Stryn, Norway

Oppstrynsvatnet

There are places in Norway that are beautiful – and then there is Stryn.

We have stayed in this part of Western Norway a couple of times now, and I still think the landscape around Lovatnet, Oldevatnet and Oppstrynsvatnet is among the most beautiful we have seen in the country. Turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls appearing almost everywhere you look, tiny farms, steep green mountains and snow-covered peaks in the distance. It is almost ridiculously picturesque.

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A Birdbox above Bergen, Norway

Sleeping in a Birdbox above Bergen

There are hotel stays, and then there are places you remember simply because getting there is part of the experience.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Bergen, high above the city and surrounded by sheep, grass and mountains, you’ll find one of the most unique places we stayed during our trip through Norway: Birdbox Bergen.

Pack light – you have to walk there

This is definitely a place where you want to know what you are getting into before you arrive.

There is no road leading directly to the Birdbox, so we left our suitcases behind and packed everything we needed for the night into our backpacks. The final stretch is a fairly steep walk uphill across grass, gravel, rocks – and past quite a few sheep.

It isn’t an especially long hike, but the terrain is uneven and can be slippery, particularly in typical Bergen weather, so proper shoes and light luggage make the experience much easier.

Birdbox sends a very good guide before arrival explaining exactly how to get there and what to expect. They can also transport luggage up by ATV if needed, but we actually really enjoyed walking up ourselves. It made arriving at the little cabin feel even more special.

Bring dinner – and a bottle of wine

The Birdbox itself is tiny, so we kept things very simple. We brought takeaway for dinner, a few things for breakfast the following morning and, perhaps most importantly, a bottle of wine tucked under one arm.

And then the weather did what the weather in Bergen does. Almost immediately after we arrived, the rain started pouring down. We felt very lucky with our timing – walking up the steep grassy and rocky path in heavy rain would definitely have made the experience slightly less charming. From inside the Birdbox, however, it was perfect.

There is something incredibly cosy about sitting inside such a well curated space while the rain is hammering against the windows, looking out across the landscape with nowhere else you need to be.

A bathroom with a difference

One detail worth knowing before booking: the toilet is outside the Birdbox in its own tiny cabin.

It is a combustion toilet, which might sound slightly intimidating if you have never used one before, but again, everything was very well organised. There were clear instructions explaining exactly how it worked and how to use it.

It is all part of the off-grid feeling -and there is no shower, just FYI.

The view is the reason to come

The real magic of Birdbox Bergen is the location.

You are only around 20 minutes from downtown Bergen, yet once you are up there, it feels surprisingly remote. The little box sits quietly in the landscape with an incredible panoramic view, sheep wandering nearby and very little between you and the Norwegian scenery.

It is not luxury in the traditional hotel sense. The space is small, you carry your belongings up the hill, your bathroom is outside and you need to arrive with your own food.

Good to know before staying at Birdbox Bergen

Pack light. A backpack is much easier than a suitcase for the walk up.

Wear proper shoes. The final climb is steep in places with grass, gravel and rocks, and Bergen weather can change quickly.

Bring food and drinks. We brought takeaway for dinner and breakfast for the following morning.

Read the arrival guide. Birdbox sends detailed instructions before your stay – definitely read them before setting off.

Luggage transport is possible. If you don’t want to carry everything up yourself, Birdbox can arrange transport by ATV.

Expect a very small space. This is part of the charm. Come for the experience and the view rather than traditional hotel comforts.

The toilet is outside. It is a combustion toilet in a separate micro cabin, with clear instructions provided.

Allow for the weather. We were lucky to reach the Birdbox just before the rain started. In wet weather, the path can naturally be more challenging.

Would we stay again?

Yes. Absolutely.

Birdbox Bergen manages to feel like a tiny escape into the Norwegian wilderness while still being incredibly close to Bergen. It is quirky, simple and slightly adventurous – and waking up to that view makes the climb completely worth it.

