Manshausen Island is a remote hideaway owned by polar explorer, writer and photographer Børge Ousland.
The 55-acre private island is situated high above the Arctic Circle in the Grøtøya strait, close to the small village of Nordskot. Access to the island is from the city of Bødo from where the Hurtibåten (speed boat ferry) sails to Nordskot daily taking approximately 1.5 hours.
Manshausen’s location offers a rich year-round environment for adventure enthusiasts and explorers. The award winning seacabins designed by Snore Stinessen offer chic Nordic design, spacious accommodations and stunning views over fjord and mountains. The main house serves as the social hub featuring open kitchen and dining room, lounge to relax, library, plus the expedition loft and conference room.
Fresh seafood is abundant with seasonal produce sourced from local fishermen, farmers and organic producers whenever possible.
Manshausen is an adventure paradise. Offshore there’s sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving in the protected local waters and island hopping is possible sailing on Børge’s 31-foot trimaran ‘Northern Passage’. Fishing has always been important to Manshausen with migrating cod, Halibut, Mackerel and Pollack being the most common species found in around the islands.
On land there’s climbing on red granite at Nordskot (vertical walls are typically 20-30 meters), rappelling, caving at Resshola (the 180 meter long Troll Cave), target shooting, hiking from Nordskot and on the islands of Måløya and Grøtøya. From March through April alpine skiing is possible in the mountains surrounding Steigen (700-1000 meters) including ship-to-shore access for more remote island summits.
For pre-arranged groups it’s possible to arrange lectures from Børge, enjoy bespoke cooking courses led by expert local chefs, or enjoy yoga classes. Cultural tours can also be arranged along with local music and dance experiences.
Manshausen Island was featured on 26 of the Best Trips to Take Right Now on Outside Magazine.
Adventures in Manshausen Island
Map
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