Retreat into nature on Sotra

By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Lise Lauvik

Located just west of Bergen lies Sotra, an island in the archipelago that stretches along the west coast of Norway. Those wanting a truly unforgettable experience can book into either the Liquid Glass Dome or the Birdbox on Lise Lauvik’s farm, to take in the breathtaking nature and peace of the region.

Lauvik set up the temporary dwellings on her farm on the west side of Sotra in Langøy. Described by guests as a sort of ‘Norwegian James Bond’ because of her exciting and varied life and careers, Lauvik has worked as a nurse, kindergarten teacher and farmer, and now runs the Dome and Birdbox on her property.

The Birdbox at Sotra, overlooking the coastline and sea.

The farm also houses sheep, chickens, and a local daycare. Both the Liquid Glass Dome and the Birdbox are fantastic options for accommodation, offering comfort, relaxation and incredible views over the landscape and sea. “Glamping is sustainable and popular in Norway,” she says. “Here, nature is all around you. We focus on providing a calm and personal atmosphere for those who want to retreat and enjoy some peace and quiet. When staying at the Birdbox, guests can watch the sun set into the sea, while at the Liquid Glass Dome, the only sounds are the sea and the birds.”

A view of the Birdbox.

The Liquid Glass Dome is located on a raft floating in the sea, complete with a rowing boat for transportation and a private beach. The Birdbox sits atop the highest mountain on Lauvik’s land. From there, guests can see all the way to the coast. Each residence has cooking facilities and a simple incineration toilet. For the Dome, visitors must be able to swim and row the boat to get to the raft. “We place great emphasis on safety and ensure that all the necessary equipment is available, so that the experience is both safe and enjoyable for everyone,” says Lauvik.

The bed in the Birdbox – a perfect space to relax and take in the view.

For those who want a complete package without any stress, tapas prepared on the farm using fresh, local ingredients can be ordered a few days in advance. There are also cosy cafés to visit nearby for a meal. For activities, guests can rent kayaks, hike trails, go on fishing trips, or swim by the farm’s private cove. The experiences are especially meaningful for visitors from other parts of the world. “Many of our guests are Norwegian, but we also get visitors from other parts of Europe, as well as the USA, Japan, Thailand, and elsewhere. For foreign travellers, it’s a special experience to stay so close to nature, while our Norwegian visitors are often seeking a short break from everyday life.”

In the future, Leuvik hopes to keep the Dome and the Birdbox ticking over as they currently do. “We offer guests a memorable experience,” she adds. “We want to preserve this intimate atmosphere while constantly looking for small improvements that can make your stay even more comfortable.”