Blending Scandinavian design with history, this newly renovated restaurant offers a harmonious experience that honors nature and heritage Blending Scandinavian design with history, this newly renovated restaurant offers a harmonious experience that honors nature and heritage
Image: Tom Haga
Nestled in the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway, Fløirestauranten, perched high on Mount Fløyen, offers stunning panoramic views of the city, fjords, and surrounding landscapes. The restaurant, housed in a nearly 100-year-old neoclassical wooden building, has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending iconic Scandinavian design with custom elements to create a space that feels both timeless and revitalized.
This renovation is a perfect example of how history, sustainability, and modern design can coexist harmoniously. Designed by renowned Norwegian architect Einar Oscar Schou in the early 1920s, the building’s original architecture has been lovingly preserved and carefully updated. The project, spearheaded by Sonja Solstrand of Sol Design, emphasizes a deep respect for the past while introducing contemporary design features to meet the needs of today’s guests.
Fløirestauranten was reimagined to accommodate a wide range of guests, from casual hikers looking to unwind after a mountain adventure to those seeking an elegant dining experience. Solstrand’s design blends the old with the new, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests feel both grounded in the building’s history and inspired by its contemporary updates. The lounge, with its grand fireplace and inviting ambiance, serves as the perfect spot for socializing or enjoying a relaxing moment after a hike.
The lounge, with its grand fireplace and inviting ambiance, serves as the perfect spot for socializing or enjoying a relaxing moment after a hike The lounge, with its grand fireplace and inviting ambiance, serves as the perfect spot for socializing or enjoying a relaxing moment after a hike
Image: Tom Haga
The renovation process was driven by a commitment to sustainability. Much of the design revolves around preserving the building’s legacy while incorporating modern materials that stand the test of time. Solstrand worked with local suppliers and chose materials inspired by the surrounding nature, ensuring that the colour palette and textures reflect the natural beauty of Mount Fløyen. Earthy green tones and calming hues create a sense of harmony throughout the space, connecting the interior to the surrounding environment.
Earthy green tones and calming hues create a sense of harmony throughout the space, connecting the interior to the surrounding environment Earthy green tones and calming hues create a sense of harmony throughout the space, connecting the interior to the surrounding environment
Image: Tom Haga
The interior design embraces a curated selection of Nordic furniture by renowned brands like Fritz Hansen and Fredericia, along with bespoke pieces custom-designed by Sol Design. The design incorporates elements that honor the building’s rich history, such as the restored vintage Knag chairs, reupholstered in high-quality leather, and the careful restoration of old tables. These legacy pieces are beautifully paired with modern lighting from Nuura and Bocci, which adds a contemporary touch while echoing the natural world outside.
Modern lighting adds a contemporary touch while echoing the natural world outside Modern lighting adds a contemporary touch while echoing the natural world outside
Image: Tom Haga
The renovation also considered the experience of sound. Soft Cells acoustic panels by Kvadrat were strategically placed throughout the restaurant to ensure a peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere for diners. The spatial design, which spans four levels and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, was carefully planned to meet various functions, from casual dining to large events. The introduction of elevators, new stairs, and a wine room has enhanced the flow of the space, making it more accessible while retaining its historical charm.
Soft Cells acoustic panels were strategically placed throughout the restaurant to ensure a peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere for diners Soft Cells acoustic panels were strategically placed throughout the restaurant to ensure a peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere for diners
Image: Tom Haga
Fløirestauranten’s interior concept revolves around the theme of roots—symbolizing a connection to history, culture, and the food it serves. Solstrand explains that the idea was to preserve the soul of the building while breathing new life into it with contemporary design elements. The space, with its blend of nostalgia and modernity, offers a unique sensory experience that celebrates both Bergen’s architectural heritage and the natural beauty surrounding the restaurant.
In the heart of Bergen, Fløirestauranten is a testament to the power of design to bridge the gap between past and present, offering a dining experience that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. Whether you're relaxing by the fire, savoring a meal, or simply taking in the views, the newly transformed restaurant offers a space where every detail resonates with the spirit of Bergen’s cultural and architectural legacy.
Blending Scandinavian design with history, this newly renovated restaurant offers a harmonious experience that honors nature and heritage Blending Scandinavian design with history, this newly renovated restaurant offers a harmonious experience that honors nature and heritage
Image: Tom Haga
Photography by Tom Haga, Instagram: @tomhaga
Interior design by Sol Design, Instagram: @soldesign.no
Architecture by Paal J. Kahrs Arkitekter and b + b arkitekter
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