If you are visiting Bergen and looking for something very different from a traditional hotel, I would definitely put this one on the list.

Stay: Birdbox Bergen
Location: Bergen, Norway
From Bergen city centre: Approximately 20 minutes by car + the final walk uphill
Best for: Couples, one-two-night escapes, nature lovers and anyone looking for a slightly different Bergen experience

Bondhusvatnet: A Beautiful Short Hike, Hardanger, Norway

A Little Detour to Bondhusvatnet

Sometimes the places you don’t really know what to expect from turn out to be the ones you remember the most.

On our way from Odda back towards Bergen, we decided to make a little detour to Bondhusvatnet; a glacier lake hidden in Bondhusdalen, close to Sundal in the Hardanger region. It has been on my bucketlist for many years, and I finally got to go.

We knew it was supposed to be beautiful. We didn’t quite expect this.

A short hike with a very big reward

The walk to Bondhusvatnet is wonderfully uncomplicated: around 2.3–2.5 kilometres each way, following a gently climbing gravel road through the valley. At a relaxed pace, you can expect around two hours for the return walk, although you will probably want to spend some time at the lake itself. (Hardanger)

There is a large paid parking area at the beginning of the trail, and we arrived sometime during the morning.

It was raining. Normally that isn’t exactly what you hope for when setting off on a hike in Norway, but this time the rain turned out to be very much in our favour. There were hardly any people around.

Following the river into Bondhusdalen

Almost immediately, the walk feels like entering another world.

The trail follows the beautiful Bondhuselva river, with clear glacier water rushing between huge moss-covered rocks, surrounded by dense green forest. It felt almost fairytale-like – particularly in the rain, when everything became even greener.

This is not a hike where you need to wait until the end for the scenery. The walk itself is part of the experience.

But then you reach the lake. And everything opens up.

Bondhusvatnet

It is difficult to describe quite how beautiful Bondhusvatnet is when you first see it.

Turquoise glacier water. Enormous mountains rising almost vertically around it. Moss-covered rocks scattered through the water. Waterfalls appearing in the distance.

And when we arrived, almost complete silence. A small group left just as we reached the lake, which meant that for a while we had the entire place to ourselves. We stood there in the soft rain, looking across the water, and it felt slightly unreal.

Then the rain stopped. And eventually, the sun came out. And then we discovered the glacier

What we hadn’t realised before arriving was that there was another surprise hidden behind the clouds.

We noticed Bondhusbreen mentioned on an information board by the lake. Bondhusbreen is an arm of the much larger Folgefonna glacier, and on clear days you can see it high above the lake. (Hardanger)

We hadn’t even known it was there.

As the clouds slowly lifted from the mountains, a strip of blue-white glacier suddenly appeared between them. It was one of those perfect travel moments you could never really have planned.

We stayed for a while, had some snacks, watched the weather change across the mountains and simply enjoyed having this extraordinary place almost entirely to ourselves.

Timing is everything

Walking back down, we realised just how lucky we had been.

More and more people started coming towards us. And then more.

By the time we reached the bottom, the parking area that had been relatively quiet when we arrived was completely full.

Bondhusvatnet is one of the most popular hikes in Hardanger, so our rainy morning had accidentally given us something rather special. (Hardanger)

If I were visiting again, I would absolutely aim for early morning, particularly during the busier months.

And don’t necessarily let a little rain put you off. Norwegian weather changes incredibly quickly, as we experienced more than once on this trip. Sometimes the rain is exactly what gives you the place to yourself.

