💻 Rorbu for remote work
Rorbu is not only a view of the sea and the pier "two minutes from your desk", but also a convenient base for remote work: quiet evenings, long daylight hours in summer and quick 60-90 minute walks after work. Below is how to check the internet and prepare a 4G/5G backup, organise your workspace (desk, chair, lighting), plan your day and not forget about the "work-sea" balance.
📡 Internet: a reality that needs to be confirmed
The phrase "Wi-Fi is available" does not mean much. For stable operation, gather facts: connection type (fibre optic/DSL/radio), average speed (up/down), router location, and stability in bad weather. Ask your host for a screenshot of a speed test with the date and measurement taken near your desk. Keep a backup: eSIM/SIM from a second operator and a ready-to-use 4G/5G distribution.
🔁 Backup: 4G/5G and the "Internet on Monday" plan
Maintain two independent network connections: the main Wi-Fi at home and a mobile backup. The backup can be provided by a second operator's eSIM/SIM, a phone access point, or a compact router with a SIM. Place the router/phone near a window, and keep a USB tethering cable and power bank handy. Check whether the connection works in your workspace (not just in the kitchen).
🪑 Workspace: desk, chair, lighting
The ideal spot is by the window, but without glare on the camera. A desk with a depth of 70–80 cm, an external monitor at eye level, a separate keyboard/mouse. Chair — with backrest and lumbar support; if the chair is simple, use a roll pillow. Lighting — warm lamp from the side, not from above.
🔌 Electricity and stability
Get a 20–25 m extension cord and a power strip, and distribute your chargers across different areas (laptop/phone/headphones/camera). During storms, the lights may "flicker" — keep your laptop plugged in and on battery power, and keep your router and phone charged. For calls, plan for a "last chance" — audio only.
🔌 Outlets and Cables
📶 Router and Coverage
🧯 Protection and Backup
🕒 Time zones: leave room for the sea
Plan your meetings with the team and your time by the water. Keep your calls within a "compact window" so that your evenings are free.
🗓️ Work-sea balance: how to incorporate walks
At least one "loop" in the evening (60–90 minutes) and a short walk in the daytime (15–20 minutes). Keep a list of "quick spots" near your home in advance: the beach, a scenic bridge, the pier.
✉️ What to ask the hosts before booking
Ask about the type of internet, upload/download speed, router location (and the possibility of moving it closer to the table), desk/chair, sockets at the table, lighting, "quiet hours", parking at the door and late check-in. For long calls, check where the quietest room is.
📨 Workation inquiry
Hello! We are planning to work remotely from __ to __, total __ people. 1) Internet: type (fiber/DSL/radio) and average speed ↑/↓? Could you share a speed test screenshot near the desk? 2) Router: where is it located and can it be moved closer to the desk/window? 3) Workspace: is there a desk/chair, power outlets and a lamp by the desk? 4) Quiet room for calls and “quiet hours” inside the house/by the pier? 5) Mobile coverage 4G/5G inside the cabin (which operators work best)? 6) Is late check-in and parking by the door possible? Thank you!
🎒 What to bring to your "office by the sea"
External keyboard/mouse, noise-cancelling headphones, USB hub, laptop stand, extension cord and power strip, power bank, splash cover for your backpack, sleep mask and earplugs (in case of noisy neighbours), warm layers for evening walks.
🛡️ Privacy and order
For calls, position your camera so that passageways and neighbours' windows are not visible. Use background blur. Close your laptop at night, encrypt your hard drive, and do not leave valuables on the terrace.
FAQ
Ask the host for a screenshot of a speed test with the date and measurement at the intended work desk. Specify the type of connection (fibre optic/DSL/radio) and ask if there are any interruptions during storms. Keep a speed reserve of ×1.5 of your call requirements.
Yes. Even fibre optic connections can slow down due to the router or provider maintenance. Keep a SIM/eSIM from a second operator and a plan ready to switch to audio mode or share your phone's internet connection via USB.
Create an ergonomic setup using whatever you have on hand: a laptop stand, an external keyboard, a lumbar pillow, a box for your feet. Ask your host for an extra chair or folding table — they are often happy to help.
Get a 20–25 m extension cord and a splitter, distribute chargers across different areas, and keep a USB tethering cable and power bank handy. Place your router closer to your workspace or run an Ethernet cable if possible.
Group all calls into one or two "windows", use a time overlap calculator, and set aside a 60-90 minute "evening loop" in your schedule as a mandatory meeting with yourself and the sea.
Move to a room facing the courtyard, close the window, use a noise-cancelling headset and set the background to virtual blur. Plan your calls for times when there is no "stormy" weather.
Prepare offline copies, set deadlines during periods of stable connection, and inform your team in advance about your "plan B" (audio-only/postponement). Keep two channels to the network and your laptop on battery power.
Keyboard/mouse, noise-cancelling headphones, laptop stand, extension cord, power bank, SIM/eSIM from a second operator, sleep mask/earplugs, warm layers for evening walks by the water.
By the window — for light and inspiration, but without glare in the camera. Sideways to the window, not opposite it. Check the Wi-Fi in this spot and, if necessary, move the router closer.
Yes — the polar day extends the "golden hour," and during the aurora season, the evening can become a "second shift of creativity." Include a "loop" in your daily schedule, keep your camera charged by the door, and reserve time after 6 p.m.
