features forested areas typical of the regional inland woodland ecosystem.
Route length: 1.9km linearEstimated time: 25minLinear routeStamsvik Lysløype is an outdoor path with a dirt surface that spans approximately 2.5 meters in width. It is a two-way trail suitable for walking and hiking activities. The path is categorized as a highway=path, indicating it is primarily designed for pedestrian use.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: SeasonalWalk Into Luxury says the Main House restaurant serves a seasonal three-course dinner each night. The same source says the menu showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directManshausen rents out single kayaks, double kayaks, dry suits, climbing equipment, fishing equipment, and rowboats. The hotel also says guests can borrow rowboats anytime and use them to relax or fish.
At Manshausen Island Resort, gastronomy is deeply connected to the seascape. The Main House serves seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including Arctic cod, seaweed, and wild lamb. Meals are enjoyed in a restored 18th-century farmhouse, fostering a communal atmosphere. The chef team focuses on sustainable preparation, with daily offerings tailored to the freshest ingredients available. Wine and natural cider pairings from small Nordic producers complement the meals. Dining here is a celebration of time, place, and the nourishing beauty of the North.
Manshausen Island Resort offers a coastal wellness experience with a sauna carved into the landscape, overlooking the Arctic Sea. The glass-walled sauna provides a serene view of the ocean and cliffs. Guests can step directly from the sauna into cold saltwater, embracing nature's invigorating power. A hot tub built into natural stone allows guests to soak in warmth while surrounded by ocean air. Wellness at Manshausen is about reconnecting with nature, offering a unique blend of heat and saltwater recovery.
Manshausen Island Resort is built with sustainable materials, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. The architecture integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, emphasizing a low-impact approach to construction and operation. The resort's commitment to sustainability extends to its dining philosophy, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable preparation methods. By prioritizing environmental responsibility, Manshausen offers guests an eco-conscious experience in the heart of the Arctic.
manshausen offers 9 accommodation types.
Sea Cabin
The Sea Cabin is Manshausen’s signature over-water accommodation, designed for compact living with a strong focus on sea views, light, and minimalist comfort. It features floor-to-ceiling glazing that brings the archipelago into the room, along with a calm Scandinavian interior.…
Sea Tower
The Sea Tower is a two-level glass-roofed cabin built for dramatic views and a more vertical, lookout-style experience. The upper level contains the main bedroom with a double bed, while the lower level offers a living area and an extra…
Sea Cabin with Second Bedroom
This Sea Cabin option is a larger configuration of the standard over-water cabin and is intended for guests who need an extra sleeping area. The layout preserves Manshausen’s minimalist aesthetic while adding more flexibility for families or two couples traveling…
Tower Cabin - Amundsen
Tower Cabin – Amundsen is one of the two newer tower-style accommodations, completed as a two-level retreat with a glass-roof bedroom and a sea-facing living area below. It is designed for guests who want the same iconic Manshausen setting but…
Tower Cabin - Nansen
Tower Cabin – Nansen mirrors the Amundsen tower concept, combining a ground-floor living space with an upper sleeping level and glass roof for maximum natural light. Its design is geared toward guests who value architecture, privacy, and panoramic views, with…
Main House Room
The Main House is the island’s central hospitality building rather than a standard guest room category. It houses the restaurant and library, and practical information indicates that Wi-Fi is available in the Main House. This option is best understood as…
Expedition Loft
The Expedition Loft is mentioned as an additional accommodation option beyond the sea cabins, suggesting a more flexible loft-style stay. Publicly available details are limited, but it appears to be one of the property’s more supplementary lodging formats rather than…
Hovedhuset / Main House accommodation
Hovedhuset is the Norwegian name for the Main House, which functions as the island’s dining and social center. Manshausen’s public materials emphasize restaurant, library, and guest services here, but do not clearly present it as a separate room category with…
Nynaustet / New Boathouse conference lodging
Nynaustet is the New Boathouse and conference building, featuring meeting facilities that seat up to 30 people. It is not presented as a conventional guest room, but it is a named island building that can be relevant when listing the…
Experience the unique blend of daring design and raw nature at Manshausen Island Resort. Stay in glass-fronted sea cabins and explore the rugged beauty of the Steigen Archipelago.
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