Nordlight is a haven for travellers and readers at the edge of the World, between the snowy peaks of Vanna Island and the Barents Sea. Geography calls it a peninsula, with a windswept cape, a small bay prized by killer whales, and a tundra of rocks and grasses, sometimes white, sometimes green, fought over by gulls, woodcocks, terns, sheep and reindeer. Men have built a microscopic village of a few houses that were once for fishermen, and the two houses of Nordlight defend the eastern front. Nordlight is at the foot of Vannkista and Peppertinden, around 1,000 metres, designed by geology to lift the eyes to an endless horizon of snow, ice and blue oceans, and to ski in the powder down to the sea.
A few miles to the west is the sheltered harbour of Kristoffervalen, the base of our Swan 44 Cadeau, an adventurous boat that comes from long voyages in Alaska and Patagonia. Cadeau happily splashes around in these quirky waters and takes Nordlight guests to the islands of Senja, Kagen and Arnoya, which are particularly difficult to reach without a boat, to continue their discovery of the mountains of the great north. It is also a perfect playmate for following the killer whales that inhabit the waters off Nordlight from the end of October.
The House of Books
Every architectural element, from the design to the materials to the decroations, is the result of research to combine local tradition, use of island materials and reuse of traditional artefacts. Tables have been created from old doors, light has risen from old skis, old beds have been salvaged as far as possible, wood and beams have been brought into view, all types of plastic have been eliminated with the exception of old fishing buoys that have been salvaged from the beach and now serve as a colour element.
Nordlight Base, or the Red House
The red house, the refuge for sea and mountain travellers, is half a century younger, but its four rooms and lounge are still made of wood, nails and glass. Its large windows open onto the Auroras, the ocean and the present of fibre optics. The red house accommodates travellers with a large living room with a wood-burning stove and large windows overlooking the sea. Guests have free access to the kitchen. Two large bathrooms are at guests’ disposal.
Our four rooms
The Northwest, a corner double room with views of the ocean and northern lights, writing table, double bed and balcony.
The Northeast, single room with ocean view and writing table.
The Mansard, attic triple room, with a double bed in the attic and a single bed on the floor. Mountain view and writing table.
The Svalbard, attic double room, with a double bed in the attic and a couch at floor level. Mountain view and writing table.