Good to know before hiking to Bondhusvatnet

Distance: 5 km return
Time: Around 2 hours return at a relaxed pace
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Approximately 135 metres
Trail: A gravel road
Parking: Paid parking at Bondhusdalen; currently NOK 125 per day
Facilities: Toilets are available by the parking area. (Hardanger)

The walk is considered easy and is suitable for families. The official tourism information even notes that the main route can be managed with a stroller. (Hardanger)

One important thing to know: swimming in Bondhusvatnet is not permitted, as the lake provides drinking water for the local communities of Bondhus and Sundal. (Hardanger)

And if you plan to continue beyond the lake towards Bondhusbreen, check the current conditions and signs. Access further into the valley can be restricted because of glacial conditions; the innermost section is closed during summer 2026. (Hardanger)

Is Bondhusvatnet worth the detour?

Completely.

After hiking Trolltunga the day before, this was an entirely different kind of experience. No long day in the mountains, no big physical challenge – just an easy walk into one of the most beautiful landscapes we saw in Hardanger.

For such a short hike, the reward is almost ridiculous: The river, the turquoise water, the enormous mountains, the rain, the silence – and finally watching Bondhusbreen emerge from behind the clouds.

Definitely make the detour. Period.

Trolltunga, Hardanger, Norway

A person standing on a rocky cliff edge with arms raised in celebration, overlooking a deep fjord surrounded by mountains and a blue sky with clouds.
Trolltunga

A Mini Guide to Hiking Trolltunga, Norway

There are some places that are even more spectacular than you imagine them to be. Trolltunga was one of them.

Of course, the famous rock itself is incredible – jutting out around 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet with nothing but mountains and water around you. But what surprised me most was that hiking Trolltunga wasn’t really just about reaching the Troll’s Tongue.

The entire hike was spectacular.

Hours of walking through raw Norwegian mountain landscapes, past lakes, streams and endless views. No roads, no cafés, no shortcuts – just nature. The kind of scenery you only really get to experience when you’re willing to walk quite far to get there.

And yes, it is a long day. But absolutely worth it.

Planning the Trolltunga hike – and watching the weather

We had booked P3 Mågelitopp parking for two different dates several months in advance, giving ourselves some flexibility depending on the weather. And we needed it. Right up until our trip, the forecast basically said: rain, rain, rain.

On the morning of our hike there was still quite a lot of fog, which made us slightly nervous as we started walking. But after around 30 minutes, the sun suddenly appeared – and stayed with us almost all the way until the descent.

Coming down, we had a beautiful mix of sunshine and clouds, and the rain didn’t arrive until that evening when we were safely back at the hotel. Sometimes you simply get lucky in Norway.

My biggest advice would be to keep an eye on the weather, prepare for it to change and, if possible, give yourself some flexibility when planning your hiking day. Don’t do the hike if it really is a full raingy day, the rocks will be way to slippery to climb (and there are a lot of those).

The official Trolltunga website is also the place to check trail conditions, weather advice and practical information before setting out.

Starting from P3 Mågelitopp

We had rented a car and drove ourselves to P3 Mågelitopp, the highest of the three Trolltunga parking areas.

Starting from P3 makes quite a difference: the hike from here is approximately 20 km return, compared with around 27 km if you start at P2 Skjeggedal.

Our parking access started at 7 AM and we arrived around 7.15 AM, which worked perfectly. P3 has very limited parking, so if you’re planning to drive yourself during the main season, I would definitely recommend looking into booking it well in advance.

If you don’t have a car – or don’t manage to get a P3 parking space – there are also Trolltunga shuttle buses from Odda towards the trailhead and from P2 Skjeggedal up to P3 Mågelitopp.

From P3, it took us just under four hours to reach Trolltunga and around three and a half hours to walk back down.

We stayed at the top for approximately an hour, having lunch, taking photos and simply enjoying the view. So in total, this was very much a full-day adventure.

What we packed for Trolltunga

We each carried a 33-litre backpack, which was plenty for a day hike.

One thing we discovered was that there are lots of natural water sources along the trail. We therefore only carried two ½-litre bottles each and refilled them with fresh mountain water along the way instead of carrying litres of water from the beginning.

For lunch, we brought packed food that we had made/bought at our hotel, together with raw bars, protein bars and – obviously, when hiking in Norway – Kvikk Lunsj.

