Tailor-made design-led escapes in Norway’s island wilderness – designed around you
Manshausen Cabins
Experience unique accommodation at the Manshausen Cabins over-hanging the Norwegian Sea. A joy for animal lovers, the 55-acre island where you will find Manshausen, is home to Europe’s largest colony of sea eagles, while the fjords are teeming with marine life. In summertime, the Midnight Sun creates a 24-hour surrounding of sun and light, while the winter experience affords unobstructed views of the Northern Lights through floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Steigen Archipelago from the luxury and comfort of the cantilevered cabins.
Why Stay at Manshausen?
Floating between sea and sky in Northern Norway, Manshausen’s award-winning glass cabins invite you into nature—without leaving comfort behind. Designed by explorer Børge Ousland, this island retreat redefines what it means to go off-grid, combining architectural brilliance with raw, immersive beauty.
Your Island, Your Way
Let Off the Map Travel shape your stay to your flow—kayak at sunrise, hike to remote peaks, or simply lie in bed and watch the tide. With a maximum of just a few guests at a time, every experience is intimate, bespoke, and deeply connected to nature.
Expect:
- Striking, minimalist cabins with full-wall sea views
- Island atmosphere with rugged terrain and calm waters
- Guided or self-led outdoor adventures
- Chef-prepared meals featuring local seafood and foraged ingredients
Tailor-Made Experiences May Include:
- Kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkelling in pristine waters
- Private hiking routes mapped to your ability and desire
- Fishing, foraging, or sea-to-table meals, hosted by local chefs
- Aurora or midnight sun viewings from the warmth of your bed
Redefining Luxury in Coastal Norway
At Manshausen, luxury is elemental—crafted from glass, granite, salt air, and silence. With Off the Map Travel, we take that setting and shape it to your sense of wonder.
Itinerary Inspiration for Manshausen Cabins
We can personalise your stay at Manshausen Cabins and craft the perfect itinerary for you. Here are some examples of how we combine this accommodation with local experiences and give you a taste of the best.
Explore More Options in Norway
Let us tailor your dream journey through Norway’s dramatic landscapes. From cruising deep fjords to staying in remote luxury lodges above the Arctic Circle, your tailor-made adventure could include dog sledding, sea kayaking, or riding the world-famous Flåm Railway. Combine natural spectacle with cultural depth – Viking history, Sami heritage, and local cuisine await. With our first-hand insight and passion for exploration, your Norwegian escape will be unforgettable.
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I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
Anonymous
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
Emily
Exceptional service throughout the entire planning and booking process – travel agencies don’t get any better than this. A brilliant, seamless experience matched by the holiday experience itself. Would recommend ‘Off the Map Travel’ to anyone considering booking for a Nordic experience ‘par excellence’.
Chris
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Russell Snook
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Fantastic trip to Svalbard which delivered the true Arctic experience we were hoping for. The hotels were excellent and the activities – dog sledding and snowmobile expedition were lead by first class guides.
Top tip! The champagne tasting in the world’s most northerly wine cellar in the exceptional Funken Lodge is not to be missed!
Faith