Vipp Lofoten – a minimalist hideaway in Norway’s far north

Danish brand Vipp has just unveiled the latest addition to its collection of bookable guest accommodation around the world and it’s one of my favourites so far. Not only is it stunning from a design point of view, it’s also located in the Lofoten Islands – a rugged archipelago of wild mountains, sheltered inlets and tiny fishing villages, set largely above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway.

I’ve long felt the pull of the far north (it turns out I have DNA from Iceland and Swedish Lapland), and Norway is the only Nordic country whose Arctic region I have yet to visit. I had to cancel a planned trip there earlier this year after coming down with flu, and when I get the chance to rebook I’ll be making a beeline straight to Vipp Lofoten.

The cabin-like hideaway sits on a remote seashore on the island of Stormolla, within True North Lofoten Village – a small cluster of modern Scandinavian lodges developed by Norwegian visual artist and composer Magne Furuholmen. His aim was to celebrate the natural wonders and culture of the archipelago through sustainable tourism, teaming up with architects Snøhetta and LOGG ARKITEKTER to ‘create something beautiful without disturbing what already exists’. The result is a series of structures that blend contemporary minimalism with nods to the local vernacular – a twist on the stilted wooden fishing cottages and boathouses that dot the Lofoten shorelines, raised on legs so that they jut out over the rocks and the gently lapping water.

“We sought to dissolve the boundary between shelter and seascape, allowing nature to flow uninterrupted into the architecture,” says Diederik Advocaat Clausen of LOGG ARKITEKTER. “Our intention was to let the vastness of the archipelago be the dominant experience. Conceived as a singular, quiet object in the landscape, each unit is a precise timber structure, designed with a strong directional focus toward the sea.”

The Vipp cabin itself spans 70sqm and has an open-plan living space and two double ensuite bedrooms, all fronted by floor-to-ceiling glazing with sweeping vistas. The interiors were designed by Cathrine M. Vonholm Edwards from Locus Design and Element Studio, who used a palette of dark rocky greys and browns across the walls, the floors and much of the furniture. This serves a dual purpose, creating the feel of a cosy, cave-like retreat while also placing the emphasis firmly on the scenery outside.

The kitchen is made up of Vipp’s modular units in black powder-coated steel, meaning it blends almost invisibly into the background. It’s flanked by the brand’s ‘Cabin’ dining table, whose sculptural solidity, marble top and dark oak column base echo the majesty of the surrounding landscape. There are also limited-edition versions of Vipp’s ‘Swivel’ chair and iconic pedal bin created by Furuholmen himself. The former features an oxidised coating with a burnished finish, plus bespoke upholstery that evokes the textures and tones of the rocks outside the window. The latter has been turned into a canvas for one of his signature letter clouds, spelling out the words ‘waste is energy’ as a reminder of the importance of sorting and recycling.

The lounge area is positioned to capture the best of the view and appears to float above the water. Here, the cabin’s clean lines and dark tones are softened by a beige bouclé sofa, a round woollen pouf and a woven wall hanging with a fringed edge. It makes an ideal spot to sit back and soak up the dramatic seascape, with a contemporary ceiling-hung stove to keep things snug.

Another stove is suspended from the overhanging eave above the cabin’s deck, where there are a pair of Vipp outdoor chairs for breathing in the fresh Arctic air. It’s accessed from the bedrooms, which again play on contrast by pairing dark grey walls with beige linen bedspreads and white aluminium bathroom vanities. There are also clever built-in storage units and desks, making the most of the compact spaces.

Beyond the cabin, Stormolla offers whale watching, eagle safaris, diving, fishing, skiing, climbing, hiking and a fascinating insight into the Lofoten Islands’ maritime heritage. But you don’t need to venture out at all to marvel at two of the Arctic’s most spectacular draws: the midnight sun (June and early July) and the dancing Northern Lights (September to April). Pure magic, viewed from the comfort of your sofa, your deck or even your bed – that’s definitely hard to beat.

Find out more about Vipp Lofoten and book a stay here. Rates start at €1,675 per night for up to four people, with a minimum two-night stay. You can see the other Vipp guesthouses here, and more amazing places to stay in the Arctic Circle here.

All photography courtesy of Vipp

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