The hyggeligt houseboat hotel


Barbara & Toke, owners and creators of KAJ Hotel, share their experiences on life and work on the waterways of Copenhagen

image image

Floating Bliss Kaj Hotel

KAJ is a 16sqm floating space with a king-size bed, kitchenette, bathroom, mezzanine loft for the little ones, plus dinghy & two kayaks below. It's also one of the most characterful places to stay in the whole of Copenhagen. We met up with its owners, Toke and Barbara, to find out how it all came about.

Can you describe KAJ to us?

KAJ is neither a houseboat nor a hotel, it’s something in between. Perhaps you could call it a floating family room of Danish hygge crafted entirely of reclaimed materials.

Where did the idea come from?

Having built and occupied our own houseboat since 2006, we have often been approached by people who asked to rent it or hear what it’s like to live on. The idea for KAJ Hotel emerged from these enquiries, which were almost impossible to answer unequivocally as the houseboat experience can really vary depending on the wind and weather conditions, or what time of day or year you are there. The answer is: Every moment has its charm, come and try it for yourself.

How did you build it?

KAJ Hotel was built according to the same principles as our floating home next door, from recycled and surplus materials. Partly because the budget wasn’t there, but also because we are in love with the idea of giving things a second life. Besides, we always feel more at home in surroundings with a history rather than new and impersonal ones.

This approach to materials automatically makes the construction and maintenance process a constantly changing one, where the discovery of an old door or window can change previous design and decisions. This means we literally guarantee that a second or third visit here will inevitably be different from the first, and we encourage returning guests to look for quirky changes and sustainable upgrades.

Discover KAJ at kajhotel.dk.

Floating Bliss Family


Floating Bliss Surfborad


Floating Bliss Interior


Floating Bliss Kaj Hotel Details

Skandinavisk collection

07.20.2023

Knowing to take the leap

Founder Shaun Russell discusses how doubling down on our business purpose through hard times is vindicated by our B Corp recertification result.

Read more
The story of a scent: REGN

02.09.2023

The story of a scent: REGN

Discover the delights of Nordic rain, with our limited edition scented candle REGN, perfumed with the evocative, romantic and refreshing scents of misted peony and slippery cobblestones.

Read more
Hand on the skin

01.26.2023

The perfect winter hand care routine

Discover how to protect your skin through harsh winter weather and plunging temperatures, with advice on how to nourish your hands and keep your skin supple.

Read more