Discover: The Bolder Sky Lodges, Norway
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INTRODUCTION
I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled across The Bolder – a stunning collection of minimalist cabins perched high above a breathtaking fjord, not far from Stavanger, Norway.
Well, to be fair, I was actually on a bit of an obsessive search. I was seeking unique and inspiring places to stay along a Norway road trip loop that would take us from Oslo to Stavanger, on to Bergen, and then back to Oslo.
If I was going to have to overspend on our accommodations (because Norway is so incredibly expensive), I wanted to love each and every place we laid our heads at night! When I discovered The Bolder Sky Lodges, I knew immediately that I had found something special.
DESIGN
Perched on stilts and nestled into a mountainside, The Bolder Norway lodges provide breathtaking panoramic views of Lysefjorden and the surrounding mountains.
Designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, each unit blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Exteriors, made of weathered natural woods and glass, create a rustic yet modern aesthetic that harmonizes with the landscape.
Inside, the lodges boast a minimalist style with only the highest quality of finishes. The fully equipped kitchens are designed by the Danish brand Vipp and the furniture has been carefully selected from Norway’s own Eikund.
Each unit features a cozy dining space and a comfortable lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for natural light and unobstructed views. The bedrooms are designed for ultimate comfort, with plush bedding and blackout curtains ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
LOCATION
The Bolder Skylodge cabins are nestled within 170 hectares of pristine mountain terrain, adorned with pine trees, and overlook the stunning Lysefjord (roughly a 40 minute drive from Stavanger). While this property is definitely a Norway destination hotel, it also happens to be located very close to the trailhead for one of the country’s most popular and famous hikes, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Note: We enjoyed this hike so much on our first trip to Norway back in 2016 that it became a must-do for our 2024 trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Bolder Norway offers 6 lodges in 3 different configurations, with room for 2 to 6 guests. Please note, there is a 2-night minimum for weekend stays (Fri-Sun).
1. BOLDER SKY LODGES
The Bolder Sky Lodges (2 units) are a compact 22m2 (236 ft2) and include two double bedrooms, a designer kitchen, a fully equipped bathroom and a dining room with incredible views. These units can sleep up to 4 people snugly (perfect for a family or two couples that get along well). The units are not air-conditioned but are designed to catch the cross breeze to keep you cool on Norway’s hottest days of summer (of which there are very few).
Rates from 4800 NOK/night. Check availability.
2. BOLDER STAR LODGES
The Bolder Star Lodges (3 units) are a little more spacious 35m2 (376ft2) and offer panoramic views from both the bedroom and the dining room. They feature tall ceilings, a full kitchen, a dining room, a spacious bedroom and a full bathroom. These units sleep a maximum of 2 people and have air conditioning.
Rates from 5800 NOK/night. Check availability.
3. BOLDER GRAND LODGE
The Bolder Grand Lodge offers the most luxurious and spacious accommodations with panoramic windows, extra high ceilings and a balcony. It can sleep up to six people with two double bedroom and a sofabed, as well as two full bathrooms. It has a full kitchen and a dining room that can seat 12. This unit is air conditioned and was designed with accessibility in mind (wheelchair friendly).
Rates from 11800 NOK/night. Check availability.
Note: I really wanted to stay in this amazing cabin…but it was just way more than what we needed for our stay and I could not justify the cost!
SUSTAINABILITY
The Bolder Sky Lodges are more than just a beautiful retreat; they are a model of sustainable living. Every aspect has been considered to minimize the environmental impact including:
- Building all units and pathways above ground so as not to disturb the landscape.
- Reusing or relocating any trees disturbed during the building process.
- Using any excavated granite in the concrete for the lodges.
- Sourcing drinking water from a spring well on the property.
- Making use of greywater with an environmentally friendly waste management system.
- Selecting all furniture and furnishing for the lodges base on durability and a long life, ensuring sustainability.
- Carefully choosing partner-suppliers who are committed to sustainable practices in both food and services.
Furthermore, the fjord on which The Bolder is located, Lysefjorden, has been awarded the “Sustainable Destination” certification by Innovation Norway.
ACTIVITIES
For adventure seekers, a range of outdoor activities are available. From hikes and boat tours to rock climbing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone.
During the winter months, the landscape transforms into a snowy paradise, ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. The lodges also provide an excellent vantage point for witnessing the magical Northern Lights, a bucket-list experience for many travelers.
DINING
With a full kitchen, guests may choose to self-cater at The Bolder. Alternatively, both breakfast and dinner delivery can be pre-ordered from a set menu.
We ordered both and it was so much food that we had enough left over for a full picnic lunch the following Day!
CONCLUSION
The Bolder Sky Lodges in Norway represent the perfect fusion of luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the Norwegian wilderness while enjoying the comforts of modern living. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, The Bolder Sky Lodges provide an unparalleled experience.
OTHER OPTIONS
The Bolder Norway is a very sought-after reservation. Although I booked our stay 6 months out, I still had to tweak our Norway road trip itinerary a little bit to make the only available opening work for us.
If there is no space available, Preikestolen Basecamp is another good option in the area and is located right at the trailhead for the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike.
Alternatively, the Eilert Smith Hotel, The Hotel Victoria and the Frogner House are all very nice Stavanger boutique hotels. See more options on Booking.com.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post on The Bolder Lysefjorden may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are entirely my own.
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