snøhetta builds pentagonal hiking cabins to overlook a glacier in norway

set amid a dramatic landscape in western norway, snøhetta has completed tungestølen – a series of timber cabins for hikers. commissioned by luster turlag, a local branch of the norwegian national trekking association, the project replaces the original tourist cabin that was severely damaged by a cyclone in 2011. overlooking the jostedalen glacier, the ‘constellation’ of nine timber shelters offer a cozy retreat from which to enjoy the incredible mountain scenery.

image © jan m lillebø (also main image)

the original tungestølen tourist cabin had served hikers for more than a century. determined to replace the old cabin, luster turlag and the small local village of veitastrond, mobilized to collect funds for the rebuild and initiated an international architectural competition that snøhetta won in 2015.

image © jan m lillebø

snøhetta’s design responds to the changing weather conditions of this mountainous site and the new cabins are developed to offer robust protection from the strong winds. nine robust pentagonal and oblique cabins, made with wooden gluelam frames, covered by sheets of CLT and clad in ore pine. the outward-facing walls of the cabins have been given a beak-like shape to slow down strong winds sweeping up from the valley floor. inside, the playful shape of the cabins frames the mountains and valleys outside through angular and panoramic windows, adding views and light to the spaces while encouraging individual contemplation and respite.

image © jan m lillebø

the main cabin at tungestølen offers a welcoming space well-suited for collective meals around generous wooden tables. at its highest, the ceiling measures 4,6 meters, creating a social and spacious meeting spot with panoramic views overlooking the surrounding landscape. the main cabin also comprises a comfortable lounge framed by a large stone-clad fireplace, offering a cozy retreat from the sometimes-chilly summer days outside.

the remaining cabins consist of a dormitory and a smaller private unit offering approximately 30 visitors the possibility to spend the night comfortably. once all nine cabins are completed in the next construction phase, tungestølen will have enough capacity to accommodate up to 50 visitors. one of the final cabins that will be built on the site is the original model for the snøhetta designed fuglemyrhytta cabin in oslo which has become an enormously popular hiking destination ever since its opening in 2018.

open during summer and autumn months, tungestølen offers a comfortable place for both experienced glacier hikers and families with small children looking to enjoy the surroundings on shorter and less difficult treks. the cabin was officially inaugurated by her majesty queen sonja last fall and will open again for visitors when the hiking season commences in june.