A historic landmark in Bergen, Norway, gets a modern makeover—where fairytale charm meets contemporary design.
Perched high above Bergen, Norway, atop the verdant slopes of Mount Fløyen, sits Fløirestauranten, a restaurant that has been part of the city’s cultural fabric for nearly 100 years.
With views that stretch over the fjords, the city center, and the surrounding mountains, the building is as much a destination for its breathtaking scenery as it is for the charm of its neoclassical architecture. Designed in the 1920s by Einar Oscar Schou and inspired by the Norwegian fairytale "Soria Moria Castle", the restaurant’s wooden structure has long stood as a symbol of Bergen’s heritage.
But time has a way of wearing down even the most storied landmarks. Enter Sol Design, a Norwegian interior architecture studio led by Sonja Solstrand, whose careful renovation has brought new life to this century-old icon.
“We approached the project with great respect and humility,” says Solstrand. Her team’s mission was straightforward yet daunting: preserve the soul of the building while adapting it to the needs of modern guests. The result is a seamless fusion of past and present—a space where history is palpable yet never overpowering, and modern design quietly elevates every detail.
The restoration began with a concept rooted in the idea of “roots.” For Solstrand, this was more than metaphorical. “Roots connect us to our history, our culture, our traditions, and even our food,” she explains. “They nourish new life and ideas, which guided our choice of materials and colors.” The theme is woven throughout the space, from the earthy greens and warm, natural tones that echo the surrounding landscape, to the restored vintage furniture that pays homage to Bergen’s craftsmanship.
Among the standout design elements are the vintage Knag chairs, originally crafted by the Knag furniture workshop, a Bergen institution. These chairs were painstakingly restored and reupholstered in high-quality leather by Christopher Knag, the grandson of the workshop’s founder. Alongside these historical pieces, Sol Design introduced custom furniture and fixtures, blending seamlessly into the architecture while adding fresh, contemporary touches.
Lighting, too, plays a key role in the interior’s transformation. Fixtures from Nuura evoke Nordic nature with their simple elegance, while Bocci’s cloud-like forms bring a touch of modern whimsy to the space. The interplay of old and new creates a sensory environment where the past feels alive, but never static.
Fløirestauranten’s design is also deeply tied to its natural surroundings. Early in the project, Solstrand’s team conducted color and material studies to uncover the building’s original hues and wallpapers. These discoveries informed the updated palette, which draws inspiration from the greens and earthy tones of Mount Fløyen itself.
The new wallpapers, too, reflect this connection to nature. In the lounges, Asian-inspired motifs of trees and peacocks from the original design were reinterpreted with a Nordic sensibility, while the event venue’s dense palm-leaf patterns were lightened and modernized to complement the room’s airy feel.
Sustainability was another guiding principle of the renovation. Reclaimed wood from the original stairwell was repurposed for wall paneling on the lower floors, and old timber was integrated into other elements of the design. Brass, a material used in the building’s original fixtures, was revived both in restored historical details and new bespoke pieces. Even the original doors, discovered in the basement, were given a second life as custom sliding doors.
The restaurant now spans four floors and over 20,000 square feet, with 630 seats (330 indoors, 300 outdoors) carefully arranged to accommodate everything from casual dining to fine dining to private events. The first floor, home to the casual Brasseriet and the fine-dining Restaurant Schou, named after the original architect, is the heart of the space. A grand fireplace, antique Knag sideboard, and the original staircase leading to the second floor add a touch of nostalgia, while new additions like a two-level wine room and elevators make the space more accessible and functional.
Upstairs, the second floor offers a cozy bar and event venue, ToppFløyen, with panoramic views of Bergen. This floor also includes two intimate lounges that can host smaller gatherings, as well as a kitchen dedicated to supporting events. Acoustic panels by Kvadrat were discreetly installed throughout the restaurant to ensure a serene atmosphere, even during the busiest times.
For Solstrand, the goal was always to create a space that feels both timeless and welcoming. “It had to strike a balance between elegance and warmth,” she says. “The interplay of nostalgic and modern elements ensures guests feel grounded in the building’s history while experiencing comfort and design innovation.”
Fløirestauranten’s rebirth is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. Solstrand and her team at Sol Design have preserved the magic of this century-old fairytale castle while making it feel unmistakably contemporary. The result is a restaurant where Bergen’s heritage is not just remembered but celebrated—a place where the past and present come together to create something entirely new.
As you ascend the Fløibanen funicular and step into the restaurant, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of its history. And yet, with every thoughtful detail, from the reclaimed wood to the Nordic lighting, there’s also a sense of renewal—a reminder that even a century-old building can feel as fresh as the mountain air that surrounds it.
Photography: Tom Haga
