The tiny home movement has evolved from a minimalist lifestyle choice into a full-blown design phenomenon.
Far from being cramped or compromising, the best tiny homes in the world demonstrate ingenuity in form and function – often surrounded by some of the planet’s most breathtaking backdrops.
Here’s a look at some of the most captivating tiny homes around the world that turn less into something truly luxe.
The Glass Cabin, Sweden
Nestled deep in the pine forests of Dalarna, this Swedish retreat is made almost entirely of glass. Designed to blur the line between indoors and out, the home allows natural light to flood in while offering panoramic views of surrounding woodland.
The structure is elevated slightly off the ground, giving it a treehouse-like feel without sacrificing comfort. Equipped with solar panels and a composting toilet, the cabin is a model of modern eco-living. Guests who want to stay must adhere by the 72-hour rule.
Erikson Cottage, Lindås 8, 514 55 Ljungsarp, Sweden
Opening hours: Year-round (book in advance)
Rental Price: From $1,200/three days onwards
Website
The UFOGEL, Austria
Shaped like a sci-fi pod and made from larch wood, the UFOGEL in East Tyrol is as otherworldly as it gets. Its name combines “UFO” and “Vogel” (German for bird), reflecting its blend of futuristic design and alpine roots.
Although it spans only 45 square metres, the home offers a spacious lounge area, panoramic windows, and an elevated sleeping nook that feels like a nest above the clouds. It’s a favourite for skiers in winter and hikers in summer.
Family Pitterl Gaimbergstrasse, 1a, A-9990 Nussdorf-Debant, Austria
Rental Price: From $175/night onwards
Website
Arctic Hideaway, Norway
Accessible only by boat, this collection of minimalist cabins sits on a remote island in the Fleinvær archipelago. Founded by jazz musician Håvard Lund, the Arctic Hideaway is more of an artists’ residency than a typical home, but each cabin is self-sufficient and beautifully designed.
With a focus on creative solitude, the structures lack Wi-Fi and TV, nudging guests to reconnect with nature – or their own thoughts – amid the raw beauty of the Arctic Circle.
Fordypningsrommet Fleinvær, Sørværet 2-4, 8094 Fleinvær, Norway
Rental Price: Their price structure rewards stays of one week or more
Website
Cabin ANNA, The Netherlands
Winner of multiple design awards, Cabin ANNA features sliding walls and roofs that allow inhabitants to control their exposure to the elements. It can transform from a solid wooden box to a light-filled glass pavilion in minutes.
Built with FSC-certified timber, the home reflects the Dutch affinity for intelligent spatial design and environmental sensitivity. Located in De Biesbosch National Park, it’s surrounded by meadows and waterways teeming with wildlife.
Holenberg, Udensedreef 14, 5374 RK Schaijk, The Netherlands
Rental Price: From $362/night onwards
Website
The Bali Bamboo House, Indonesia
Perched in the Ayung River Valley, this tiny home is crafted entirely from locally sourced bamboo. Built by IBUKU, the design is fluid and organic, with curved walls, open-air spaces, and an intricate spiral staircase.
Though modest in footprint, the home is equipped with modern amenities and surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s a testament to how natural materials, when used creatively, can elevate a space into something extraordinary.
Jl. Raya Tebola, Desa Sidemen, Karangasem, Bali 80864, Indonesia
Rental Price: From $300/night onwards
Website
For more breathtaking buildings, find them here.
