Escape to Bakkestua, a cozy retreat nestled on Clear Lake of the Spider Lake Chain. Enjoy Scandinavian charm with traditional design elements, wood-burning stoves, and comfortable 'dynes' in each bedroom. Take in spectacular lake views from every living space and bedroom or relax on the private 32-foot dock by the lake.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire cabin
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI
Located on Clear Lake of the Spider Lake Chain and only 20 minutes from Hayward, Bakkestua (which translates as Bakkes' living place in Norwegian) was built in the 80's by husband and wife Norwegian immigrants. The cabin is now taken care of by the next generation, but all of the Norwegian elements remain. There is a mix of traditional and mid-century modern Scandinavian design throughout the cabin including a corner cabinet and chest with rosemaling painting, 2 Scandinavian wood-burning stoves, a reindeer skin on the wall, an ornately hand-carved wooden mangle (traditionally used for ironing in Norway), traditional Scandinavian 'dynes' (duvets) in the bedrooms, as well as other Norwegian decorations and furniture. Stepping into this cabin is a little like taking a mini-trip to Norway.
Bakkestua has spectacular views of the lake from every living space and bedroom. It is spacious and comfortable with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room combined with dining room, family room, 2 wood-burning stoves, laundry room with washer and dryer, 1 larger deck and 1 smaller deck, and WIFI (for those who need to stay connected or would like to watch a movie on the smart TV)
On the main level, enjoy a cup of coffee with the sunrise on one deck or enjoy a gin and tonic with the sunset on another deck. In between the two decks is a spacious combined dining room and living room with a wood-burning stove, vaulted ceilings, and speakers with bluetooth connection for enjoying your music. The kitchen has all the essentials minus a dishwasher and is just off of the combined room. The master bedroom and bathroom have access to one of the decks with a beautiful view of the lake and the sunset.
On the lower level, there is a family room with a wood-burning stove, large flat-screen TV, DVD player, video library, board games, books, and a couch with pull-out double bed. There are two bedrooms also with views of the lake, a bathroom with tub and shower, laundry room, and storage room. The storage room has life jackets, fishing rods, water toys, and paddles for you to use. Right outside the storage room, there is wood for the wood-burning stoves.
Bakkestua overlooks 200 feet of lake shore on a quiet lake with privacy from the neighbors, so that you will feel as if you are alone in nature . The lower level has a walk-out to a curving, gradual path down to the lake with just a few stairs by the dock. Relax on the private 32 foot dock or enjoy a camp fire at the fire pit by the lake. Take a canoe , kayak, or paddle board out for an adventure. Bring your own boat along or rent one at Hayward Power Sports only 10 minutes away. Clear Lake is connected to the Spider Lake Chain, so you have access to five lakes with good musky, large-mouth bass, and walleye fishing. There is swimming off the dock, but bring water shoes since it is not a sandy beach. Flotation devices work well in this area for having fun in the water.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Internet
Available in the cabin: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Dock
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Gravel flooring in public areas
Handrails in stairways
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No lift (single-level property)
Stair-free path to entrance
Thin carpet in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Golf
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Unit size: 1,400 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Cleaners in the north woods of WI are scarce. Owner reserves the right to cancel the reservation within 48 hours of booking if cleaner is unavailable.
Pets are super awesome but not allowed on our property because of renter insurance. The good news is that there are two very affordable kennels nearby
You are living like a local, be respectful of the other locals. Limit hours of merrymaking and be mindful that sound travels easily by water.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Hayward, this cabin is on the beach. Tiger Cat Flowage and Lake Placid reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Wayside Wanderings Natural Play Area and Cable Natural History Museum. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling. Visit our Hayward travel guide
Is A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI located?
Nestled on the beach, this Hayward cabin is within 9 mi (15 km) of Spider Lake Townhall, Wildwood Marshes Golf Course and Tiger Cat Flowage. Lake Placid and Burns Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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A Little Piece of Scandinavia In The North Woods, Spider Lake Chain, Hayward, WI Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We absolutely loved our stay here - the cabin was well-stocked, clean and so thoughtfully decorated. The outdoor deck space was great and we took advantage of the paddle boards and peaceful lake. We hope to come back next year!
