Review: The serene magic of PAN Treetop Cabins, Norway

It isn’t very hard to fall in love with a country like Norway. Everywhere you go, you’ll find lush greenery, stunning architecture and fjords so beautiful that you cannot believe you exist on the same planet as this marvel of nature. But travel about two hours north of Oslo to an idyllic town of Flisa, and you will somehow find yourself falling in love with Norway over and over again. Such is the magic of PAN Treetop Cabins: a remote, design-led retreat in east Norway where you will find no wifi, lush, long trees and a cabin high up in the woods for the most tranquil getaway you can dream of.

PAN is a multi award-winning, design-led cabin concept that combines cutting edge sustainable architecture, untouched nature, and contemporary Nordic living. Nestled in the vast forest region of Finnskogen in east Norway, deep pine woods, placid lakes, and dramatic landscapes surround PAN’s three, immersive, treetop cabins. With beautiful Scandinavian design, native wildlife, and rich heritage rooted in ancient folklore, it is an ideal location for one-of-a-kind, off-grid luxury living.

As soon as we arrived at Flisa, we were greeted by PAN’s co-founder Christine Mowinckel, who invited us into a nearby cafe by the cabins for some light bites and wine. Christine founded PAN with her partner Kristian Rostad, and it is connected to the farm where they live. They wanted to create a unique retreat where one can find peace and harmony in the nature of Finnskogen, and everywhere you look, you can see how deeply Christine cares about this retreat.On our way up to the cabins, she is greeted by guests who are currently residing in the cabins, and she seems to be on a warm and friendly basis with each and every single one of them. When we get to our cabin, she helps us bring in logs and set up a campfire. Christine explains that there are only three cabins at PAN as we learn the art of campfire from her. This is so they don’t disturb the local forests while also ensuring every guest gets to enjoy remote and contemporary Nordic living. She tells us about the forest’s history and talks to us like we’re old friends. It is this level of personalised care that makes staying at PAN a step above the rest.

Entering the cabin, I could physically feel a sense of calm wash over me. Big floor to ceiling windows, wood panel walls, heated floors, a snug bed with a view of the forest, a cosy fireplace and even a telescope for stargazing at night – every single aspect of PAN is designed to make you feel at peace. The interior is arranged in three separate areas, functioning as individual bedrooms – perfect for both privacy and togetherness. 

Finnskogen is an area known for its untouched wilderness, deep forests, and rich history, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility, inspiration and nature experiences. We certainly felt it as we perched by the windows just gazing out into the vast forest. You’re surrounded by whispers of birch, spruce and pine on all sides, and are also afforded a magnificent view towards Lake Gjesåssjøen Nature Reserve – where you can spend hours spotting birds and wildlife from up close (we even saw a moose!). Sustainability is a big part of PAN – from the way the cabins run and consume electricity to the way the food is sourced, every single thing about PAN is ensuring there is as little an effect on the environment as possible.During our stay, we experienced both spectrums of the Nordic weather: beautiful, sun-kissed skies that washed the forest in this bright afternoon light, and the grey, rainy evening with water droplets beating down the big glass windows, creating the most tranquil environment we could possibly imagine. I could sit there for hours just listening to the rain, bathed in the soft light of the cabin, munching on the charcuterie and the food that Christine and the attentive staff at PAN have left for us to make or consume during our time there.

When the rain let up, we went out to explore the nearby forest (you can also do so on bikes found near each cabin), with trees so tall you feel like you’re being hugged by nature on all sides. I simply cannot overstate just how peaceful the whole experience is – especially for someone who is very used to the loud and fast paced city life of London. The chance to just switch off in the middle of some Nordic woods, roam among the tall trees and hear birds chirping away is a luxury we simply don’t realise we’re missing until we’re reminded of it.

Besides exploring the grounds, there is plenty to do here. From canoeing on the lakes and practicing yoga in the forest to in-cabin spa treatments and taking a dip in the outdoor hot tubs for the complete Nordic experience, you can find plenty of ways to keep entertained even when cut-off from the internet. During the winter, when the whole estate is covered in a beautiful blanket of snow, you can go sleigh- and horse carriage-riding, take a winter safari or learn to cross-country ski. The cabins also provide prime view to watch the Northern Lights.Whether you want to wander along the forest trails, enjoy the sound of birdsong, take on a fun winter activity or simply retreat from the stress of everyday life, PAN Treetop Cabins is a place where you can restore balance and renew your energy. Staying here, you’re really reminded to just slow down and take life in a little – something we tend to forget in the hustle of everyday life.

From the warm hospitality afforded by Christine and her lovely staff to the simply unbelievable views and serene energy of the cabin, there really is magic at PAN. When it came time to leave, I felt more peaceful and rested than I had in quite a long time. The kind of feeling you get after you’ve had a relaxing spa session – except, it was all just simply because of this remote retreat in the middle of nowhere. 

A stay at PAN Treetop Cabins can truly move you, and give you an opportunity to slow down and really live – an experience I look forward to repeating over and over again.

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