Perched in the spruce forest near Ekne, outside Levanger in Trøndelag, Treetop Ekne is the kind of place that earns its reputation through stillness rather than spectacle. The cabin is compact — around ten square metres — but the trees close in so warmly around it that small quickly stops feeling like a limitation. Step inside and the smell of pine and wood smoke does most of the welcoming.
The interior is thoughtfully stripped back. A fold-out bed, a loft nook sized just right for reading or a slow afternoon nap, and a wood-burning stove that crackles steadily while you cook on the gas hob. Solar panels supply a gentle, flickering light after dark. Nothing here performs luxury in the conventional sense, but the care in how it was put together is obvious from the first evening.
The terrace opens directly into the forest canopy, and a suspended hanging net lets you lie back and watch light shift through the branches above. It sounds almost too simple to matter. It matters enormously. A bio-toilet and washbasin keep the bathroom arrangements straightforward and in keeping with the surrounding landscape — and within a day or two, that feels entirely natural.
The couple who own the property live close by on a small farm. Their approach is low-key and unhurried: a greeting, a bit of conversation about the forest or the weather, and then they leave you to it. They talk about slowing down and finding balance, and in this setting those words carry genuine weight rather than sounding like copy from a wellness brochure.
Byavatnet Lake sits nearby. Guests can fish for trout, take out a kayak, or simply walk the forest edge as the mood takes them. In winter, the spruce canopy frames the Northern Lights on clear nights — one of those experiences that is easier to believe once you are actually standing outside in the cold watching it happen. Summer brings long Nordic evenings, green hillsides and mild temperatures well suited to terrace time, while May and September offer blossom or autumn colour with very few other visitors around. Winter stays are genuinely atmospheric for those drawn to Nordic quiet and the blue-grey light of a cold morning.
Nightly rates run approximately 2,750 NOK to 3,250 NOK, placing Treetop Ekne in the premium tier for Norwegian forest cabins. Rates vary by season and availability.
The nearest bus stop is at Jevika, roughly 2.2 km away in a straight line. For those arriving by rail, Ronglan station sits approximately 6.8 km distant, with Åsen — served by regional train line R 70 — around 9.8 km away. A car makes the approach straightforward from Levanger or Trondheim, roughly an hour to the south.
Treetop Ekne suits anyone who wants distance from noise without distance from comfort. It is a small wooden pause in a forest that has been here far longer than the noise you are leaving behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big is the cabin, and is it suitable for couples or solo travellers?
A: The cabin is around ten square metres — a deliberate, compact design rather than an oversight. It suits couples or solo travellers who want an immersive forest experience. Those expecting conventional hotel space or room to spread out with a group will want to look elsewhere.
Q: What are the nightly rates at Treetop Ekne?
A: Nightly rates run approximately 2,750 NOK to 3,250 NOK, placing Treetop Ekne in the premium tier for Norwegian forest cabins. Rates vary by season and availability.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Summer (June–August) brings long Nordic evenings, mild temperatures and green hillsides — ideal for terrace and outdoor time. Winter (November–March) is the best window for Northern Lights on clear nights and offers a genuinely atmospheric Nordic stillness. Late spring and early autumn are quieter still, with blossom or autumn colour and very few other visitors around.
Q: Is a car needed to reach the cabin?
A: Most guests arrive by car — it is the most straightforward option, with Levanger and Trondheim both within roughly an hour's drive. Rail travellers can reach Ronglan station approximately 6.8 km away or Åsen on regional line R 70 around 9.8 km distant, though you would still need onward transport from either station.
Q: Is the cabin fully off-grid, and what should guests expect from the facilities?
A: Yes — the cabin runs on solar panels for lighting and a wood-burning stove for warmth, with a gas hob for cooking. The bathroom is a bio-toilet and washbasin. These are intentional choices that suit the forest setting well, but guests expecting mains electricity or a conventional bathroom should factor this in before booking.