Five Architecture Gems to Discover in Norway this Summer

architecture arthistory discovernorway english modernartchitecture thearttrotter travelinnorway visitnorway Jun 19, 2020

Summer 2020 is well underway! We hope you’re all staying safe and healthy in these unusual times.

Have you found yourself cancelling long awaited trips and holiday plans due to the coronavirus? Maybe you’re short on exciting activities to fill your days? If that’s the case, chin up, because there are plenty of sites waiting to be discovered in Norway this summer that follow the safety guidelines! We’ve compiled a list of 5 diverse architecture gems that we think are a must-see!

1. ‘Y-Block’ in the Government Quarter, Oslo

Photo credit: Helge Høifødt, Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The 1969 modernist structure, designed by Norwegian architect Erling Viksjø, features two murals by Pablo Picasso! They were sandblasted onto the concrete walls by one of his collaborators, Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar. The Fisherman is located on the building façade and The Seagull is found in the lobby. Did you know that the possibilities presented by the new concrete technique were a vital factor in Picasso’s participation?

Sadly, demolition on the building began in March this year despite opposition; MoMA (New York’s Museum of Modern Art) sent a letter to Norway’s prime minister urging her to reconsider. Concern is also still aimed at keeping the murals intact under relocation. Take this opportunity to see what remains of the iconic building and murals. Tip: Keep an eye out for three other Picasso murals that are located on the ‘H-Block’ close by.

2. Polaria Aquarium and Museum, Tromsø

If you fancy a trip to Tromsø, Polaria is a must-see. Drawn by JAF arkitektkontor AS, it opened in May 1998 and is the world’s most northerly aquarium. The building was designed to uniquely mimic ice floes pressed up on land in the Arctic. For the full experience, Polaria just reopened with new guidelines in place regarding Covid-19 as advised by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The aquarium was designed to be an educational and family friendly experience, so bring your family along!

Photo credit: Jasn Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

3. Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø

Across the harbour from the Polaria aquarium is the Arctic Cathedral, also known as Tromsdalen Church. Designed by Jan Inge Hovig and established in 1965, the modern-looking building is made mostly of concrete and is a famous city landmark. The ice-berg style church is nicknamed "the opera house of Norway" for its resemblance to the Sydney opera house, and it is easily visible when arriving in the city by aircraft. On Monday 15th June, the church is opening to the public again.

Photo credit: Molde20, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

4. Trollstigen Visitors Centre, Møre and Romsdal

If you love nature or road trips, the Trollstigen Visitors Centre offers not only a great piece of architecture but also some of Norway’s most scenic views. The centre is located at the end of the Norwegian Scenic Route; Geiranger - Trollstigen, a tourist route across the Trollstigen mountain plateau in western Norway. It’s one of five architectural projects along the way. Designed by Reiulf Ramstad Architects and completed in 2012, the structure was built in steel and glass. It beautifully showcases elements of dynamic water and static rock in order to blend with the surrounding nature. Fun fact: "trollstigen" is Norwegian for "the troll’s path."

Photo credit: Dconvertini, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

5. Viewpoint Gaularfjellet, Vestland

Like the Trollstigen Visitors Centre, Gaularfjellet viewpoint is located on one of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes. Designed by Code Arkitektur AS and completed in 2016, its unusual triangular shape makes for a unique rest stop and viewing platform. The concrete structure sits at the edge of a 700-meter mountain drop and lets onlookers view the surrounding mountains from three angles. In 2016, it won an architectural award called ‘The Concrete Tablet’ for its use of concrete in an environmentally, aesthetically, and technically outstanding way. Sounds like a worthwhile trip, doesn’t it?

Photo credit: Svein-Magne Tunli - tunliweb.no, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Honourable mentions: Munch Museum, Deichman library in Bjørvika, Kistefos Museum. Read more about these in our blog "5 art related things you can’t miss in Norway in 2020."

We wish you all a great summer! Happy exploring :)

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