A Night at a Hillside AirBnB Cabin in Nesbyen, Norway
Key Information About Staying in Nesbyen, Norway
Driving to the Cabin: A 3-mile rough track, suitable for high-clearance vehicles. A waterfall can be spotted en route.
Cabin Amenities: Basic amenities with a compost loo and outdoor shower setup.
Food and Supplies: Advisable to self cater as nearest shops and restaurants are a drive away.
Recommended Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the natural surroundings.
Heating: Limited to a small freestanding radiator; wearing warm clothing is recommended.
Introduction
The idea of escaping the daily grind and heading to a quaint hillside AirBnB cabin in Nesbyen, Norway, instantly caught my fancy. The promise of serene surroundings and a rustic charm were compelling. So with a bag packed and expectations high, I drove through the rugged trails, excited for the tranquil retreat that awaited. But as I soon discovered, this cabin stay was going to be a blend of charm and quirks, offering a glimpse into the simplistic, rural lifestyle of yore. Join me as I recount the memorable night spent in the rustic embrace of Nesbyen’s countryside.
The description and rave reviews read cute, authentic, quiet, an escape from it all, peaceful. Well we couldn’t wait to get there and soak up the atmosphere. To reach the cabin it was a 3 mile drive up a very rough track. Admittedly the owner did warn us in advance that low cars might not make it. But we did make it ok and we passed a gushing waterfall on the way up. On first sight our little red cabin perched on the hillside looked adorable, reached only by a little overgrown grassy path down the hillside. Four sheep greeted us in the field below us. So far so wonderful. Up a couple of steps and into a little porch and into the cabin itself. Wow, wow, wow – this is the place that time forgot.
A Glimpse Into Simplicity
Painted green and peach throughout, this cabin was like something out of Grimms Fairytales Hansel and Gretel. By now I was busting for the loo – but where was the loo? Nowhere to be found – no bathroom! Then we noticed a tiny outhouse down another muddy path. I opened what can only be described as a shed door inside was a wooden ‘thunder’ box. A compost loo. Life suddenly became trickier! And the shower was a tarpaulin bag attached to a shower hose and head with a makeshift circular curtain rail. Immediate note to self – too cold for an outdoor shower!
The Rustic Indoors
Back in the cabin. I decided to pop the kettle on. Fortunately, there were some T bags but no milk. We hadn’t bought any supplies yet as we’d only been in Norway for less than a day. Where’s the kitchen sink? I looked around the cabin only to see an outside type tap fixed to the wall quite low down with a small pink bucket underneath. Interesting! This was the first day of our road trip around Norway. We only booked the first night in a hotel and the rest would be booked as we travelled around Norway.
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Our Evening at the Cabin
So our evening meal consisted of a family bag of crisps and strange-tasting herbal tea minus milk. There was one hob and that was it. Even if we had a bag full of groceries, preparing a meal and washing up afterwards would have been challenging. This bedding was so ancient – a soft flowery patterned seersucker cotton and the mattresses I admit had seen better days. There was a pack of cards and a set of dominoes. It was too far to go back down the track to find a restaurant or shop and anyway I didn’t fancy driving back down that dodgy track in the dark.
Embracing the Simple Life
The owner left a note telling us not to use any logs as they are their winter fuel supply. Instead, there was a small freestanding radiator which did take the chill off the cabin along with a handful of tea lights. Yes, it was authentic and peaceful and an amazing opportunity to live like Norwegian country folk might have 70 years ago. Yes, it was an escape from the hectic world we live in. However, it was a one-off and next morning we hit the road and booked into a stunning modern apartment called Skjolden Brygge overlooking the longest fjord in Norway with a Coop nearby!
A Walk to Complete Near Nesbyen
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 29 min to complete. For 30% off AllTrails click here. 🥾
Conclusion
Our stay at the hillside AirBnB cabin in Nesbyen provided a unique escape. Despite the challenges, the simplicity and tranquility of the setting offered a refreshing change. As we packed up the next morning, the contrast between the rustic cabin and the modern world awaiting us became apparent. This short retreat was a reminder of the different shades of adventure that come with exploring new places. With a bag full of memories and a few lessons learned, we were on the road again, carrying with us a snippet of Nesbyen’s rustic charm as we ventured towards our next destination.
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FAQs About Visiting Norway
Yes, Norway is generally considered expensive, especially when it comes to dining.
The best time is between May and September, when the weather is warmest and the days are long.
Norway is considered one of the safest countries in the world. However, always exercise basic caution.
On this personal trip, our highlight was definitely visiting Skjolden and the fjords. You'll also want to try to catch the Northern Lights if possible.
