Tverrfjellhytta, Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion

With Christmas rapidly approaching, what better time to broach the subject of reindeer here on the pages of The Coolector. Fear not, we’re not going to list our top 5 reindeer but instead focus on a, frankly stunning, piece of architecture that goes by the name of Tverrfjellhytta, Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion and for any lover of either design or Rudolph, it’s one too good to be missed.

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The handiwork of the Norwegian architecture and design workshop, Snøhetta, this stunning looking piece will blow the socks off those with a love or rustic aesthetics coupled with sleek lines and, if you’ve got a hankering to view some reindeer this festive period, there is unquestionably no cooler place to do it than this.

Rocking Rudolph

If you’ve already been bowled over by this concept and booking your flights as we speak, you’ll find this extraordinary piece of architecture in Hjerkinn on the outskirts of Dovrefjell National Park, overlooking the mountain Snøhetta. A bleak but visually spectacular landscape is the ideal location for this first rate piece of architecture and the Tverrfjellhytta, Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion boasts a 90 m2 building that has been opened up to the public and delivers an incredible means for the viewing of the Wild Reindeer in the area and the supporting of the educational programmes seeking to protect them.

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Surrounding the construct, you will find a 1.5 km hiking trail which leads any visitors to this breathtaking spot which overlooks the equally as stunning Dovrefjell mountains. Whilst most people would probably head to this incredible place to feast their eyes on some reindeer, we find it difficult to look beyond the superb architecture truth be told and this at once rustic and modern feeling outpost has left us thoroughly impressed here at Coolector HQ.

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The Dovrefjell mountain range is best known in the Scandinavian country for forming the barrier that sits between the northern and southern parts of Norway. It is synonymous with Norwegian way of life and is popularised in the country through a wide range of tales and myths that are told about the mountains. Which makes it prime reindeer spotting territory.

Impressive Design Principles

The Tverrfjellhytta, Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion is mighty impressive from top to bottom from a design and build point of view and is, essentially, a contrast between competing design principles. It boasts a hard, robust outer shell (which is certainly required given the remoteness of its location) and a much more muted and organic interior design aesthetic.

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Wood features heavily in the interiors but it is impressively sculpted to look like rock or ice that has been eroded by natural forces like wind and running water. The actual viewing of the reindeer takes place through a rectangular frame of raw steel and glass for a bold visual impact that makes this great piece of architecture really stand out when you are looking at the exterior. Amazing architecture and an opportunity to spy on some reindeer. What’s not to like?

See More: Snøhetta