Sæterhytten, Kulturgut in Norwegen
Sæterhytten is a former royal guesthouse on Bygdøy that was originally designed as a bathhouse before King Charles XV adapted it for leisure and relaxation. The building features simple rooms decorated in 19th century style, with traditional Norwegian construction methods and furnishings visible throughout.
King Charles XV had the building constructed around 1850 as a private retreat overlooking the bay, a place where the royal family and guests could enjoy the landscape. The house became an important part of Bygdøy's story as a royal leisure destination throughout the 19th century and beyond.
Sæterhytten takes its name from Norwegian pastoral traditions, where such structures once housed seasonal workers and their families. The restored building shows how craftspeople and household staff lived and worked during the 19th century, offering insight into daily life beyond the royal household itself.
The site is located on the Bygdøy peninsula and can be accessed by walking along marked trails that connect different points across the area. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is hilly and several paths lead through woods to the various historic buildings.
During the 2011 restoration, craftspeople uncovered original architectural features hidden beneath later modifications that revealed the building had been designed as a luxury bathhouse. This discovery reshaped how the restoration was carried out and showed how royal leisure practices evolved over decades.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
