From treehouses to igloos: 10 extraordinary places to stay

If you’re brave enough to try something new, here are ten particularly unusual places to stay for your next trip.

Are you looking for a unique place to stay that will make your trip unforgettable? There is now an impressive range of extraordinary accommodation options available. If you’re brave enough to try something new, we’ve got a few ideas for you here. Join us as we delve into the world of tree houses, igloos and more. Our partnership with Booking.com makes it possible to discover these unique places to stay (including, for example, stays in tiny houses) with savings of up to 10 per cent, thanks to our Travel Prepaid Credit Card cashback programme.

Contents:

1. Waking up amongst the treetops: spending the night in a treehouse

Do you love nature and have always wanted to spend the night in a treehouse? Imagine waking up, gazing out at lush green treetops and hearing the rustling of leaves in the wind. Up here, you can really switch off. Spending the night in a treehouse is something special and may well bring back long-forgotten childhood dreams. The Buchengrün treehouse welcomes guests to an enchanting retreat in Dobl-Zwaring, Austria. The treehouse’s curved architecture blends harmoniously into the surrounding forest, creating a peaceful oasis high above the ground. With its stylish interior and panoramic windows, the Buchengrün Treehouse not only offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, but also a sense of seclusion and comfort.

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2. Spending the night outdoors: An idyllic glamping experience

When camping in a tent, you feel a particularly close connection to nature, as only a thin fabric wall separates you from the surrounding landscape. Staying in a tent allows you to immerse yourself in the sounds, smells and beauty of your surroundings, turning camping into an authentic and invigorating experience. However, if you’d rather not have to worry about finding the right camping kit, pitching a tent and other important preparations, and are also looking for a bit more comfort, you can take advantage of so-called glamping offers. Glamping is, so to speak, the luxury version of a camping holiday and, despite the comfort, offers that pleasant sense of freedom and adventure. For example, you can book a fully equipped tent with all the trimmings you could possibly need. A particularly idyllic glamping experience awaits visitors at Il Bosco di Paolo in Sestola, in the north of Italy. The stylish tents are skilfully nestled within the natural surroundings and offer guests not only comfort but also breathtaking views of the surrounding forests. From the cosy bed to the private veranda, Il Bosco di Paolo in Sestola creates a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who loves the outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort. A night’s stay in this glamping paradise promises not only peace and relaxation, but also the magic of an authentic camping experience amidst Italy’s picturesque countryside.

 

3. Sleeping under the stars: spending the night in a bubble tent

If you’d like to drift off to sleep gazing at the starry sky, the so-called Bubble Tent is just the thing for you. Bubble Tents are a type of transparent, inflatable tent that resembles a soap bubble. The transparent dome offers an unrivalled view of the starry sky and the surrounding landscape, whilst retaining all the comforts of a hotel room. The Bubble Tent in Füssen, in the Allgäu region, offers a particularly impressive panorama: a picturesque view of the mountains. With its cosy beds and stylish décor, the Bubble Tent in Füssen creates a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of nature. Here, too, guests have the chance to experience the magic of camping without having to forego any comforts. This Bubble Tent promises not just an overnight stay in the open air, but an immersive connection with the beauty of the Allgäu and the starry sky.

4. A journey into the world of nomads: spending the night in a yurt

The special experience of spending the night in a yurt lies in the unique blend of traditional nomadic architecture and modern comfort. The yurt’s dome-shaped structure creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, whilst at the same time fostering a deep connection to nature and the roots of nomadic ways of life. This is because this traditional round dwelling is inspired by the tents of Central Asian nomadic peoples. Travellers who don’t want to miss out on this experience are in good hands at the lovingly designed yurt in Ernstbrunn, Austria. It is not just a place to sleep, but a journey into the world of sustainable architecture and minimalist comfort. With a cosy interior and unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside, the yurt creates a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. A night’s stay in such a dome tent promises not only peace and relaxation, but also, in a sense, an insight into the fascinating way of life of the nomads.

