Slow Living by the Sea: A Tiny Cabin Getaway on Gotland

Today is a "red day" in Sweden – a public holiday – and like many others, I’m spending it at our summer cottage. With less than two weeks until the school holidays, thoughts are already drifting toward summer.

Sweden has no shortage of classic holiday spots, but few are as iconic as Gotland.

This beautiful island in the Baltic Sea truly comes alive in summer – with cosy cafés, artist studios, farm shops, beaches, and a laid-back, joyful vibe. It’s one of my all-time favourite places in Scandinavia.

This morning, I stumbled across a tiny beach cabin in Väskinde, and it instantly had me dreaming of slow, simple days by the sea.

The cabin has everything you need – a kitchenette, dining table, sofa bed, and a separate little bathroom cabin just steps away. There’s a peaceful outdoor nook between the trees, perfect for morning coffee in the sun. And at night, you can drift off to the sound of the waves. 

A small pier sits just beside it – perfect for a refreshing dip and the large sea-facing windows are shielded with a wooden screen, letting in the light while keeping things private.

Oh, and best of all? It’s on Airbnb – dangerously easy to book, and very hard to resist. A perfect little escape to get us in the weekend mood! 

So lovely!

Can you imagine relaxing here, drifting off to the sound of the waves?

If you're visiting Gotland, I highly recommend renting a car — it's the best way to explore the island at your own pace. I put together a guide a while back that you might find helpful — you can check it out here.

Want to see a few more Gotland homes today? Here are some beautiful tours to inspire you:

A rustic summer cottage with a pool
Elsa's charming summer cottage
A beautiful limestone barn on Gotland

Well friends, that’s it from me this week. As always, thank you so much for stopping by — and for sharing your thoughts and observations. I’ve loved reading them, and I’ll be settling down with a coffee at some point this weekend to respond.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks. 

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City Escape: An Allotment Cottage Oasis Tucked Away in Gothenburg

When I look for homes to feature here on My Scandinavian Home, I’m naturally a little dictated by the season. In the property market, winter is all about selling flats, while now, in late spring, it’s all about houses and summer cottages with nature on their doorstep. And just like you saw in Wednesday’s post, it’s also the season for the charming allotment cottage.

So, indulge me a little this Friday while I share another lovely kolonistuga with you – tucked away in a tranquil corner of Änggården’s growers’ association, a green oasis in the heart of Gothenburg. This little cabin is only 25 square metres (269 square feet), but the outdoor space plays a big role too, with its expansive terrace, tables and chairs, and even a pizza oven.

Inside, the green interior mirrors its lush surroundings. There’s enough space for a kitchen, dining area, and a sofabed, making it the perfect urban escape and one of those rare gems that seldom come on the market.

Ready to dream this weekend?

Can you imagine sitting here with your closest friends, sipping wine under the string lights this evening? Maybe a board of cheeses around the fire… or perhaps pizza? (It would be rude not to make the most of that outdoor oven, after all!) Lovely.

It may be simple, but sometimes, you really don’t need much more than that. Do you agree?

It’s also the perfect place to get into a bit of gardening – I’m sure the soil here is far more forgiving than the sandpit I’m currently battling with at our summer cottage (yikes!).

You can see more inspiring allotment cottages here, and if you’re in the mood for a little more city living, don’t miss these Gothenburg apartment tours: 

Izard's earthy green apartment (one of the most popular tours of the year). 
A beautiful Gothenburg apartment with a hint of English style
Inside Anna's coastal home on an island just outside Gothenburg

Thank you so much for all your thoughtful and interesting comments this week. I’m really looking forward to taking a bit of time out this weekend to reply to each one. You make this such a warm and welcoming community, and your insights truly add so much to every post.

Trevlig helg! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem

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VIPP Salaca River Cabin Where Scandinavian Style Meets Latvian Nature

Sometimes I feel like this blog is basically a peek into my inner daydreams, especially when it comes to the home tours I share. 

