The tiny cabin trend is one we can all get behind and for good reason: they bring the hygge vibes, are generally more sustainably built than their full-size counterparts (and have less impact on the land), and can be placed in bucket list-worthy locations (looking to build on a steep hillside in between towering trees? No problem!). You could call Norway an early adopter of the tiny cabin movement: first, there was the glass cube of Juvet Hotel, followed by Manshausen Island Resort near Lofoten, and now there’s the glass cabin of WonderINN, just 30 minutes outside Oslo. The common thread? All of Norway’s tiny cabins sit in breathtaking locations that show off the natural beauty of the Scandinavian country from the fjords to the mountains.
Perched on the water’s edge, the property actually consists of two cabins: the tiny mirrored glass cabin and an even tinier Leffe Cabin, which is a bunkie-style stay. Awash in neutral tones and natural materials, the two cabins reflect the magnificent surroundings just outside the front doors. Able to accommodate four people total, we’re thinking this is the perfect birthday getaway for fall and winter babies. Spend your days hiking around the river or exploring Oslo, and spend your nights with a warming drink around the fire pit.
Photography: Dana Purington
The Mirrored Cabin
The beauty of the mirrored glass cabin goes beyond skin deep as in, you don’t sacrifice privacy for views. The reflective exterior shields guests and the interior from the rest of the world while giving you floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall uninterrupted views of the Nordre Øyeren ecosystem – a hotspot for wildlife. Inside, the cabin is outfitted with everything you need for a weekend getaway in an efficiently designed space that maximizes its potential: think blond woods, cozy textiles, and a calming palette that set the scene for the river and forest views in front of you.
Photography: Dana Purington
The Leffe Cabin
The Leffe Cabin – quite possibly named for Leffe Beer – is even smaller than the mirrored cabin, with room for two and not much else. And that’s exactly how you want it: tiny and cozy. The back wall of the arched-roof cabin is one big window so you’ll go to sleep and wake to the beauty of Norway. When not in your cabin, chill on the patio, get a fire going, or take a dip in the hot tub, which is notably also pint-sized.
Photography: Dana Purington
Oslo & Beyond
As mentioned, Oslo is just 30 minutes away so after you’ve had your fill of tranquility, head into town for birthday-worthy festivities. Get your tourist fix by visiting the Royal Palace (open to the public), stopping by the Oslo Opera House, or wandering through Frogner Park, and finish it off with a brew at Oslo’s original microbrewery, aptly named Oslo Mikrobryggeri. For your birthday dinner, book a reservation at lowkey but happening Bass Oslo or take it up a notch at Maaemo, named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world.
Photography: Oliver Cole | Matic Kozinc
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