Manshausen

Manshausen, a distinctive retreat located on its own private island in the Steigen Archipelago of Norway, offers an extraordinary escape above the Arctic Circle. Recognized with a prestigious One Michelin Key, it promises a "very special stay" that combines breathtaking natural beauty with sophisticated, minimalist design and heartfelt hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Manshausen is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a unique, magical, peaceful, and inspiring experience. It's lauded for its ability to immerse visitors in nature while providing comfort and a sense of tranquility. The One Michelin Key distinction further solidifies its reputation as an outstanding hotel offering high comfort and a great personality.

2. Key Highlights

Manshausen stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Location: Situated on a private island within the Arctic Circle, it boasts dramatic natural scenery where mountains meet the sea. This remote setting offers unparalleled opportunities to witness phenomena like the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun.
• Design & Architecture: The property is renowned for its award-winning, minimalist Scandinavian design. The sea cabins, crafted from larchwood and glass, are strategically perched over the water, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed, panoramic views and seamlessly integrate the interiors with the surrounding nature.
• Amenities & Activities: Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a sauna, a wood-fired hot tub, and a cold plunge pond. The island and its surroundings offer extensive opportunities for outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, diving, fishing, caving (Troll Cave/Resshola), and even rock climbing on the Nordskot Traverse. A library filled with expedition books, many from owner Børge Ousland's personal collection, is also available in the main house for relaxation.
• Service: The staff are consistently praised for enhancing the guest experience, providing attentive service, sharing interesting stories, and making visitors feel well cared for.

3. Room Quality

The standout accommodations at Manshausen are the sea cabins, designed by architect Snorre Stinessen. These contemporary structures feature clean Nordic design with blonde wood walls and floors, sleek lines, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows that create an intimate connection with the sea and light. Each cabin offers a comfortable and minimalist interior, prioritizing comfort with spacious bathrooms and thoughtfully designed furniture. Most sea cabins include two bedrooms – a main room with breathtaking views and an additional alcove with bunk beds, making them suitable for couples, families, or adventurous friends.

4. Dining Experience

Manshausen's dining experience is highly regarded, characterized by a "farm-to-table" ethos and an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu frequently features fresh seafood, alongside local delicacies like reindeer, moose, and lamb. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are served in the restaurant located in the 1880s-vintage main house, which offers pleasant views over the water. Breakfast is typically included in the room cost, and gourmet dinners are noted as being "super reasonably priced." Guests are encouraged to make dinner reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Manshausen consistently receives high praise from guests. The staff, who hail from Norway and various other countries, are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in ensuring a well-taken-care-of experience. Their interesting stories and attentive approach significantly contribute to the overall positive sentiment of a stay on the island.

6. Location & Accessibility

Manshausen is situated on a private, 14-acre island in the Steigen Archipelago, part of the Arctic Circle. While remote, it's conveniently located on the route from the mainland to the Lofoten archipelago. Getting to Manshausen typically involves a flight, a scenic 1.5-hour ferry ride from Bodø to Nordskot, and then a short private boat transfer to the island. The rugged nature of the island, with its gravel pathways, means it may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. The nearest shops, bars, and museums are located in the mainland village of Nordskot.

7. Value & Pricing

Manshausen is considered to offer good value, especially given its unique location and high-quality experience. Rates in high season start at approximately 5600 NOK per night. One reviewer noted the pricing as "super reasonably priced" considering the caliber of the experience, with breakfast included and gourmet dinners also being affordable. The Michelin Key assessment also considers "value between the level of the experience and the price paid," suggesting that the hotel delivers on its promise.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring points of consideration for guests include:

• Accessibility: The journey to Manshausen involves multiple transfers (flight, ferry, boat), which can be perceived as challenging or time-consuming for some travelers.
• Lack of In-Cabin Wi-Fi: The cabins intentionally do not have Wi-Fi, promoting a digital detox and immersion in nature. However, Wi-Fi is available in the comfortable reading room in the main house for those who need to connect.
• Mobility Issues: The island's rugged terrain and gravel pathways are not ideal for rolling suitcases and may pose difficulties for individuals with mobility challenges.

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