 

5. Chilly accommodation in the snow: Spending the night in an igloo

If you’re not afraid of the cold and love snowy landscapes, spending the night in an igloo is an experience you shouldn’t miss. The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway, offers just such an experience. The ice hotel’s artistically designed igloos are rebuilt from scratch every year using snow and ice, and offer not only simple sleeping quarters but also fascinating works of art carved from ice. Guests have the opportunity to stay amidst sculptural walls and ceilings, whilst the icy silence and the magical Northern Lights outside complete the scene. A night in the ice that takes you on a journey into a frosty world full of art, nature and luxury.

6. Minimalism meets sustainability: staying in a tiny house

The idea behind so-called ‘tiny houses’ is to consciously downsize living space and instead create a compact, well-thought-out environment that is not only sustainable but also conveys a sense of freedom and independence. These minimalist living concepts appeal to a longing for simplicity, efficiency and a sustainable lifestyle. If this idea appeals to you and you’ve perhaps even thought about living in a tiny house before, why not book a weekend in one of these mini-houses on wheels? A truly delightful example, open to overnight guests, can be found in Trier: the ‘Dreischwesternherz’ Tiny House. This minimalist home is stylishly and lovingly designed down to the last detail and is idyllically situated amidst nature. The clever use of space and the well-thought-out furnishings create a cosy atmosphere that captures the charm of the little things. From the cosy sleeping nook to the functional kitchen, this tiny house reflects not only an architectural trend but also a philosophy of life – a small home that makes your heart feel big.

7. Out of this world: spending the night in a spaceship

An otherworldly overnight experience awaits guests in the Treehotel’s UFO in Sweden. This unique, spaceship-inspired treehouse offers not only extraordinary accommodation, but also a journey into the realms of fantasy. Hovering amongst the treetops, the UFO, with its rounded shapes and glowing lights, offers not only a visual spectacle but also a cosy retreat high above the ground. With a touch of sci-fi and a dash of luxury, this unconventional accommodation offers travellers the chance to spend a night in another world and gaze at the starry sky through the panoramic windows. The UFO at the Treehotel in Sweden promises an overnight stay that is definitely out of this world. Incidentally, this spaceship-like treehouse is just one of many extraordinary and highly creative tree-top lodgings at the Treehotel, all of which were created by different artists. The Treehouse Hotel’s rather unconventional accommodation options also include, for example, the Birds’ Nest and the Mirror Cube. Here, you’re sure to experience a travel adventure of a very special kind.

8. Maritime charm with a view: spending the night in a lighthouse

Spending the night in a lighthouse is a unique experience that not only offers breathtaking views of the coast but also creates a romantic atmosphere, enhanced by the building’s maritime history and the soothing sound of the waves. A lighthouse as accommodation combines seclusion with spectacular views and a touch of maritime charm. The Leuchtturm holiday home in Breege, Germany, captures this lighthouse charm particularly well. The lighthouse not only offers breathtaking views across the Baltic Sea, but also a cosy interior that preserves the rustic charm of the historic building whilst stylishly incorporating the colours, materials and patterns of the maritime world.

9. A journey to Middle-earth: spending the night in a hobbit-hole

A magical journey into the world of hobbits awaits those who choose to spend the night in a hobbit house, such as the Cabane Hobbit de Samsaget in the heart of France. This delightful Hobbit house offers not only a charming setting but also unique accommodation inspired by the world of the Hobbits. Tucked away in lush green surroundings, the Cabane Hobbit de Samsaget promises not only cosiness but also the magic of nature. The curved shapes and carefully designed interior allow guests to immerse themselves in a fantasy world, whilst enjoying the rustic charm and comfort of modern amenities. This Hobbit-style accommodation is not just a place to stay, but a journey into the world of dreams and the fantastical architecture of the Shire in Middle-earth.

10. The houseboat as accommodation: a maritime getaway on the water

Staying on a houseboat: this extraordinary way of living combines comfort with adventure in an idyllic waterside setting. A floating oasis of cosiness awaits guests, for example, at the Floating B&B Amsterdam, a unique accommodation that calls the city’s picturesque canals home. This floating bed and breakfast offers a unique retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, yet within easy reach of the centre of Amsterdam. The lovingly designed interiors create a cosy atmosphere, whilst the sound of the water beneath the houseboat provides a soothing melody.