A Quiet Cabin Escape on a Danish Island

Hej hej! Welcome to a new week on MSH!

Over the years, my family and I have spent countless summers sailing around Scandinavian waters, and a few places have truly stolen my heart. One of them is the Danish island of Anholt — have you heard of it, or perhaps been there? Sitting out in the middle of Kattegat, about halfway between Jutland and Sweden, it’s the perfect stop when we’re heading from southern Sweden to the Gothenburg archipelago. It’s a good day’s sail from the mainland (which can feel extremely long in bad weather!), and when you finally reach the harbour, you’re rewarded with a lovely, easygoing buzz: people chatting over cold drinks, music drifting from little bohemian bars, and upside-down barrels doubling as tables.

The beaches here are soft and white and the water has an unreal shade of turquoise that makes you want to jump straight in (even if it can be a little bracing!). We always make time to hop on a bike and ride through the island’s woodlands and nature reserves, whizzing past relaxed cabins and cottages as we go. And today I stumbled across this one on Airbnb. Tucked away, it has a window seat that looks out over the trees, a little fireplace, and a cosy dining nook. Inside, it’s all warm wood, Le Klint lamps, Wishbone Chair dining chairs, and those quiet little details that make you want to slow right down.

The owners describe themselves as “a family of five — a doctor, a journalist and their three daughters — who have fallen in love with Anholt’s peace and natural beauty. They spend every spare moment on the island, enjoying the simple life between forest and beach. It’s their little paradise, which they now share with guests.” And it really shows. I can picture mornings over homemade sourdough at the local garden café, lazy afternoons on Vesterstrand, and evenings listening to the wind in the surrounding forest. Even though the island’s only 22 km² and neighbours aren’t far away, it feels wonderfully peaceful — like your own little world. 

Ready to dream of your very Danish own island escape? Here's the tour! 

A dream! 

Could you imagine staying in this lovely cabin on Anholt? 

You might also be wondering how to get there (other than a sailboat) - the answer is by ferry from Grenaa on the Danish mainland, which takes around 3 hours. 

Oh, and can we take a moment to admire the turf roof? So wild and lovely! 

There is something incredibly special about island life, don't you think? Do you have a favourite island? If so, I'd love to hear about it! 

Here are a few more Scandinavian island cottages and cabins to peek inside: 

Riika's waterfront cabin in Finland
Stonecutter's farm on the island of Öland
A fairytale escape on Sweden's 'happiness island'

And here are some of my island guides from Scandinavia:

Discover Hallands Väderö near my cottage
Swedish island hopping in the Baltic
10 beautiful islands to visit in the Gothenburg archipelago
A guide to the danish island of Bornholm in winter

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks. 

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Finding Calm in a Swedish Forest Cabin

It appears another week has just swished by — blink and it’s Friday again. I’m very ready to hit pause a little this weekend and chill. While we’ll probably be in Malmö, my heart’s already halfway to the forest… ideally parked in a cosy Landet cabin with zero plans except maybe snacks, fresh air, and wearing the comfiest knit I own.

In Swedish, landet basically means “the countryside,” but it’s more than that — it’s about sneaking off somewhere calm and relaxed. That’s exactly what Landet is all about: a true escape without any of the faff. Think nature, fresh air, good design, and zero stress. 

The cabins themselves are dotted around some of Sweden’s most beautiful rural spots — close enough to get to easily, but far enough to feel like you’ve actually escaped. It’s the brainchild of Ted and Umberto, who were looking to help others to enjoy the Swedish countryside without needing to own a cottage (or chop wood, unless you want to). You can sauna, do yoga, take long walks, drink coffee on the deck, or just do absolutely nothing at all — which honestly sounds perfect to me! 

Ready to take a peek at what would be instore?

And relax. 

Could you also imagine spending your weekend here? 

Inhale, exhale and read more about a stay at landet cabins here.

Meet you at the sauna? 

Have a wonderful weekend friends, thank you so much for stopping by this little corner of the web and for all your lovely comments - I'll get back to you soon! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Landet, with thanks. 

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Who’s Ready For an Off-grid Cabin Escape?

Goddag! What better way to start the week than with a little escape? A girl’s got to dream, right? And this little cabin in Devon, England, is the perfect retreat to rest and recharge for a few days.

The off-grid cabin might not have all the mod cons, but it does offer a cosy bed with a wonderful view, a crackling wood-burning stove, and an outdoor copper bath – perfect for soaking while you gaze at the scenery or lose yourself in a good read.

Did I mention that the dark wood-clad interior has been decorated with the utmost taste too?

Welcome to Rest & Wild in Exmoor. 

Hands up – who’d happily trade their current plans for the week for a stay here? My arm shoots up!

