Å Camp

• Sleeps: 6
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 1 night

The mission of Å Camp, located in the Norwegian valley of Tessungdalen, is to offer visitors a friendly, authentic, and deeply immersive experience of the natural world.

Set on the edge of the glorious Hardangervidda mountain plateau, and with a beautifully unspoilt river flowing by, what a natural world you’re set to experience! Ripe with opportunities to fish, ski, hike, forage and kayak amongst the most incredible surroundings nature has to offer, this is a truly exhilarating opportunity to escape from tired everyday life.

Isaac and Beth, Å Camp’s welcoming hosts, are part of a family who has lived and worked in this spectacular area of Norway for generations. Designed by Peter Manning and built by Isaac, whichever hand-built, off-grid retreat you choose to stay in will soothe your weary souls, with its striking design and sublime attention to both beauty and comfort.

Å Auge (River Eye) is a childhood fantasy treehouse made real; expertly crafted from light wood and perfectly secluded amongst the whispering forest leaves.

Sleeping up to six guests, the décor throughout is pure and minimalist, with plenty of comfort-filled spaces to relax with a book or over a chat with loved ones. Huge, light-attracting windows provide stunning viewing platforms through the trees, over the river and out towards the soaring mountaintops… indeed, the enormous front window is your ‘river eye’!

Søyve (Sleep) is an unadulterated ‘back to nature’ micro-house that’s ideal for two adults and a curious child, with movable interiors to help you get the best of your surroundings – including the weather! The huge bedroom comes with a wood-burner for a cosy night’s sleep, while the al fresco terrace is ideal for afternoon lounging.

Å Gløtt (River View) is the newest treehouse at the camp: a round, timber-clad tower rising out of the trees right above the river, and the only retreat in the camp that is wheelchair-accessible.

At a glance

•  A selection of hand-crafted, off-grid retreats with remarkable surrounding views, suited to families or small groups. Situated by an unspoilt natural river in the forest of Telemark, Norway.
• Fly to Oslo; the camp is around 3 hours’ drive away, and renting a car is both easier and usually cheaper than public transport. You can drive right up to the cabins when conditions allow; in winter, a car with good grip is recommended.
• Å Auge (River Eye) is reached by stairs. Å Gløtt is reached by a ramp and is wheelchair accessible.
• Each cabin has drinking water (10 litres to start), easily refilled from the tap in the outdoor kitchen, and a wash room for washing inside. Toilets are outdoor (outhouse-style).
• Shared on site: a wood-fired sauna by the river (free, self-service), outdoor kitchen, campfire and hangout space, and open WiFi in the communal area.
• There are many opportunities to fish, ski, hike and kayak in the surrounding area, with guided activities available in nearby Hardangervidda. The town of Rjukan, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history, is close by.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups
• Off-Grid

More information

Once you’ve settled in, immerse yourselves in true natural living by taking a cool dip in the river. Or for a special treat, fire up the camp’s wood-fired sauna down by the river – free for guests to use, just sign up on the board in the camp kitchen – and cool off in the river between rounds.

You’ll find Isaac and Beth a fountain of knowledge about local activities and the best ways to spend your time, from simple wildlife watching to the best hikes and fishing spots in the valley. The nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Rjukan makes for a fascinating day out, steeped in wartime history and majestic scenery alike.

If you’re looking for fresh adventure and a delicious taste of natural living, you’ll soon find that a simple stay at Å Camp will convert you for life. So get ready to ditch that laptop and reconnect with your loved ones in breathtakingly scenic style.

Things to note

No smoking. Check-in from 4pm, check-out by midday. Å Auge (River Eye) is not suitable for those with restricted mobility; Å Gløtt is accessible by ramp. This is an off-grid escape: there is no WiFi in the cabins, and only a modest off-grid electricity supply for essentials and phone charging. Minimum stay 2 nights. Cleaning fee NOK 450 per stay (treehouses) / NOK 250 (Søyve). Discounts for stays of 3 nights or more. In winter, the road over Imingfjell from Bergen/Geilo is closed from 1 December until Easter. Whole-site hire can be arranged for larger group stays – please see www.aacamp.no for more information.