The greatest gift you can give an adult is the feeling of being 'young' again (at least for a little while). I last felt young, and I'm not even old, when I slid down a snowy hill on a child's sled. The combination of pure joy and adrenaline is a rarity in an average adult life.
I feel the same way about treehouses. As a child I used to build them with my friends, high above the ground in an ancient chestnut tree. It was nothing more than a rickety platform, a few walls, and a 5-meter-long rope ladder that we could pull up so no one else could come up. We felt like kings of an empire.
Speaking of tree houses, there are quite a few of them in Norway. In fact, the Norwegians have elevated the construction of such huts to a kind of art form. And you can indeed stay in them. Isn't it wonderful to feel young again during your vacation? I've selected 5 treehouses for you with the only condition that you can (more or less) reach them by car and sleep there with two persons or more. Here we go!
In the inland of the historic South Norwegian region Agder lies a very small village; Konsmo. Nothing special. A beautiful valley, a few houses, and mostly meadows and forests. And right there, deep in the woods by a small lake, is a kind of 'settlement' consisting of well-equipped treehouses with comfortable beds and a wood-fired hot tub. The location is picturesque and romantically rustic. Treetop Fiddan is a mini paradise where you lose track of time. Picking blueberries, making a fire, the jacuzzi, and sleeping soundly with only the sound of birds outside. If you're in South Norway, this is almost a must.
Odda is a small town nestled between the mountains at the end of a long branch of the majestic Hardangerfjord. It's a place that captivates the imagination, not least because of the filming of the Netflix series Ragnarok that took place there. But also, in Odda, there's a small architectural masterpiece with a fantastic bed and an equally amazing view. In fact, the view is magnificent. I dare say this is one of the most exclusive accommodations in Norway. Additionally, Woodnest is an excellent base for a hike to one of the most Instagrammed spots in Norway: Trolltunga.
Staying in Trekronå means living high in the treetops of Ogna, a small town near Stavanger. Two cabins on steel legs in the pine trees near the golf course in Ogna. Nearby, you'll also find Holmasanden, a beautiful sandy beach that is equally stunning all year round. In summer, it's perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and in winter, you can hike in the area and enjoy the elements. The cabins are perfect for three people. And all conveniences are provided. Kitchen, bathroom, and sitting area; it's all there. If you feel like it, you can reserve the sauna.
The legendary PAN treehouses are a phenomenon in themselves. This is, of course, due to the architecture and construction, but just as much because of the location. It's not for nothing that the huts are equipped with a professional telescope. The beautiful, open view allows you to, with a bit of luck, see an elk, fox, or wolf passing by. The huts are located in one of the wildest parts of Norway, close to the Swedish border. And by wild, I mean sparsely populated.
Hedalen is perhaps best known for a stave church from the 12th century. Additionally, the area borders the breathtaking Valdres and its associated nature parks. Less known is that there is also a fantastic treehouse, or several in fact; Fosstopp. The name suggests it already. There is indeed a waterfall nearby. This is the perfect place when you're traveling with a large family or a group of friends. The treehouses are in the middle of nowhere, so you have the forest, the rushing river, and the beautiful view all to yourself. Moreover, Fosstopp's treehouses are only a two-hour drive from Oslo Airport. A long weekend is not a bad idea.
**Getting there: Since most locations in this arcticle are rather remote, public transport isn't really an option, so it is most wise to reserve a car in advance. Since Norway has one of the best fast-charging networks in the world, I would advise you to rent an electric car. Better for the environment, cheaper to charge and it gets you everywhere. Check here for availability at your arrival airport of choice.