Woodnest: Visit a Whimsical Wooden Treehouse in Norway
Norway has a rich history of nurturing skilled carpenters who build stately churches, boats, and homes out of wood. Electrician Kjartan Aano’s yearning to build a romantic treehouse for his beloved wife Sally inspired the couple to enlist the design studio Helen & Hard to construct a series of wooden treehouses anchored to living, breathing trees, where travelers can enjoy the spectacular beauty of a dense pine forest overlooking a glittering fjord.
To gain access to the Woodnest Treehouses in Odda, Norway, visitors must hike through a rugged forest for 30 minutes. The proprietors of Woodnest intentionally keep the exact location of the treehouses secret so that guests can enjoy uninterrupted peace and quiet. Visitors can book a stay at the Woodnest Treehouses in the winter, but it does take additional effort to access the treehouses during the colder months.
There are two original Woodnest treehouses and two recently built Woodnest Mountaintop treehouses. The original treehouses can accommodate four guests, while the newer treehouses comfortably sleep two guests. Kjartan, Sally, and their sweet daughter Lily are always on call nearby to ensure optimal guest comfort.
Each treehouse features large picture windows that offer a sweeping view of a towering forest and the shimmering waters of Hardangerfjord. Every Woodnest treehouse is wrapped in untreated timber shingles that resemble fish scales. The timber shingles are designed to degrade over time to match the rustic forest around them.
The Woodnest treehouses are suspended over 19 feet in the air. Visitors climb up a wooden ramp to access the cabins. The interior of the Woodnest treehouses features finely crafted wooden shelves, benches, and a luxurious bathtub where visitors can soak in steaming hot water on a cold night. Each treehouse is equipped with a comfortable bed and a small kitchen where guests can prepare their own food. A farm-fresh breakfast featuring local ingredients can be delivered to your treehouse upon request.
Woodnest guests searching for a scenic hike can explore nearby Trolltunga—a vertical jutting rock that resembles a troll’s tongue. Hiking to Trolltunga takes approximately 8 hours round trip, but a scenic route lined with cascading waterfalls and the gorgeous jewel-toned Lake Ringedalsvatnet is certainly worth the effort.
If you’re searching for a rejuvenating getaway where you can wake up in a whimsical treehouse surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful Norwegian forest, booking a stay at a Woodnest treehouse is an absolute must.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Woodnest Treehouses, Kleivavegen 21, Odda, Ullensvang, Norway
- Coordinates
- 60.071867, 6.537937
- Access
- Private overnight accommodation; guests need a confirmed booking, not a day-entry ticket. Guest parking is at the start of the steep uphill path. The operator describes uneven ground, steps and slippery conditions in wet weather, says no alternative access is available for wheelchair users or other mobility aids, and recommends hiking shoes. The path is unlit; in winter arrive by 15:00. Children are permitted only in the Original cabins and need close supervision. The operator requires a two-night weekend stay and has no Saturday check-in or checkout.
- Admission
- No public day-admission ticket: a booked overnight stay is required. The operator’s live booking page currently lists starting prices of NOK 3,900 per night for Originals and NOK 4,900 for Mountaintops; price and availability depend on dates and unit. Confirm the total at booking.
- Time needed
- The uphill walk is about 20–40 minutes for Originals and 30–60 minutes for Mountaintops, depending on unit, fitness and conditions. This is the approach walk, not a recommended total stay length.
- Best season
- The operator offers the treehouses year-round and does not name a single best season. Snow is most likely from mid-January to the end of February but is never guaranteed; the steep, unlit path can be slippery or icy. Consider daylight and weather when choosing dates.
- Opening hours
- Booked guests only; no public walk-in hours. Check-in begins at 15:00 and checkout is by 11:00. The operator says there is no Saturday check-in or checkout and weekends require at least a two-night stay. In winter it recommends arrival no later than 15:00 because the path has no lighting.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-25
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-26
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