The Whale is a planned building in Norway that combines figure and form in the most spectacular way. Not scheduled to open until 2022 at the earliest, the Whale is already drawing plenty of positive attention.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
An ambitious architectural project located 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle on the island on Andoya in Andenes, the Whale will serve as a museum and observation deck as well as a visitor attraction. Its name, the media buzz and the growing public interest come from its unique design.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
Danish architecture firm Dorte Mandrup had the task of designing the building to blend with the scenery and maintain the beauty and integrity of the surrounding area. “It rises naturally as a soft hill on the rocky shore, as if a giant had lifted a thin layer of the crust of the earth and created a cavity underneath,” as stated in the firm’s press release. Dorte Mandrup is known for working within sensitive landscapes. The Whale, partially submerged, won’t just fit in with the landscape — it will enhance it.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
The building will have exhibition spaces, offices, a café and store. A tide pool, a campfire, and paths featuring platforms and viewpoints surround the building. The roof — a single, curved concrete shell covered in natural stones — will offer a completely unobstructed viewpoint.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
A prime area for whale watching, the coastal village’s deep-sea canyon attracts several whale species. Pilot, minke and sperm whales appear June through August. Orcas and humpbacks can be spotted during colder months. With waters that never freeze and mild winters, the area remains busy with tourists all year.
© Dorte Mandrup, The Whale and Mir.
While the accompanying pictures are renderings, they provide a fantastic preview of what will become a stunning combination of form and landscape. Within a couple years, the Whale will be a great spot to watch underwater life. Until then, I’ll be watching the Whale as it progresses.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
4 U.S. Fall Foliage and Leaf-Peeping Destinations
Daily
Aug 13, 2026
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Aug 13, 20264 U.S. Fall Foliage and Leaf-Peeping Destinations
Looking for a fall destination that goes beyond the usual leaf-peeping and fall foliage hot spots? We’ve rounded up some destinations that offer the ultimate fall experience.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
August 2026
Aug 13, 2026Seoul Creates a Blueprint for Vital Future with Livability in Mind
Seoul is both very ancient and very young. urban settlements have occupied this spot between four mountains and the Han River for more than 2,000 years
Daily
Aug 13, 2026Gaylord Hotels Expands to West Coast
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center redefines West Coast hospitality as the newest member of the Gaylord Hotels brand, part of Marriott Bonvoy. Nestled along stunning San Diego Bay and Chula Vista Marina, the resort showcases 1,600 elegant guestrooms (including 89 suites); 477,000 square feet of event space; and 12 dining venues celebrating the region's coastal flavors. Highlights include a glass atrium, Relâche Spa & Salon, and a 4.25-acre water park, creating a dynamic destination where relaxation meets entertainment.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Daily
Aug 13, 2026La Dolce Vita Orient Express Announces Istanbul-to-Rome Route
La Dolce Vita Orient Express recently announced a five-day, four-night journey from Istanbul to Rome, connecting the historic crossroads of Istanbul with the Eternal City.
Review: The Maya
eFlyer Reviews
Aug 12, 2026IHG to Open First Kimpton Hotel in Indonesia
eFlyer News
Aug 12, 2026eFlyer Deals
Aug 12, 2026Save on Stays at Nobu Hotel Chicago for Labor Day Weekend Travel
Nobu Hotel Chicago offers not one, but two ways to save this Labor Day Weekend.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
eFlyer Deals
Aug 12, 2026Many Staycation Offers on Deck at New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Enjoy exclusive savings on a coastal getaway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The city recently unveiled its 2026 Staycation, an annual promotion featuring special offers on accommodations, restaurants, attractions and local activities.
ShareThis