🛖 Sjøhus and fishermen's cottages: an alternative to rorbu
Sjøhus are converted "houses by the sea" or boathouses where fishing gear was once stored and boats moored. Today, many sjøhus have been converted into cosy apartments right on the shore, with a spacious living room, kitchen and water views. They are similar in atmosphere to rorbu, but often differ in layout, access to the pier and dry "shore" location — this is important for families, fishermen and those who appreciate peace and comfort.
📜 Origin and character of Sjøhus
Historically, sjøhus were built at the water's edge or just above tide level so that boats and tackle were close at hand. Hence the large doors, long rooms with a "draught," and the ability to store nets and barrels. In the tourist format, such houses often have insulation, modern kitchens, and panoramic windows overlooking the fjord. The "maritime" character has been preserved: solid wood, exposed beams, proximity to the pier, but at the same time, a "drier" foundation and greater stability in storms compared to rorbu on stilts.
🔍 How Sjøhus differs from Rorbu
The key differences are in their location relative to the water, logistics and layout. For clarity, here is a comparison table.
| Criteria | Sjøhus | Rorbu |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Usually on shorelines/embankments, above tide level — less rocking and spray during storms. | Often on stilts above the water — “over the fjord” feeling, closer to waves and wind. |
| Layout | Wider passages, more “warehouse” logic, spacious living area, convenient for families. | Compact bedrooms, shared kitchen-living; authentic “fisherman’s” geometry. |
| Fishing | Easy pier access, gear storage areas, often a filleting room nearby. | Pier “right outside the window,” sometimes own boat; storage may be limited. |
| Noise/Storm | Usually quieter in bad weather, less creaking of decks. | Atmosphere of waves and ropes; can be noisier during storms. |
| Remote work | Stable Wi-Fi* Spacious desk | Panorama Signal check needed |
🗺️ Where to find Sjøhus on the coast
Sjøhus can be found along the entire northern and western coast. For "postcard" views, try Lofoten and Vesterålen; for a quiet, intimate atmosphere, try Senja and Helgeland; for a combination of city and sea, try the villages near Svolvær or Tromsø. On the western fjords, choose bays that are sheltered from the wind if you are travelling with children or plan to work in the evenings.
Lofoten
Vesterålen
Senja
Helgeland
Western Fjords
🧩 Layouts and amenities
Sjøhus usually have a spacious living room with large windows, an open kitchen, 1–3 bedrooms and 1–2 bathrooms. They often have a storage room or utility room, which is convenient for drying clothes and storing fishing gear, prams or bicycles. The kitchen comes with a full set of dishes, an oven and dishwasher in the "standard/premium" version, a coffee maker and a kettle. For families, a high chair and safe access to the pier are important, while for remote workers, a desk, sufficient number of sockets and a lamp with warm light are essential.
🎣 Advantages of Sjøhus for fishing and living by the sea
Proximity to the pier and low "logistical threshold" are the main advantages. Load the boat, take out the tackle, return and clean the catch in the fileteringsrom — all this is done literally "in a straight line." There is often a freezer for the catch, racks for fishing rods and a hose for washing equipment. In stormy weather, the sjøhus is more stable thanks to its coastal foundation: there is less rocking and fewer splashes on the windows. For families, it also means safety — children are not "hanging" over the water, as they would be on high decks.
👥 Who will particularly enjoy Sjøhus
Couples and families who value space and a good night's sleep; fishermen with a large set of tackle; photographers who need a "base" close to their shooting locations; those who combine vacation and work. If you value "the view from the window + ease of movement around the house," sjøhus often wins out over rorbu with its compact bedrooms and narrow passageways.
👨👩👧 Family
Spacious, safe pier access, laundry and kitchen just like at home.
🎣 Fisher
Fileteringsrom nearby, storage for gear, freezer and hose for cleaning.
🧑💻 Workation
Stable Wi-Fi, desk with sockets, quiet bedroom.
📸 Photographer
Panoramic windows, quick access to photo spots and shelter from the wind.
