Looking for a special place to stay in Norway? Then I have the perfect tip for you: Birdbox Hjellaakeren in Nordfjord is the place that will make your heart skip a beat. This cozy cabin sits right on the Nordfjord and has a view that some people can only dream of.
The dramatic nature of Nordfjord
When you think of Norway, you often think of bright blue fjords, high mountain peaks and dramatic views. In the Nordfjord region it all comes together: imposing mountains, deep fjords, breathtaking beaches and dizzying heights. Whatever you’re looking for, Nordfjord offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.
The Nordfjord itself is 106 kilometers long and stretches from Stadhavet (the open sea) all the way to Loen and Olden. These villages are known for, among other things, the Skylift and the many glacier arms you can visit (Brenndalsbreen, Bodalsbreen, Kjenndalsbreen, Briksdalsbreen). The fjord also passes municipalities such as Selje, Vågsøy, Bremanger, Eid, Gloppen and Stryn.
And not entirely unimportant: the Birdbox in Lote that goes by the name ‘Hjellaakeren’, which loosely translates as ‘the farmland of Hjella’. The Birdbox is rented out by Skaara Living, and we were invited to come and stay for a night.
What is a birdbox?
Birdbox cabins are minimalist, modern-design cabins, often found in remote, fairy-tale locations. These photogenic cabins owe their name to their large, round windows, which offer a breathtaking panoramic view and make you feel completely at one with nature.
Birdboxes have become much more popular in recent years, because they combine the comfort of a cabin with the experience of camping. Imagine: sleeping in a hotel bed, but with a view as if you’re in a little tent on a mountain. What more could you want?
On top of that, Birdboxes are often very sustainable. They’re designed with respect for nature, they’re compact and made of eco-friendly materials, so they use less energy and fewer resources. Many Birdboxes also use solar panels and very little water, which makes them a responsible choice for conscious travelers.
Birdbox Hjellaakeren
When you book a night in Birdbox Hjellaakeren, you’ll receive directions by email. You wind your way up a narrow gravel road and then arrive at a wooden staircase that takes you to the Birdbox. The only thing that gives away that you’re in the civilized world is the ferry you keep seeing cross the fjord.
Equipped with (almost) every comfort
The cabin has no running water, but it does have electricity, air conditioning and a toilet with a view.
The birdbox has power outlets, a small kitchenette with a fridge, a large tap with clean drinking water and even a little sink with a drain. We were also spoiled with bags of chips, coffee and tea and chilled local soft drinks.
The bed had no fewer than SIX pillows and all kinds of lovely throws, and I honestly have never slept in such a comfortable bed. It was like lying down on a cloud. Next to the bed was a small table with two comfy chairs by the window. Wonderful for completely drifting away while you stare at the horizon.
Cinderella toilet
Okay, this is a subject I don’t normally write about, but I HAVE to talk about this toilet for a moment. Apart from the view, it’s just really véry cool. Next to the Birdbox there’s a so-called ‘Cinderella‘ toilet.
A Cinderella toilet is a special type of toilet that works without water and incinerates the waste instead of flushing it. You put a kind of coffee filter in the toilet bowl and do ‘your business’ in it. When you’re done, you close the lid and press a button, and the bag and its contents drop down into a combustion chamber. There it’s incinerated, after which only sterile ash remains. You can then simply throw that ash away.
How handy is that? And it doesn’t smell at all!
Waking up in paradise
After hours of staring at the mountains and the changing light, we eventually did fall asleep. And because we stayed in the Birdbox in July, the sun woke us up again very early.
I was too sleepy to take photos, but the light of the sunrise was like a dream. Luckily we could start the morning slowly with coffee and enjoy the view even more. This one night away felt like a vacation in itself, what an experience!
Want to spend a night in this Birdbox too?
You absolutely can. You can book the Birdbox via Booking.com (this is an affiliate link) or Airbnb. Would you rather leave your whole trip to me? Then get in touch via the contact form or michelle@lostinnorvana.nl
Our stay in the Birdbox was sponsored. That means I received the stay in exchange for this article. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t write honest blogs. My experiences are always 100% transparent and sincere.
