Woodnest Treehouses began with a promise. A Norwegian man named Kjartan told himself he would build a treehouse and propose to the woman he loved from inside it. He built it, she said yes, and Sally and Kjartan eventually turned their private love nest into a retreat others could share. That origin story still shapes everything here — the warmth of the concept, the refusal to go gimmicky, the sense that the place was made for connection rather than spectacle.
To realise their vision, Sally and Kjartan commissioned Norwegian architecture firm Helen & Hard. The result is four suspended pods — two Originals and two Mountaintops — each attached to living pine trunks via steel collars that hold the structure clear of the ground. The Originals sit a little lower and can host up to four guests. The Mountaintops climb higher and offer more dramatic views, designed for intimate stays rather than groups. Neither type feels like a showpiece. Walking the boardwalk up through the trees, you feel like you are entering the forest, not approaching a landmark.
Inside, the design is deliberate and warm rather than minimal. Floor-to-ceiling glazing pulls the forest straight into the room. Underfloor heating keeps things comfortable whatever the season. A kitchenette with an induction hob, a small fridge and basic cookware means guests can prepare simple meals without leaving the canopy. Bathrooms and showers sit inside the pod — a detail worth noting, since some treehouse stays require a walk to separate facilities. The views from the bed itself are the real centrepiece.
Reaching your treehouse is part of the ritual. A forest trail leads upward from the base, steep in places, with wooden and steel steps that can become slick in wet weather. The hike takes around 20 to 45 minutes depending on conditions and how much you are carrying. Arriving breathless and then stepping out onto your terrace above the valley is a genuine arrival moment. Most guests find it lingers in memory longer than the journey in.
Summer brings long days, green slopes and temperatures that suit terrace sitting well into the evening. Late spring and early September offer cooler air, early colours and noticeably fewer visitors. Winter transforms the experience entirely — snow muffles sound, light shifts hour by hour, and the fjord and mountain views under grey Nordic skies feel austere and cinematic. Trolltunga is within driving distance, as are Odda's waterfalls, glaciers and marked hiking routes. The property suits those who want the adventure close but not compulsory.
One honest note: the trees creak, the pods move slightly in the wind, and a zinc smelter sits on the fjord below. Most guests say none of it breaks the spell. Nightly rates run approximately 3,250 NOK to 3,750 NOK, with rates varying by season and availability — a premium investment that buys genuine elevation in every sense.
For those arriving by public transport, the Kalvanes bus stop sits roughly 78 metres from the property address at Kleivavegen 21 in Odda. The Sørfjordsenteret bus stop is approximately 280 metres away. Most guests travelling through the Hardanger region arrive by car, but bus connections into Odda make it reachable without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the two types of treehouse pods, and which suits different travellers?
A: There are four pods in total — two Originals and two Mountaintops. The Originals sit a little lower and can host up to four guests, making them the better fit for small groups or families. The Mountaintops are higher, more intimate and deliver more dramatic views, suiting couples or solo travellers who want maximum elevation and seclusion.
Q: How do guests actually reach their treehouse?
A: A forest trail leads up from the base through the pines. The hike takes roughly 20 to 45 minutes depending on conditions and how much you are carrying. The path is steep in sections, with wooden and steel steps that can become slick in wet weather, so pack light and wear footwear with grip.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Woodnest?
A: Summer (June–August) offers long days, green slopes and mild temperatures well suited to hiking and terrace sitting. Late spring and early September bring cooler air, blossom or early autumn colours, and noticeably fewer visitors. Winter is the dramatic outlier — snow quietens the forest, light shifts hour by hour, and the fjord and mountain views take on an austere, cinematic quality for those who embrace Nordic cold.
Q: What is the general nightly rate at Woodnest Treehouses?
A: Woodnest sits in the premium tier, with nightly rates generally in the range of approximately 3,250 NOK to 3,750 NOK. Rates vary by season and availability, so check the property's official page for current pricing.
Q: Do the pods have private bathrooms, and can guests cook inside?
A: Yes on both counts. Bathrooms and showers are contained within each pod, so there is no walk to separate facilities. A kitchenette with an induction hob, a small fridge and basic cookware allows guests to prepare simple meals without leaving the canopy.

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