Take a First Look at Denmark's Amazing New Tree House Hotel

In coastal Denmark, a treetop cabin—the first of nine to come—soothes the soul with Nordic minimalism.
Text by

After seven years in the making, Rasmus Lybæk’s dream of bringing people closer to nature has finally been realized with the debut of Løvtag (Danish for "canopy"), a glamping destination near Denmark’s pristine Mariager Fjord on the Als Odde peninsula. The getaway not only offers peaceful respite in a coastal forest, but also a cozy stay in a treetop cabin that positively oozes hygge.

The first Løvtag cabin (of nine planned) is located in a forest at Als Odde. "The cabins are located on a small hilltop overlooking a meadow which gives a wonderful view over the top of the forest and lets the sunshine in during the afternoon," says architect Sigurd Larsen.

The first Løvtag cabin (of nine planned) is located in a forest at Als Odde. "The cabins are located on a small hilltop overlooking a meadow which gives a wonderful view over the top of the forest and lets the sunshine in during the afternoon," says architect Sigurd Larsen.

The angular exterior is sheathed in untreated larch wood, zinc, and glass.

The angular exterior is sheathed in untreated larch wood, zinc, and glass.

Lybæk appointed Danish architect Sigurd Larsen to design the first of nine cabins planned for Løvtag. Lybæk was particularly impressed by Larsen’s experience with small-space design. No trees will be removed or damaged during the construction process—instead, the cabins are designed so that live trees grow through the middle of each structure.

Zinc-clad extensions jut out from the main timber structure to frame panoramic views of the forest from all directions.

Zinc-clad extensions jut out from the main timber structure to frame panoramic views of the forest from all directions.

Designed for minimal impact, the cabin blends into the forest with its small size and natural material palette.

Designed for minimal impact, the cabin blends into the forest with its small size and natural material palette.

"The forest is very diverse which makes it interesting to explore," says Larsen, who adds that the first cabin wraps around a pine tree, while the second and third cabins will be built around an oak tree and a beech tree, respectively.

A tree grows through the center of the cabin, which is elevated 26 feet in the air and supported by thin metal pillars.

A tree grows through the center of the cabin, which is elevated 26 feet in the air and supported by thin metal pillars.

A wooden bridge provides access to the elevated cabin. "The woods is a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest with soft moss covering large expanses of the forest floor," notes the architect. "If you are lucky, and quiet, you may well see deer, rabbits, or pheasants."

A wooden bridge provides access to the elevated cabin. "The woods is a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest with soft moss covering large expanses of the forest floor," notes the architect. "If you are lucky, and quiet, you may well see deer, rabbits, or pheasants."

Elevated 26 feet into the air, the 334-square-foot cabin can host up to four guests and it opens up to views of nature and an abundance of natural light via large windows on the south and west sides. The cabin comprises two sleeping areas, a kitchenette, a living and dining space, access to a rooftop terrace, and a bathroom that opens up to an outdoor shower. All of the cabins will be equipped with water, electricity, and indoor plumbing.

Designed for "utilizing every cubic centimeter to its utmost," the compact cabin feels large thanks to full-height glazing and clean, minimalist design.

Designed for "utilizing every cubic centimeter to its utmost," the compact cabin feels large thanks to full-height glazing and clean, minimalist design.

The interiors are lined with pale ash wood and white plaster.

The interiors are lined with pale ash wood and white plaster.

Built around a live tree, the cabin reinforces its connection to nature with a natural material palette and large windows that pull the outdoors in.

Built around a live tree, the cabin reinforces its connection to nature with a natural material palette and large windows that pull the outdoors in.

A look inside the second sleeping area with a sofa bed. Most furnishings are from Hay, and the rest were custom designed by Sigurd Larsen.

A look inside the second sleeping area with a sofa bed. Most furnishings are from Hay, and the rest were custom designed by Sigurd Larsen.

A perforated metal screen provides privacy for the outdoor shower, where guests can experience "bathing in the forest."

A perforated metal screen provides privacy for the outdoor shower, where guests can experience "bathing in the forest."

A wooden staircase leads to a rooftop terrace. "The access to the roof terrace gives the impression that you continue to ‘climb’ the tree to reach the canopy," said the architecture studio.

A wooden staircase leads to a rooftop terrace. "The access to the roof terrace gives the impression that you continue to ‘climb’ the tree to reach the canopy," said the architecture studio.

Guests are welcome to book online starting at 1,950 Danish Krone ($295 USD) for two people a night.

Løvtag cabin main floor plan

Løvtag cabin main floor plan

Løvtag rooftop terrace floor plan

Løvtag rooftop terrace floor plan

Løvtag cabin section

Løvtag cabin section

A cross section of the forest on the Als Odde peninsula

A cross section of the forest on the Als Odde peninsula

Builder/General Contractor: BB Bygge & Entreprenørfirma

Structural Engineer: LB Consult Rådgivende Ingeniør AS 

Published

Get the Dwell Newsletter

Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.