Grend and Omgi: Green comfort: making the Norwegian cabin experience eco-friendly and luxurious
By Celina Tran | Photos: Grend
Most people like spending time in nature, but not everyone wants to sleep in a tent. Norwegian companies Omgi and Grend have solved the problem with their luxurious, sustainable boutique cabins, allowing visitors to relax, breathe, and comfortably fall asleep under the Norwegian night sky.
With majestic mountains towering and stretching into the clear sky, glaciers, and a rolling sea that glitters under an eternal summer sun, it’s no wonder that Norway is known for its landscape. Every year, people from all over the world make their way to the vast, friendly country up north, hoping to catch sight of its breathtaking views.
There’s nothing like spending a few days in nature – the peace, the quiet, the beauty. But it might be hard to soak up the fresh air and appreciate the sighs if your back is aching from sleeping on hard ground or if you feel dishevelled from the lack of showers. Not a happy camper? Don’t fret. Instead of opting out of the next trip, look to Norway-based Grend and its boutique cabins for a fun, sustainable, and comfortable option.
“Grend is a travel company that uses boutique cabins produced by Omgi, to offer guests a chance to spend time in Norway’s magical nature, without sacrificing comfort,” says Aziz Chaer, CEO of Omgi and founder of Grend.
Grend has a range of nature boutique cabins across several breathtaking locations in Norway, including Bø, Blefjell and Stavern in the Vestfold and Telemark region, Flor & Fjære in Stavanger, and Steigen up North. With the forest and wildlife at their front door, all locations give visitors unique access to nature. “At Grend, we want our guests to feel what it’s like to have the world’s most beautiful nature all to themselves,” says Chaer. “These surroundings are the stars of the show.”
Designed to leave no trace behind
While it might be difficult to outshine Norway’s stunning sights, one should not disregard the beauty of these cabins. With clean, Scandinavian lines and natural building materials, the cabins are stylish and modern, while effortlessly blending into the landscape. Designed by the world-famous architects at Snøhetta, they allow visitors to truly feel immersed in the great outdoors.
“The cabins are locally produced in a small town in Vestfold, designed with sustainability in mind,” says Chaer. He explains that Omgi, which sells the cabins and houses, wants to minimize impact on the environment throughout the process of creating and placing the units. Because of this, each of the structures are pre-built in a local workshop, and then transported to a carefully chosen location. “The idea is that, if necessary, we can simply lift and remove the cabin without leaving any traces behind.”
Chaer continues; “As a company, we’re driven by passion and expertise within several different fields, and in addition to comfort and style, sustainability and quality are essential to us. Not only should the cabins and houses we sell make minimal impact on nature, they should also blend in seamlessly.”
Enjoying nature responsibly
As a part of the company’s goal to promote in-nature activities, each Grend location is surrounded by plenty of natural space, giving guests the chance to try out low-impact and environmentally friendly activities such as guided hikes and wildlife watching, or if staying in winter, even skiing.
Depending on your wants and needs, each Grend location offers a different unique experience. The Steigen cabins, in the north of Norway, give access to some of the country’s most spectacular peaks, and on the island of Flor & Fjære just outside Stavanger, you will be surrounded by a tropical garden at the ocean’s gaping mouth. The Blefjell and Bø cabins are tucked safely in the most beautiful of untouched trees, with ski slopes and running rivers only a stone-throw away. “Guests at Blefjell can even sit back after a long day of skiing and exploring, and enjoy a panorama view from our sauna, which sits among the treetops,” says Chaer.
If you want peace and quiet, but still appreciate access to local people, architecture, and activities, Grend’s Stavern cabins are located on the historical property of Fritzøe gård. It is pressed up against the sleepy coast and has access to forest spaces, giving access to nature like the other locations, but it also happens to be located on one of Norway’s most beautiful golf courses. Why not spend a day out with some friends and a club? No matter what Grend location you pick, you’re bound to leave with an unforgettable experience.
Regardless of location, you might find yourself starting to miss civilization a bit. Luckily, you will be just a short distance away from local towns, and Grend encourages guests to explore and support local. “When you book a stay at Grend, you can also add a guided tour by a local or a food basket from the local farmer,” ensures Chaer.
Both Grend and Omgi exemplify how the hospitality industry can evolve to meet the demands of eco-conscious travellers. By prioritising sustainability, they offer overnight stays that are not only memorable and comfortable, but also respectful of the environment and the local community. As pioneers in eco-friendly tourism, Grend and Omgi are setting new standards for what it means to experience the beauty of Norway responsibly.
If you find yourself wanting more exclusive access to the cabins for personal use, or if you want to develop your own cabin rentals, reach out to Omgi and the team to make your very own dream space.
If you find yourself wanting more exclusive access to the cabins for personal use, or if you want to develop your own cabin rentals, reach out to Omgi and the team to make your very own dream space.
www.grend.no
Instagram: @grendcabins
www.omgi.no
Instagram: @omgihytte
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