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Snøhetta Completes a Cabin Designed to Slow the Winds From Nearby Glaciers

One of the best ways to experience Norway’s scenery is by foot, and now it’s also the best way to take in one of Snøhetta’s latest architectural marvels. The firm recently completed the first phase of Tungestølen, a group of hiking cabins in Luster, Norway. The complex, which will eventually include nine buildings, was designed for the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which maintains 550 cabins spread out across the country as well as over 13,000 miles of foot trails and over 4,000 miles of ski tracks.

Set on a plateau at the foot of Skyttarpiggen and overlooking the Jostedal glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe, the new buildings replace the original Tungestølen Tourist Cabin, which was destroyed by Cyclone Dagmar on Christmas Day in 2011. The original cabin operated for over 100 years and was a hub for those looking to explore the glaciers and icefalls, which 19th-century British mountaineer William Cecil Slingsby called “the finest ice scenery in Europe.” The firm’s design takes the surrounding environment and often harsh weather conditions into account, resulting in the unique shape of the cabins. The exterior walls that face outward have a “beak-like” appearance—an intentional quirk devised to slow down the forceful winds coming from the valley below. The shape gives a contemporary twist to the traditional timber cabins that dot the Norwegian landscape.

The cabin can accommodate 27 guests, with stunning views of the surroundings throughout the space.
The cabin can accommodate 27 guests, with stunning views of the surroundings throughout the space.

The structures form a “constellation” of pentagonal accommodations, which are constructed of glue-laminated, or glulam, timber frames, cross-laminated timber sheets, and ore-pine cladding. The main building in the complex is home to a dining hall and lounge complete with a large stone fireplace. Another structure houses a dormitory with four levels of bunk beds and a third smaller building is a private cottage that sleeps four to six people.

The interiors feature pale wood paneling and panoramic views through soaring angular windows. The unique shape of the buildings create expansive spaces, including 15-foot-tall ceilings in the main cabin. The dining hall is outfitted with wooden communal tables where visitors can enjoy dishes such as lapskaus, a Norwegian beef stew; trout; and sviskegraut, a traditional prune porridge dessert. Artifacts and maps from the original cabin decorate the walls and pay tribute to the robust history of the site.

A view inside of the cabin shows a series of bunk beds.
A view inside of the cabin shows a series of bunk beds.

Currently the cabins can accommodate 27 guests. Once the next construction phase is complete, the site will be able to host up to 50 people during its season, which runs summer through autumn. One of the remaining cabins will be the original model for the Fuglemyrhytta cabin, an unmanned, self-service DNT cabin in Oslo that sleeps ten people. The Fuglemyrhytta cabin opened in 2018 and quickly became a popular destination.

Tungestølen was inaugurated by Queen Sonja of Norway in the fall of 2019 and reopened on June 12 with new restrictions for COVID-19. All guests must reserve their accommodations in advance and bring their own bedding. Rates start at 225 kroner (about $24) for a bed and shower for DNT members and 297 kroner (about $32) for non-members.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest