Torghatten is a striking natural attraction situated along the Helgeland coast in northern Norway. This geological marvel was formed during the Ice Age when ice and water eroded the mountain, creating a distinctive hole. The hole measures 160 meters in depth, 20 meters in width, and 35 meters in height, making it a unique and captivating feature. As part of the Norwegian Scenic Route, Torghatten draws visitors from around the globe who come to hike up to and through the iconic formation.
However, the path could no longer accommodate the growing number of tourists. Erosion had severely deteriorated the trail leading to the hole, making it difficult and unsafe for hikers. The absence of a continuous path around and through the hole further diminished the hiking experience. To address these issues, Østengen & Bergo designed a hiking trail to the Torghatten hole from both the east and west sides, as well as a path through the hole itself. In addition, a new universally costal path was designed to connect the entire area, allowing for a round trip. Along the trail, going through various of dramatic, steep and breathtaking scenery, several resting and recreational spots are established at locations with beautiful views or interesting geological or historical features. Information signs are placed along the path and tell a little about the many natural and cultural qualities you will find on the trip. The stormwater that was previously one of the biggest challenges, and which dug out the path, has now been brought forward to the delight of visitors. Water is now directed away from the path and down into beautiful, open natural stone drains and on to streams that have been opened, providing a positive, calming and sound-creating element along the circuit. The open drains are made of local Norwegian natural stone and add an aesthetic value to the area even when they are dry.
In close collaboration with the architects from Atelier Oslo, a facilitated gathering place is now established, marking the beginning of the path. Including a building with public toilets and exhibition venue, an outdoor plaza with seating areas integrated into the surrounding greenery, and a new logistic area for traffic with new roads, parking, and room for up till 4 tourist buses at the same time.
The focus was all along to design a project that integrates with the geological and landscape conditions, ensuring that it does not detract from the stunning natural environment and the attraction itself. We have therefore been careful to respect nature and allow the path to adapt into the landscape in such a way that it looks as if the path has always been there. The path varies in line with the nature experiences, from rollable gravel, varied natural stone stairs, natural stone surfaces and coarser gravel. Everything from natural stone to signs and furniture is carefully coordinated with the colors of the surrounding nature, to achieve a calm and holistic expression that blends into the landscape. The project now ensures a safe and accessible path that provides wonderful nature experiences, with capacity for increased use in the future.
Project Data
Landscape Architect: Østengen & Bergo AS
Client: Norwegian Scenic Routes (Statens vegvesen/Nasjonale turistveger)
Contractor: OK Kristoffersen Entreprenør, Stibyggjaren AS
Architect: Atelier Oslo (The service building and steel staircase in the Torghatten hole)
Project location: Brønnøy, Norway (Coordinates: 65.39539060842968, 12.097016714728086)
Year completed: 2024
Photo credits: Østengen & Bergo, Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Trine Kanter Zerwekh, Per Finborud
The Streetview may show the condition before the intervention.