🧭 Selection and booking checklist
Gather information in advance: pier type and 24/7 access, availability of a fileteringsrom and freezer, width of interior passageways (for prams), work area and internet speed, parking at the door, washing machine and drying room, quiet hours and tackle storage rules.
🌦️ Seasonality and weather by the water
In summer, there is more light, services are open, and it is convenient to plan photo walks in the evening. In autumn and winter, there is a cosy atmosphere, chances of seeing the aurora, and quieter villages. During storms, strong winds and waves are possible — sjøhus on the shore provides less vibration and spray, but warm layers, waterproof footwear and earplugs will not hurt. After rain, a mat for wet equipment at the entrance and careful drying in the utility room will come in handy.
💰 Budget and what affects the price
The cost is influenced by the month of travel, the "openness" of the view from the windows, the size of the cottage, the amenities included (laundry, fileteringsrom, parking at the door), as well as demand during holidays and "high" weeks. You can save money by booking in advance and choosing bays with quick access to "picture-perfect" spots, rather than just the most famous ones. Check the cancellation policy, deposit and final cleaning costs to avoid unexpected additional charges.
🛟 Safety on the pier and in the cabin
Walk on the pier in non-slip shoes, store tackle and buckets in the designated area, and do not leave fishing line on the deck. Children must wear life jackets and follow the "no running near the edge" rule. When handling your catch, wear gloves and do not pour leftovers into the general drains. When barbecuing by the water, check local regulations and choose equipped areas; in windy weather, cook indoors with good ventilation.
📨 Message to hosts
Hello! We are planning to stay from __ to __, with __ guests. 1) Pier access: 24/7? Is mooring and fencing available? 2) Fileteringsrom and freezer: are they available, and where located? 3) Internet: type of connection and average speed (up/down)? 4) Workspace: is there a desk/chair and power outlets nearby? 5) Laundry/dryer: inside the cabin or in a shared block? Access schedule? 6) Parking at the door and late check-in: is it possible? Thank you!
FAQ
Sjøhus is a former boathouse or utility shed right on the shore, adapted for living. It has retained its maritime character and convenient access to the pier, while also being insulated and equipped with a kitchen and living spaces suitable for families and long stays.
Rorbu often stands on stilts above the water, giving the effect of "hanging" over the fjord and an authentic creaking floor. Sjøhus is on the shore, with more stable behaviour in storms and wide passageways. Sjøhus is usually more practical for children and equipment, but rorbu often has a more "cinematic" view from the window.
Yes. Spacious living rooms, direct dry access to the pier, the possibility of installing a cot and the availability of a washing machine make sjøhus comfortable for families. Pay attention to the railings by the water and non-slip flooring.
Very convenient: there is a pier nearby, a fileteringsrom and a freezer, and you can store your tackle and dry your waders in the utility room. The logistics of "boat - gutting - kitchen" take a minimum of time and effort.
Yes, especially if you have a reliable internet connection and a desk with power sockets. Bring an extension cord with you, and if necessary, a mobile modem as a backup, and check the location of the router for a stable signal in your work area.
Many sjøhus have a washing machine in the cottage or a separate laundry room in the complex. There are drying rooms or warm, well-ventilated storage rooms for fishing suits and clothing after rain.
Most often, yes: the coastal location allows you to keep your car close to the entrance. This makes it easier to unload tackle and suitcases, especially in bad weather and on family trips.
A sjøhus on the shore is quieter than a house on stilts. However, the sound of the wind and waves is part of coastal life. Thick curtains, earplugs at night and proper storage of ropes and equipment out of the wind help.
In the "standard" and "premium" sjøhus, there is often a full kitchen with an oven and dishwasher, which is convenient for families and long stays. This is also found in rorbu, but in authentic versions, the kitchen may be more compact.
For those who value space, stability in bad weather, easy access to the pier and quiet evenings: families, fishermen, photographers and remote professionals who combine work and leisure.