We also packed extra wool socks, gloves and beanies, although luckily we never needed them.

What we wore

Layers are definitely the answer.

We hiked in ski base layers, hiking trousers, wool socks, fleece and shell jackets, so we could easily adjust throughout the day.

And then there were the boots.

I wore my Merrell hiking boots, and they were genuinely one of the best decisions I made for this trip. With so many hours on rocky and uneven terrain, having proper hiking boots made a huge difference – especially towards the end of the day when the kilometres start to feel slightly longer.

We had also bought foldable hiking poles specifically for the trip. Another very good decision. They don’t take up much space in your backpack when you don’t need them, but they were brilliant on some of the steeper sections and especially helpful on the descent.

Staying in Odda

We based ourselves in Odda, approximately 30 minutes by car from the Trolltunga parking area, and stayed at Trolltunga Hotel.

It was practical and comfortable, although I think a small Airbnb or another hotel in Odda would work equally well. The most important thing for us was simply being close enough to get an early start.

The hotel was also able to help us with food for the hike, which made the early morning much easier.

After Trolltunga, we had dinner at Odda Lothepus by the campsite. A slightly quirky Viking-style restaurant – fun, relaxed and exactly the kind of place where you don’t mind arriving after spending an entire day on a mountain.

On the way leaving Odda, we went by the Flåtefoss waterfall, just 6 minutes from Odda.

Bergen, Voss and a swim in Norwegian mountain water

We flew into Bergen, where we of course had to see Bryggen before heading towards Odda. The colourful old wharf is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and, even if you only have a little time in Bergen, definitely worth seeing. We had good weather upon arrival, so we also tried the “Fløjbanen” train up to Bergen mountain for the viewpoint and the (surpricingly) large park just behind it. And had lunch in the Fish Market by the water. A perfect start to a 3nights/4 days stay.

Instead of driving directly from Bergen to Odda, however, we went via Voss for one very specific reason:

A swim. We stopped at Bjørkemoen Badeplass to swim in the incredibly clear Voss water. 10/10 recommendation.

It’s such a simple stop, but swimming surrounded by Norwegian nature was the perfect way to begin the trip.

Was hiking Trolltunga worth it?

Completely.

Trolltunga was one of those rare travel experiences where the reality somehow manages to live up to all the photographs you’ve seen beforehand.

But again: don’t hike Trolltunga only for Trolltunga. The magic is the entire journey there.

Walking for hours through this enormous Norwegian landscape, with mountains stretching in every direction, drinking water straight from the streams and watching the weather move across the peaks made the hike feel like much more than ticking off an iconic viewpoint. It was wild, peaceful, exhausting and incredibly beautiful.

There is something very special about reaching places that you simply can’t drive to. Places where the only way in is to walk.

And somewhere along those kilometres, surrounded by nothing but mountains, water and Norwegian wilderness, you remember just how small you are.

Trolltunga was one of those days I know I’ll remember for a very long time.

Trolltunga – quick facts from our hike

Where: Trolltunga, Hardanger, Norway
Where we stayed: Trolltunga Hotel, Odda
Starting point: P3 Mågelitopp
Distance from P3: Approx. 20 km return
Start: Around 7.15 AM
Hiking time up: Just under 4 hours
Time at Trolltunga: Around 1 hour
Hiking time down: Around 3.5 hours
Backpack: 33 litres
Water: Two ½-litre bottles each, refilled along the trail
What we wore: Cool base layers, hiking trousers, wool socks, fleece and shell jackets
Our essentials: Proper hiking boots, foldable hiking poles, food, snacks and layers
Getting there: Flight to Bergen + rental car via Voss to Odda
Would I do it again? 100%.

