© Ivar Kvaal

Underwater Restaurant by Snøhetta

Situated at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline by the village of Båly, a small place close to Lindesnes, Under is Europe’s first underwater restaurant, which been designed by Snøhetta.

Architects: Snøhetta
Location: Lindesnes, Norway
Photography: Ivar Kvaal

© Ivar Kvaal
© Jürgen Pollak
© Jürgen Pollak

In Norwegian, “under” has the dual meaning of ”below” and ”wonder”. Half-sunken into the sea, the building’s 34-meter long monolithic form breaks the surface of the water to rest directly on the seabed five meters below.

© Ivar Kvaal

The structure is designed to fully integrate into its marine environment over time, as the roughness of the concrete shell will function as an artificial reef, welcoming limpets and kelp to inhabit it. With the thick concrete walls lying against the craggy shoreline, the structure is built to withstand pressure and shock from the rugged sea conditions. Like a sunken periscope, the restaurant’s massive window offers a view of the seabed as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions.