Seljord Watchtower by Rintala Eggertsson, Norway

The Seljord watch tower infront of a body of water with mountains behind it

The Seljord Watchtower by Rintala Eggerstsson in Norway. The brief was to provide a lookout tower that was ostensibly designed for tourists, picnicking locals and bird-watchers

(Image credit: TBC)

By Jonathan Bell

last updated 17 August 2022

Lookouts, viewpoints and beauty spots all feature heavily in Norway's rural architecture, as the forward-thinking government continues its policy of the architectural beautification of its highways and tourist routes. This attitude has spilled over into local municipalities, turning the country into a haven for lovers of modernist follies and eccentric contemporary structures. The latest project to surface is the Seljord Watchtower by Rintala Eggertsson Architects.

The brief from the Municipality of Seljord was to provide a lookout tower that was ostensibly designed for tourists, picnicking locals and bird-watchers. It also helped that there is a long-standing legend about an eel-like lake monster lurking in this 14km long body of water, making an observation tower something of a meeting spot for ardent cryptozoologists.

Strange phenomena aside, the architectural plus points of this modest but compelling structure can't be faulted. The 12m tall tower appears like a wooden periscope, poking up from the shrubs on the waterside, offering unbroken views down a long stretch of water. With a winding timber staircase leading up to three separate observation spots, the tower is clad in closely spaced wooden slats, allowing it to glow when lit from within after sun-down. Deliberately placed alongside a tall mature tree, the ascent to the top takes you through the canopy to reach the watery view, although sightings of Selma, the lake's elusive inhabitant, are not guaranteed.

Seljord watch tower with water infront and mountains behind — The structure is built along a 14km long body of water that is the subject of a long-standing legend regarding an eel-like monster that lurks in its depths

tall wooden tower appears like a periscope from the ground with shrubs surrounding it — The 12m tall tower appears like a wooden periscope, poking up from the shrubs on the waterside, offering unbroken views across the lake

view down the inside of a winding wooden staircase — The winding timber staircase leading up to three separate observation spots

wooden framed look out point within the seljord watch tower — One of the many look-out points

seljord watchtower lit up with lights inside the tower — The tower is clad in closely spaced wooden slats, allowing it to glow when lit from within after sun-down

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.