Bliss… and honestly, exactly what I could do with right now.

In fact, I was having an interesting chat with someone last week about the difference between what you do for fun and what you do to rejuvenate. I really believe those are two very different things – would you agree?

For me, to truly rejuvenate, I love being somewhere quiet. Going back to basics. Surrounded by nature. It could be the coast, it could be the mountains – really anywhere where the scenery takes over and everything else fades into the background.

What about you – what’s your favourite way to recharge?

Shall we take a peek at a few other cabin escapes today?

Cosy off-grid living in Lapland, Sweden
A rustic hideaway in a disused railway carriage
Leanne Ford's wonderful woodsy cabin

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Rest & Wild, with thanks.

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From Foraged Feasts to Fireside Reads – A Cosy Island Getaway Near Bergen

On my way to the studio this morning, I felt the first crisp bite of autumn – a puff of mist curling from my lips, and a favorite knit pulled down over my hands to keep them warm. Glove season has arrived, along with October.

And so, I thought it was the perfect moment to share the first glimpse of “snow” here on My Scandinavian Home – in the form of a dreamy island escape in Norway: Lilløy Lindenberg. Lilløy means “little island,” and while it lies quietly near Bergen, there’s nothing little about the experience.

From what I read, guests who arrive by boat are welcomed into a world where time slows down. You can feast on foraged, plant-based meals, kayak through still waters, go Nordic snorkeling among seaweed gardens, or simply wander the island paths. And then, when the outdoors has worked its magic, retreat inside: the interiors are a love letter to Nordic craft, filled with handmade ceramics, seaweed-stuffed mattresses, locally blown glassware, and artworks by Bergen artists. Everything has been carefully restored using natural materials, so the old house feels rooted in history while quietly modern.

I also love the story behind the place. The island’s main house had stood unused since the late 1980s, until the Lindenberg team reimagined it as a retreat with a creative soul. Early on, it even hosted artist residencies, and that spirit lingers – you can sense it in the way the spaces invite you to write, paint, dream, or just sit still by the fire with a book.

Ready to take a look at what awaits?

Wow – what an incredible place to unwind. Honestly, this might just be my ultimate dream escape! Could you imagine staying here too?

I’m already picturing myself enjoying a foraged meal cooked on the old aga – though I’ll happily admit the Nordic snorkelling isn’t quite for me (Per and the girls call me a real badkruka – Swedish for someone who either avoids cold dips altogether or takes forever to ease themselves in!). A book by the fire, though – that would suit me just fine. How about you?

You can find more about Lilløy Lindenberg – and even book a stay – here (just saying!).

And if you’re in the mood for more daydreaming, I’ve gathered a few of my other favourite Scandinavian stays for you to explore…

My stay at Villa Copenhagen
A magical stay at Wanås sculpture park 
A romantic weekend at Vårgård Saltsjöbad in the Stockholm archipelagos

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, happy dreaming! 

Niki

Photography: Robert Rieger & Jack Johns for Lilløy Lindenberg

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A Serene Swedish Lakeside Cottage Escape

It’s Friday, friends – time for a little weekend dreaming. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend it in a pretty traditional Swedish cottage, gazing out over a lake?

When you have views like this one over Älvsjön, you really don’t need much in the way of décor. This lovely cottage has been deliberately pared back so that the sweeping vistas across the water take centre stage.

In this small but special selection of images, it’s clear that life here is all about the simple things: lingering over long summer evenings, gathering with loved ones, and just being. Picture white wood-panelled walls, a touch of stripes, a pair of binoculars by the window, a wonderful terrace, and even a little guest house right by the water’s edge.

And the best part? It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Stockholm – making it the perfect weekend getaway. The perfect place to clear the mind, recharge the soul, and slip into the easy rhythm of lake life.

Could you imagine relaxing here this weekend?

If you’d like to keep dreaming, here are a few more lovely lake-side home tours from the archive: 

Anna and Martin's tiny home built cottage floating on a lake
A Swedish house on a hill with lovely lake views
A Scandi-inspired lakeside cabin in Norfolk, UK

Or better still, buy it! What are Fridays for, if not for a little spontaneity! 

Joking aside, it’s hard to believe it’s already the last few days of August. At our own cottage, the leaves on the oak tree are just beginning to turn brown — a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. Even so, the water is still surprisingly warm, so we’re hoping to spend a few more days up here, soaking up the late summer sun while I try to forget about the 10 km run  I signed up for tomorrow evening in a moment of madness. Gaaaah! Wish me luck, I'll need it! 

I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend too?

Thank you, as always, for all your kind comments. It’s such a joy to read them, and I’m hoping to find a little quiet time later to respond to each and every one.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Trevlig helg!

Niki

Credits: Sjönära, shared with thanks.

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