Useful links for planning your Trolltunga hike

Official Trolltunga website – trail information, preparation and conditions

P3 Mågelitopp parking – parking information and booking details

Trolltunga shuttle buses – transport from Odda/P2 to the trail

Trolltunga Hotel – where we stayed in Odda

Bryggen, Bergen – UNESCO – information about Bergen’s historic wharf

Hardanger, Norway

Fjord Life in Hardanger – Staying at Hardanger Panorama Lodge

There are places in Norway that make you want to do very little. Not because there isn’t anything to do, but because simply being there somehow feels like enough. Hardangerfjord is one of those places.

On our latest trip to Norway, we spent a few days in Ulvik, a tiny village tucked away at the end of the Hardangerfjord, surrounded by steep mountains, orchards and water in almost every direction. Our home for the stay was the beautiful Hardanger Panorama Lodge – and the name really says it all. Perched high above Ulvik, Hardanger Panorama Lodge feels almost suspended between the trees and the fjord below.

The lodge is modern and beautifully simple, with huge windows framing the landscape rather than competing with it. From the moment we arrived, the fjord became part of everything – morning coffee, breakfast, quiet afternoons and those long Scandinavian summer evenings when nobody really feels like going inside.

It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down. And while Hardanger is filled with famous sights and spectacular hikes, this time we wanted to experience a little more of the everyday fjord life. We went swimming at the local beach, wandered around the tiny harbour in Ulvik, stopped for coffee and simply spent time by the water. Boats came and went, the mountains changed colour with the light, and life moved at a wonderfully different pace.

Sometimes the best travel days are the ones without much of an itinerary.

Cider country

One thing you quickly realise in Hardanger is that apples are everywhere. The steep hillsides around the fjord are covered in orchards, and Ulvik is home to Norway’s only Fruit & Cider Route, connecting three local farms producing fruit, apple juice and traditional Hardanger cider.

We visited Syse Gard, a family-run fruit, meat and cider farm dating back to 1888. There are 3 farms just close to each other in Ulvik. Syse produces its own cider and apple juice alongside jams, fruit and traditional cured meats, and during summer you can sit outside overlooking the landscape with a cider tasting.

It is a lovely way to understand a little more about Hardanger. The fjord may be the dramatic backdrop, but the orchards and farms are just as much part of the identity of this region.

Returning to Vøringsfossen

Of course, we couldn’t come back to Hardanger without revisiting Vøringsfossen. We have been here before, and it remains one of those places that is almost impossible to capture properly in photographs.

The waterfall plunges 182 metres from the Hardangervidda plateau into the dramatic Måbødalen valley below. You hear it before you really take in the scale of it – an enormous rush of water disappearing into the gorge. It’s impossible to take a “true” Picture, you just have to go experience it yourself ;-).

This time, however, there was something new for us. Since our previous visit, a spectacular step bridge has been built across the river above the waterfall. Designed by Norwegian architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk, the bridge stretches 47 metres across the landscape with 99 steps connecting the two sides. It was hobestly a Little scary for those of us that are affraid of heights, but we all made it over and back again.

Norway has always been exceptionally good at this particular combination of architecture and wilderness: adding just enough structure to allow you to experience the landscape differently, without taking attention away from nature itself.

The beauty of staying a little longer

Hardanger is easily the kind of place you could race through – stopping at waterfalls, viewpoints and famous landmarks before continuing to the next destination. But I think you would miss something.

Staying for a few days allowed us to discover the quieter side of the fjord: swimming from the local beach, drinking cider among the orchards, having coffee by the harbour and coming home to our little lodge above the water.

It wasn’t really about ticking things off a list. It was about fjord life. And waking up at Hardanger Panorama Lodge with the entire Hardangerfjord outside the window might just be one of my favourite ways of experiencing Norway.

Last time we visited Hardanger we stayed here, which I also would still recommend for anyone visiting this region of Norway <3.

Fýri Resort, Hemsedal, Norway

Hemsedal is best known as one of Norway’s most popular ski destinations, but after spending a summer weekend at Fyri Resort, I discovered a completely different side of the Norwegian mountains.

Some places surprise you. Hemsedal was one of them.

