Torghatten by Østengen & Bergo AS

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 area could no longer accommodate the growing number of tourists. Large amounts of stormwater washed away the existing trail every year, making it difficult and unsafe for hikers. Parts of the trail were directly dangerous to walk on due to the risk of landslide and rock falls from the mountain. The absence of a continuous path around and through the hole further diminished the hiking experience, and the nature and cultural heritage sites along the way started to wear down from people wondering off in lack of a sufficient trail.

The aim of the project was therefore to accommodate all these issues and improve the experience of this natural wonder. We wanted to improve infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of tourists at the same time as preserving the nature and the cultural sites along the way, making a safe and clear path for visitors, so this striking attraction could be enjoyed by visitors for years to come. A good solution for handling the stormwater was essential in addition to the need to establish a robust trail that could withstand wear and tear from hikers and tourists every year.

Our team is proud to announce one of our most significant accomplishments: the creation of trails that seamlessly blend with the environment while showcasing its natural beauty. These trails are designed with meticulous attention to detail and built robustly to minimize maintenance requirements. In our commitment to nature restoration, we relocated existing tufts, trees, and local soil instead of introducing new vegetation. We focused on using as much stone material from the site as possible for constructing trails and steps, and when additional stones were needed, we sourced similar Norwegian natural stone.

It’s not a very long hike, about 3km altogether, but it is quite spectacular and exciting because of all the different scenery and experiences at this specific site. Our aim was to make sure that these qualities were kept and further enhanced for the visitors. Starting from the service building, you start walking on a wide path with open scenery, before entering the narrow, winding path through the warm, lush forest, to the dramatic and incredible steep rocky landscape, then entering the dark cathedral like hole, before the landscape opens again on the other side of the hole to a breathtaking scenery with ocean views as far as the eye can see. Along the trail, benches and informative signs have been thoughtfully placed, allowing visitors to sit, enjoy the landscape, and learn about the area’s geological and historical features.

We addressed previous challenges with runoff water from the hillsides by transforming them into aesthetically pleasing, wide water channels that vary in design according to the landscape. The area, once inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers, now includes large sections designed for accessibility without disruptive structures.

The Torghatten project offers a spectacular yet accessible hiking experience, ensuring safety and enjoyment for future visitors. Durable materials and equipment with long lifespans were employed, and coordinated colours and materials blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a cohesive expression that respects the natural environment. The design facilitates increased visitor traffic while preserving the area’s magnificent nature.

The Torghatten trail integration exemplifies excellence in design, sustainability, and visitor experience and the project has made one of Norway’s greatest natural attractions more accessible and enjoyable. This initiative stands as an example of how careful site analysis and sensitive planning can preserve and accentuate natural qualities without diminishing them. It’s also a testament to how we can provide enriching nature experiences for wheelchair users without resorting to drastic interventions.

The considerable challenges posed by this site, such as stormwater management, wear on natural and cultural heritage, and a partially unsafe trail, have been successfully addressed. Not only has the trail been restored, but it has also been extended and enhanced with places for rest, information, and contemplation, allowing for an even greater appreciation of the area. This project demonstrates the critical importance of close and effective collaboration across various professional groups, responsibilities, and contractors to achieve a well-executed outcome.

• Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of the landscape:
Østengen & Bergo AS

• Architecture offices involved in the design:
Architect of the Service building and the steel staircase in the Torghatten hole: Atelier Oslo

• Other credits:
Client: Norwegian Scenic Routes (Statens vegvesen/Nasjonale turistveger)
Contractor: OK Kristoffersen Entreprenør, Stibyggjaren AS

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