A Fairytale Restaurant

By Editorial Staff - 23 September 2025

At an elevation of 320 m above the fjords of Bergen, Fløirestauranten is a true Norwegian gem – a journey into the past in harmony with the present. Accessible in a few minutes via Mount Fløyen’s funicular railway, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that enrich the dining experience.

Fløirestauranten, which was designed in the 1920s by Norwegian architect Einar Oscar Schou and opened in 1925, is today an important cultural and architectural landmark in Bergen. Distinguished by its neoclassical timber façade – inspired by the Norwegian fairy tale Soria Moria Castle by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe – the restaurant has recently undergone renovations that both preserve Schou’s legacy and blend tradition with modernity in harmony with its setting.

Un ristorante da favola | © Tom Haga, courtesy Sol Design L’elegante hall accoglie gli avventori con un'atmosfera calda e confortevole data dal camino e dalle tonalità cromatiche sui toni del marrone. Qui il fascino dell’edificio storico si coniuga con un tocco di contemporaneità, in dialogo con il contesto.

The new interiors are the work of Sol Design, led by Sonja Solstrand. The studio partnered with Paal J Kahrs Arkitekter, which handled the architectural design, and b + b arkitekter, responsible for heritage compliance. The project honors Schou’s vision by integrating contemporary elements. This fusion of past and present creates an environment where guests feel part of the site’s history while enjoying modern comfort and design.

The interiors feature Nordic furnishings and custom pieces that reflect the essence of the place. Restored period chairs with leather upholstery preserve its history, while sustainable materials underscore the commitment to eco-friendly practices. The color palette draws on the surrounding natural landscape.

Un ristorante da favola | © Tom Haga, courtesy Sol Design Raggiungibile con la funicolare di Fløibanen, l’edificio si distingue per una facciata neoclassica in legno ispirata alla fiaba norvegese “Castello di Soria Moria”, scritta da Peter Christen Asbjørnsen e Jørgen Moe.

With seating for 330 inside on two levels and 300 outside, Fløirestauranten can host a variety of events, from casual to fine dining. The first level, the heart of the building, houses Brasseriet, the Schou restaurant and Peisestuen, a cozy lounge bar with a large antique fireplace – an ideal setting for relaxing after a hike.

The original staircase, its walls now used for wine storage, leads to the second level, home to a bar and the ToppFløyen event space. With its neutral tones, this room brings to mind natural elements while offering sweeping views over the city. On the same floor, Salongene comprises two salons, each seating 15 people. Here, warm brown tones are illuminated by extensive glazing, creating an inviting atmosphere. Antique furnishings and wooden tables echo the wooden floors, creating material harmony. The walls also take their cue from nature while reflecting the style established by the Schou restaurant.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | The original staircase has been enhanced by an eye-catching light feature and a wine-storage wall that spans two levels.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | Featuring green tones paired with earthy hues, the color palette of the Shou restaurant creates a harmonious space that pays tribute to the building’s history and connects it to the surrounding landscape.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | On the ground floor, the brasserie offers a welcoming Scandinavian-inspired space featuring custom-made furnishings by local artisans.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | With its nature-inspired patterns, the wallpaper combines with the period furnishings, wooden tables, and timber floors to create an elegant material cohesion.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | Raggiungibile con la funicolare di Fløibanen, l’edificio si distingue per una facciata neoclassica in legno ispirata alla fiaba norvegese “Castello di Soria Moria”, scritta da Peter Christen Asbjørnsen e Jørgen Moe.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | On the outdoor terrace, panoramic views of Bergen’s fjords make the dining experience even more immersive and evocative.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | With extensive glazing, the ToppFløyen offers a light-filled setting and spectacular views of Bergen’s fjords.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | The elegant entrance welcomes guests with the warm, comfortable atmosphere created by the fireplace and brown tones. Here, the charm of the historic building combines with a contemporary touch in a pairing that dialogues with the setting.

A Fairytale Restaurant | © Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design | In the Salongene space, the wallpapers echo the building’s Nordic ambiance, which can be found in the Peisestuen bar as well.

Location: Bergen, Norway
Client: Fløibanen
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 1,900 m²
Architect: Paal J Kahrs Arkitekter
Interior Designer: Sol Design
Main Contractor: Obas Vest

Consultants
Structural and Mechanical: Multiconsult
Lighting: Sol Design, Expo Nova, Nuura
MEP: Anders O Grevstad
Electrical: Knut Knutsen
Landscape: Boasson

Photography: Tom Haga, courtesy of Sol Design

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