This property was just as advertised—and everything we were hoping for as a family vacation destination. The prior reviews are all accurate—this is a lovely cabin in the northwoods. The communication and correspondence with the hosts was prompt and very helpful. The layout of the cabin was just about perfect for our young adult children and their partners—and we loved having two separate decks for morning coffee and listening to the loons. A beautiful fire pit, plenty of chairs, and lots of water equipment down at the lake was everything we needed. 10 stars top to bottom for Bakkestua!
Great relaxing trip to the Northwoods :) We loved reading on the porches and having a fire each night. We also rented a pontoon via the hosts' recommendations and went golfing at the nearby Spider Lake Golf Resort. We had a blast!
The cabin was great! Very clean, well stocked, and lots of water toys. We also really enjoyed the fire pit by the lake. Paul and Ellen were very responsive throughout the process.
We had a lovely stay at this property. Wonderful location. Quiet lake with access to larger lakes. I enjoyed paddle boarding every day, as well as fishing and swimming. There are lots of fish right off the dock to catch too! thanks so much for a wonderful vacation.
Terrific hosts, wonderful property, memorable experience! We fished, kayaked, canoed, tried the paddle board, swam, read books, took naps, watched movies, played library and coffee shop, listened to music, and saw northern light and shooting stars while laying on the dock. Above all, we made good memories.
We were very happy to find such a beautiful Scandinavian place in North Woods of WI.
We loved that cabin had everything what we needed from kitchen appliances to boats and water toys. We found beds super comfortable, instructions very clear. Location is great plenty of trails and lakes to explore, delicious foods at the restaurants.
We highly recommend Bakkestua for your vacation destination.
With a gorgeous view on one of the Northwood's most beautiful chain of lakes. I've never stayed in a cottage where every guest need has been so well provided for--beds, kitchen, boats, videos, games. While modern in design it was also warm, cozy, and appropriate to a woods and lake setting. Immaculately cared for and clean as well.
This cabin was absolutely perfect! Vey quiet and peaceful. We loved sitting on one of the 2 decks and enjoyed the view of the lake. We brought our boat and enjoyed exploring the lake and others nearby. We also used their canoe and kayaks which was really fun!
The cabin has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms which was very nice since there was 4 adults.
The kitchen was fully stocked with coffee, tea, spices cooking oil, and plenty of pots and pans.
The cabin was very quaint with all things Norwegian!
The owner was so nice and responded very quickly to messages.
I would highly recommend this rental. We hope to visit again.
This cabin is so welcoming and clean - it has everything you could need for a calming vacation on the lake. We fished, swam, did puzzles, and played games. The two decks were awesome and we saw so much wildlife. It was peaceful and quiet too.
We booked Bakkestua for a last minute getaway, drawn by the Scandinavian decor and background. Our stay lived up to expectations. As others have commented, it was clean, comfortable, and stocked with just about anything you might need. The decks offered a nice shaded place to relax and enjoy the lake and the dining table a great place to gather with the family for game nights.Highly recommended!
Kris D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Chris H.
8 July 2016
very nice place
great cabin right on the lake. has everything you would need to have a great vacation
It is a beautiful cabin with the high ceiling that extents to 2 different decks that are secluded shady spots to have your coffee and listen to the loons. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The dining room table was a nice spot to play games and eat. We loved our stay!
One more Fantastic stay in Bakkestua! We love this spot for privacy, surroundings, nature trails and water activities. Lots of wild life here- while taking a hike on Seeley pass trail we saw running bear across ( and we been places in Montana, Wyoming looking for one-did not happened). Next morning mama dear brought her baby right in front of our window. We saw bold eagles soaring the lake late afternoon. Pleasant memorable moments worth a Kodak picture! Hayward has cute downtown area with small shops and boutiques for people who like to shop. This amazing town has its own charm for everyone.
Lake views from every room. Loved listening to the loons. The house is beautiful and well designed. The kitchen is fabulously stocked. So thankful that the owners share this treasure with us!
So glad we came back for a full week! Relaxation and fishing achieved!
The location is so beautiful, so many trees that even hot days are comfortable with the breeze from the lake. We enjoyed the fireplace when cool nights hit later in the week.
The home has everything you need and is extremely clean. We already booked again for next year!
We had a great time at Ellen & Paul's cabin. The place was clean, the instructions were spot on, the entire property was exactly as described, and Ellen was a cinch to work with.