Tiny houses are very trendy. Especially when they are in an untouched landscape. Whoever sleeps here is very close to nature. Our tips for vacations in tiny houses all over Europe.
Manshausen, Norway
A flat rock in the Vestfjord, surrounded by the sea. In 2010, polar explorer Børge Ousland fulfilled a dream by purchasing the island of Manshausen – and hobby adventurers too. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, rowing boats, fishing routes are available for hire. The functional design of the seven “Sea Cabins”, which is intended to leave enough time and space for nature through its restraint, has already won 40 awards. At least as excellent: the local cuisine from Ondrej Taldik, the library with polar and travel literature. And of course the panoramic view of the Northern Lights.
House from approx. 480 euros/2 people, manshausen.no
Green Tiny Houses, Germany
Your name says it all: “Green Tiny Houses” are in the countryside, in various places in northern Germany. Sometimes, like here in Wangerland in Lower Saxony, also in a lot of greenery – and even near the North Sea. Above all, their name means their ecological construction: with natural cork floors, Organic bed linen, water-saving astronaut showers and seagrass insulation. Are you really far-sighted? The 22 square meter huts are so well booked that a whole “Green Tiny Village” has opened in East Friesland, including a sauna, e-bike station and quite… a lot… green.
House from 176 euros/2 people, greentinyhouses.com
Finca les Coves, Spain
Excellent for relaxationn are the Tiny Houses by Anna Schram and Cees van Oeveren. Yes, because of the charming triangular shape and the cozy bed, just under the ridge. And yes, also because of its location on the Costa Blanca, high above the town of Jijona, which glows in the distance in the evening. Above all, it’s great that the entire complex of cottages, tents and huts is supplied with solar power, that guests swim in the sustainable saltwater pool and that chef Sander Hensen cooks purely vegetarian or vegan. And top notch!
house from 125 euros, fincalescoves.com
Inforest, Sweden
“Lagom” is Swedish for a conscious, healthy, “just right” life. To find? Here! To the west of Lake Vättern, three eco-huts invite you to go forest bathing. Means: no WiFi, but solar energy, giant trees, hiking trails and mountain bike trails. The interior: naturally inspired by this, with oak floors, hand-built wooden kitchens and windows that frame the forest like paintings. Fittingly, hosts Petra and Jesper Uvesten supply wild boar sausages from the award-winning local butcher. After all, “Lagom” also stands for being content.
House from approx. 150 euros/2 people, inforest.se
Bush Box, Belgium
A box without corners and edges? Is there, in the broadest sense: In the “Bush Box” near Brasschaat you spend the night comfortably. Boho elements, hanging plants and brightly patterned cushions add color to the white living space. Anyone hoping for more bush life can book a tree tent, watch deer and hike through the nearby Kalmthoutse Heide. Or test in the water bath of the Finnish sauna how much nature is in the body.
House from 139 euros/3 people, bushbox.be
Wickelhouses, The Netherlands
Traveling north doesn’t have to be rough and chilly. At least not when Noorden is in the west. In South Holland, more precisely: in the small town of Noorden, is one of over 100 ecological “Wikkelhouses” that are made of wood, flax and cardboard in Amsterdam. Solar panels provide energy that guests need for campfire evenings or boat tours. There are also Wikkelhouses on Heligoland.
House from about 120 euros, naturhaeuschen.de
ÖÖD Houses, Estonia
See and not be seen applies in the mirror houses of the brothers Andreas and Jaak Tiik. From the inside: cozy, with floor-to-ceiling windows, some with underfloor heating. From the outside: so inconspicuous that you could easily overlook them if some of the huts didn’t have spacious sun terraces with hot tubs. According to the Tiik brothers, their design houses should not compete with nature, but reflect its magnificence. The small “ÖÖD Houses” are surrounded by plenty of it. Because they are on rivers, in forests or by the sea, it is usually doubly beautiful.
From about 140 euros (depending on the location), about airbnb.de
Chamade, France
At the Château Boujac winery, sleeping is a question of good taste. The Selle family has been cultivating hectares of vineyards and olive groves near Toulouse for three generations. The latest addition: a burgundy tiny house between the vines, sustainably equipped with natural cosmetics and a dry toilet. All around: the best entertainment, after all, the Selles organize guided tours on their property, tastings, even escape room events in the wine cellar. Those who like it more enjoyable can order a picnic package, filled with pâté, cheese, bread and organic wine from the château.
House from 119 euros/2 people, chateauboujac.com
The 72 Hour Cabin, Sweden
That you can really relax in Sweden? Crystal clear. And even proven: For a study, five test sleepers moved into minimalist glassworks on the island of Henriksholm. In just 72 hours, her stress level dropped by up to 70 percent, and her desire to be outside increased. As a precaution, boats and fishing equipment belong to the exterior of the glass cabins, which are intended to widen the view of nature. Conclusion of the test berths: If you really want to relax, you have to go up to Sweden, even “only” for three days. The glassworks are located at various locations in the country.
House from approx. 295 euros/2 people, vastsverige.com
Book a vacation in a tiny house
The portals specializing in sustainability list other “green” micro-accommodations – including tiny houses, yurts or construction trailers naturhaeuschen.de, goodtravel.de, bookitgreen.com and ecobnb.de. Tiny houses without a proven sustainability claim can also be found at Airbnbselect the “Tiny Houses” option under the “Special Accommodations” filter.