It’s Monday, the sun is shining, and I’m at my desk… but honestly, I’d rather be surrounded by trees, listening to birdsong and the gentle ripple of water. Can you relate?

Maybe that’s why I’ve been posting so many getaway homes lately (sorry!). Here’s one more for the mood — and then I promise I’ll share some fab city places later this week!

This cabin is a little bit special: a former listed fisherman’s house from 1876, once used as a roadhouse between Riga and Wolmar, it has now been gently relocated to one of Latvia’s most spectacular nature parks. Tucked away by the Saka River, it’s been reimagined by Danish brand VIPP into a modern hideaway that’s an absolute dream.

The dark wood exterior is beautifully balanced by its peaceful surroundings. Step inside, and it gets even better — the interior combines rustic wood with soft, pale furnishings, creating a space that feels both grounded and calm. Large windows frame generous glimpses of nature, letting in soft light and views of the river and forest beyond. It’s the kind of place where your shoulders drop the moment you walk in.

And after a day of kayaking (or, let’s be honest, doing nothing at all!), you can pour a glass of wine and sink into the sofa — or step outside for a soak in the hot tub overlooking the river. Heaven!

Incredible — I just love how the interior interacts so seamlessly with the outdoors. You feel completely immersed in nature the whole time.

Oh, how I’d love to stay here for a week or two! I even spotted a little desk where I could sit and dabble in a bit of work — the dream work-from-home setup, don’t you think?

Could you imagine staying here? Have you ever been to Latvia? If so, I’d love to hear more about your visit in the comments below. Did anything else in this home catch your eye?

You can read more about the VIPP Salaca River cabin and book a stay. And if you're in the mood for another Latvian home tour, check out Jurada Cabin - when a dream cabin became a reality. 

Have a great start to your week!

Niki x

Photography courtesy of VIPP, with thanks.

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A Serene Cabin Stay in Norway’s Wilderness

Why, hi there friends! I hope you had a wonderfully relaxing weekend. I also hope you have your bags packed, because we're heading off on a virtual trip to the Norwegian wilderness — to visit the newly built wood cabin of Lin Christin Mortensholm!

Now, as we’re enjoying the beautiful spring weather, you might be puzzled by the snowy picture above — but in some parts of Norway, the backcountry ski season is still in full swing.

Designed according to Lin’s philosophy of a "natural, quiet interior, and mindful living", the Scandinavian-style blond wood cabin was the well-deserved winner of "The Year's Cabin Gullfjæren". Naturally, I was keen to find out more — and discovered a beautiful, serene living space where the indoors blend seamlessly with the wild beauty of the outdoors.

Immersed in nature — where the contrasting seasons create an ever-changing series of striking landscapes — the interior has been kept wonderfully simple, allowing the surrounding scenery to take centre stage.

An open-plan design, the striking monochrome interior is furnished with an array of pieces crafted from natural materials like cork, wood and canvas. Freshly picked foliage, such as lupins and bracken, helps to capture the true essence of the season.

Ready to take a tour?

What a wonderful getaway! It's definitely the kind of place where you’d pull up, unpack and feel instantly relaxed, with nothing to do except immerse yourself in the incredible nature — whether walking, skiing, or simply sitting by the fire with a good book.

Can you imagine chilling here this week? Was there anything that caught your eye?

Hop on over to @lysthus_skrim to see more beautiful angles of Lin’s cabin.

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE Norway. It’s an incredible country. I’ve visited many times — for holidays, work, and to write travel guides for Simply Scandi magazine. Here are a couple of guides I’ve featured on My Scandinavian Home:

Spectacular Bodø and Lofoten

The Hardanger Fruit Trail

Is there anywhere you've been in Norway that you would recommend? 

Oh, and some beautiful Norwegian homes to feel inspired by: 

A magical rural escape by a Norwegian fjord

A summer fjord side retreat in Norway

A Norwegian house by a fjord

A ski chalet in Hafjell

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @lysthus_skrim, shared with kind permission. 

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