Oslo’s Self-Catering Excursion Cabin: Fuglemyrhytta by Snøhetta

On the western side of a small rise by the lake of Fuglemyra, hidden in the dense Norwegian forest, there is a place that draws many hikers, school classes and families. The Fuglemyrhytta, which was conceived according to the principles of self-sufficiency and sustainability, can be reached only on foot via the hiking paths in the Nordmarka forest.

The building, designed by Snøhetta, comprises two offset, pentagonal volumes. The shape and height of these volumes create an impression of lightness, while the unusual shape of the rooms provides clever solutions for sleeping areas. Moreover, the cabin offers interesting perspectives of the landscape. For instance, the view through the panoramic window overlooks the Oslofjord and the Vettakollen, which is one of the Norwegian capital’s most beautiful lookout points.

The heart of the Fuglemyrhytta is a spacious communal room whose diverse seating and integrated oven with stovetop invite visitors to enjoy a shared meal and stay a while after a long day of hiking.  The large, south-facing window sets the stage for the splendid landscape surrounding the cabin.
A broad corridor in the entryway and a drying room in the rear area of the building have enough space to store jackets and shoes. The toilet is located in an outhouse behind the cabin. The Fuglemyrhytta can accommodate up to 16 people by day; by night as many as 10 can find room to sleep in the two bedrooms.
The cabin is constructed of cross-laminated timber combined with two glulam frames and clad with robust pinewood. In the manufacture and processing of the materials, particular attention was paid to the lowest possible carbon-dioxide consumption. The locally produced, natural materials ensure a pleasant, healthy indoor climate.

The interior of the cabin draws significant parallels to nature as well. Strong cross-laminated timber dominates the space. In some places, the hard-wax coating on the indoor walls creates various textures that enliven the interior. The colour scheme, which ranges from light-grey to burgundy to orange, add a refreshing touch to traditional Norwegian cabin life.
The Fuglymyrhytta is open year-round and can be reserved on website of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).