I have been travelling to Norway more times than I can count, and like many others, I’d always associated this corner of Norway with winter. Snow-covered mountains, skiing, après-ski and cosy cabins. Summer had honestly never crossed my mind.

However, the drive alone is enough to remind you why Norway keeps calling people back. Winding mountain roads, emerald valleys, waterfalls appearing around almost every bend and landscapes that somehow become even more dramatic with every kilometre.

And then you arrive at Hemsedal. Instead of a sleepy ski village waiting for winter, we found a destination full of life. Families hiking together, cyclists heading into the mountains, people enjoying long lunches in the sunshine and crystal-clear rivers inviting you to jump in after a warm day. It felt effortless. Calm without being quiet. Luxurious without trying too hard.

There’s something incredibly refreshing about travelling somewhere that hasn’t yet become everyone’s summer destination.

Staying at Fyri Resort

If Hemsedal was the surprise, Fyri Resort became the place that tied the whole experience together.

Designed with warm Scandinavian interiors, natural materials and panoramic mountain views, it feels more like a contemporary mountain retreat than a traditional ski hotel. Even during summer, the atmosphere is exactly what you’d hope for.

We spent hours by the Pool Club (and in the lounge playing pool), where time seemed to slow down between mountain views and mocktails. And we had the best pizza we have ever had in all of Norway, directly from their huge stone oven. To be honest food in Norway can be “tricky” outside of Oslo or Bergen, but this pizza is worth a stop-over, even if you don’t stay at the hotel.

Beyond the Hotel

One of my favourite things about Hemsedal is how quickly you can leave the village behind and find yourself surrounded by untouched nature with great viking trails. It’s the kind of destination that doesn’t require a detailed itinerary.

For anyone looking for a Scandinavian destination that combines dramatic nature, beautiful design, outdoor adventures and genuine calm, Hemsedal deserves a place on your list.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Fyri Resort makes it wonderfully easy to settle into mountain life—whether your perfect day includes hiking to a summit, relaxing by the pool or simply enjoying another slow evening as the sun disappears behind the mountains.

Some weekends stay with you. This one certainly will.

Trakt Forest Hotel

Trakt Forest Cabin

Trakt Forest Hotel – Simplicity, Nature an Nordic Magic

Deep in the Swedish woods, we found a little hidden gem—Trakt Forest Hotel, a small, family-run retreat that feels like a true escape from the noise of everyday life. My husband and I, along with our three girls, spent a few days here, and we fell in love with the simplicity and closeness to nature. It’s a 4 hour drive from Copenhagen, but felt literally felt like we went “off-the-grid”.

The five cabins, that are beautifully designed with sustainability in mind, blending into the forest with large windows that bring the outside in. They are designed by reknown Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh, the hotel’s five forest suites creates the feeling of being in the treetops, providing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The suites provides everything you need, no more and no less. There’s no WiFi in the cabins (only in the main building, which also serves as the hotel’s restaurant), making it easy to slow down and just be present.

For the main part, we just stayed in the area and went for walks and logget off. Which meant seeing a moose and a morse calf in the woods (incredible experience). However, Vimmerby is very close, so the Astrid Lindgreen World is just one hours drive away.

We enjoyed every part of the experience—the fresh forest air, the incredible local and organic food, and the outdoor hot baths, where we soaked under the trees as the evening light faded. Even though Trakt isn’t specifically a family hotel, kids are more than welcome (as we have experienced with most Swedish hotels). Our toddler, Ellen, were thrilled to find toys and a kid-friendly menu in the restaurant, making the stay feel effortless for all of us. There were baby chairs and a very friendly staff every evening for us.

If you love nature, simplicity, and beautifully designed spaces, Trakt is the perfect place to reset and reconnect.

