AO’s Favorite Unusual Sites to Spend a Night

Where to stay is a pivotal part of any trip, sometimes just as important as the destination itself. The place you rest your head can dictate not just the quality of sleep you get but the kinds of activities you choose, the people you meet, and the way you engage with the culture around you. That’s especially true at these accommodations, which are anything but ordinary—combining thoughtful design with unique entertainment and access to nature.

From a secluded forest cabin to a lively circus camp, these places run the gamut from serene oases to bustling community hubs, catering to travelers of all ages and persuasions. The cabin’s exterior mimics the horn of a tuba (hence its name). katnkx via Instagram / Used with permission This rabbit-hole-esque cabin, designed by students at the Bergen School of Architecture in 2014, overlooks the city from its perch on a forested cliff. Parties of up to five people (though families with young children are prioritized) can book a one-night stay in the building, crawling through its bent-timber hole into a cozy, minimalist interior.

It’s not the largest accommodation—just barely squeezing in its lofted sleeping areas and old-school wooden stove—but offers beautiful views from a full wall of windows. The resort has virtually no light pollution and very few trees obscuring the sky. Courtesy of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort In the heart of the Arctic Circle, guests at Kakslauttanen can book a glass igloo for dreamy nighttime views of the northern lights (at their brightest from late August through April).

However, if you’d rather stay in more traditional accommodations, there are a variety of spacious houses and cabins equipped with saunas, fireplaces, private outdoor space, and plenty of warm beverages. For the best of both worlds, try one of the resort’s Kelo-Glass Igloos, log cabins that contain a single jutting igloo room. A daily dose of hidden gems to visit, extraordinary places to eat and wondrous stories from around the world.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States Introducing Our Newest Book: _America Obscura_. Available Nov 10, 2026 The tower was created in 2009 by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi as part of an international art exhibition. hrnick / Atlas Obscura User Translating to “Fireplace” or “Chimney Villa,” this tiny hotel sits atop a 50-foot-tall tower built to resemble the chimneys of a nearby thermal power plant (the largest in Europe).

Guests climb up a tall staircase to the top, where a double bed, kitchen, fireplace, and garden await them. For those who don’t have time to spend the night, the tower is also open for free visits on Sunday afternoons. Northern windows overlook a taiga forest, while the southern windows provide views of a stream and flooded meadow.