If you love seeing whales but are skeptical of whale-watching boat tours, Norway’s next major attraction will be right up your alley. “The Whale,” an architectural project on the island of Andøya — the northernmost island in the Vesterålen archipelago — will allow visitors to see migrating whales up close, without ever setting foot on a boat. This creation, located 186 miles north of the Arctic Circle, will not only offer views of the abundant marine wildlife, but also of the island’s natural landscape.
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
‘The Whale’ Is a Poetic New Attraction for Nature Lovers in Arctic Norway
Photo: Google Maps
To preserve the integrity and essence of the remote and pristine environment of Andenes in Andøya, as well as its incredible location on the migrating path of whales, the building will blend almost seamlessly into the landscape, without a jarring effect on the eyes of the 50,000 yearly visitors who come to see the natural beauty of the area.
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
Its rounded shape made of gray stones will not only look like a mere hill, but will also conjure images of the cetaceans that dive in and out of the waters surrounding the location. The roof will be accessible to visitors for an unbeatable vantage point.
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
From the Nowegian Sea, the building will undeniably look like a whale’s tail fluking and the vertical windows will give off the impression of water dripping from it.
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
“The Whale” will be built by Danish architecture firm Dorte Mandrup, and house exhibition spaces, offices, a cafe, and store. From the inside, the view promises to be just as jaw-dropping thanks to large windows.
The project is planned to be completed by 2022. 