Båstad, Southern Sweden

Discover Båstad: Sweden’s Riviera

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Skåne in southern Sweden, Båstad is often referred to as “Sweden’s Riviera.” Renowned for its sandy beaches, charming harbors, and vibrant summer atmosphere, this picturesque town is a haven for both relaxation and adventure. Båstad boasts a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural events, including the famous Swedish Open tennis tournament, which draws visitors from around the globe. Whether you’re strolling through the small historic streets, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside, Båstad offers a perfect escape for travelers seeking a touch of a Scandinavian riviera lifestyle.

A centerpiece of the town’s allure is the iconic Skansen Hotel, a spa retreat that perfectly embodies the region’s blend of elegance and comfort. It is as relevant during the summer as it is during the winter season, as the hotel owns the Kallbadhus, which is nothing short of paradise for winter swimming enthusiasts. Perched on the edge of the water, this cold bathhouse offers great experience with its sauna, sea access, and Japanese hot tub. The invigorating combination of a chilly plunge in the Kattegat followed by the soothing warmth of the sauna or hot tub creates a rejuvenating ritual that is as thrilling as it is calming. With its stunning sea views (last time I was there the local seals were visiting the nearby rocks) and serene atmosphere, the Kallbadhus is a must-visit for anyone seeking the joys of winter swimming and Scandinavian wellness at its finest. You can also visit even if you don’t stay at the hotel for a small fee.

Nestled just outside Båstad, Norrviken Park is a stunning garden oasis where nature, culture, and culinary delights come together. Known for its beautifully landscaped gardens and tranquil atmosphere, Norrviken is also a fantastic spot to enjoy a traditional Swedish fika. The park’s café offers freshly brewed coffee, delectable pastries, and seasonal treats, all served in an idyllic setting. The Park  has been influenced by the Danish artist and designer Tage Andersen, who is known for his unique and artistic approach to gardens and installations. Andersen took over the management of Norrviken for a period and brought his visionary touch to the park. His artistic influence is evident in the creative design elements and the harmony between nature and art found throughout the park. Though his time managing Norrviken has since ended, his contributions have left a lasting impact, making it a truly beautiful destination for visitors.

Harbor Life and Street Food Delights in Båstad

Båstad’s harbor is the vibrant heart of the town, bustling with activity and charm. (However, only) During the summer months, it comes alive with luxurious yachts, fishing boats, and lively crowds soaking up the sun. The harbor’s relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to unwind, watch the boats, and enjoy the sea breeze. Adding to its appeal are the cozy street food spots dotted along the waterfront, offering a variety of delicious options. From fresh seafood dishes to gourmet burgers and homemade icecream paired with the view, and you have the perfect recipe for a laid-back, flavorful day in Båstad. Also to be recommended is the Ferdinand Vinbar – a charming wine bar that has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers an impressive array of wines from around the world, including organic and biodynamic options, complemented by a menu of delicious small plates and local delicacies. The Willys and Båstad Seafood is located at the outskirts of the town (you need a car to get there, but both are great place to be grocery shopping if you have a summerhouse rental nearby).

Explore the Dramatic Beauty of Hovs Hallar

Just a short drive from Båstad, Hovs Hallar is a breathtaking natural reserve known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, and panoramic views of the Kattegat Sea. This rugged landscape is a paradise for nature lovers, offering scenic hiking trails that wind through unique rock formations and along the coastline. The area is famous for its stunning sunsets, making it a popular spot for photographers and romantics alike. Hovs Hallar is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot seabirds and even seals basking on the rocks. Whether you’re exploring the trails, enjoying a picnic by the sea, or simply soaking in the unspoiled beauty, Hovs Hallar is an unforgettable part of any visit to the Båstad region.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eX26Nwne36C1teC9A
Hovs Hallar

Also Worth visiting is the Hallands Väderö. It is just a short ferry ride from Torekov, this idyllic island is a nature reserve with stunning beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, including seals and rare birds. To get there the easiest is to book via Book Båstad (here you find trips and tips for a lot of other really nice experiences like seal safaries, tennis tournaments and much more).