Above the village of Dalen in Telemark, where the Telemark Canal meets the steep forested hillsides rising towards the interior plateau, Midjås farm has been reimagined as one of the region’s most striking retreat destinations. The name “Vidsyn” means “wide view” in Norwegian, and from the position of these modern glass cabins on the mountainside, the name earns itself: Lake Bandak stretches below in a long, mirror-like sweep, and the Telemark hills roll away to every horizon. It is a view best appreciated with the heat of a wood-fired sauna warming your back.
Sauna by the Private Lake
A short walk from the glass cabins, a small private lake sits quietly among the trees — and it is here that the wood-fired sauna has been placed. The sauna is modest in the best possible sense: properly hot, beautifully positioned, and focused entirely on the experience. After the heat, the lake is the cold plunge. The water is clear and clean, typically refreshingly cold even in summer, and the forest around it creates complete seclusion. The combination of private lake, wood-fired heat, and panoramic mountain surroundings makes this sauna one of Telemark’s most coveted wellness settings.
The Glass Cabins
The cabins at Vidsyn Midjås are a masterclass in Scandinavian design applied to a landscape setting. Large glass facades make the most of the views, while thoughtfully chosen materials — timber, stone, natural textiles — ensure the interiors feel warm rather than exposed. Each cabin is equipped with everything needed for a self-sufficient stay, and the overall aesthetic is one of calm, curated simplicity. The farm setting adds a layer of authenticity: this is working Norwegian countryside, not a manufactured resort.
Telemark and Dalen
The town of Dalen, directly below Midjås, is the terminus of the famous Telemark Canal — one of Norway’s great inland waterway journeys. The canal boats, the traditional wooden buildings, and the surrounding countryside make it an ideal base for exploring the broader Telemark region. Rjukan, with its UNESCO-listed industrial heritage and year-round skiing, is within easy driving distance, as are numerous hiking trails into the Hardangervidda plateau.
