Surrounded by stunning mountains and calming fjords, the city of Bergen in Norway is truly a beguiling destination. Moreover, a new project is transforming a section of waterfront into a unique gathering point complete with a hiking trail, amphitheater, and a floating swimming pool shaped like a starfish.
Officially named True Blue, the first phases of the waterfront project are slated to open in 2022, with the entire development expected to be completed by 2024. This exciting initiative will feature a starfish-shaped sea pool along with saunas, a kayak hotel, and high diving boards. Furthermore, an urban beach will be established for various sports including skating and volleyball. An underwater trail for divers will also be created, showcasing shipwrecks and obstacles that can be explored.
According to Niels de Bruin, Landscape Architect with White Arkitekter, “We were inspired by the special relationship between the city of and water. Bergen has more than 200 days of rain every year, and here we are designing a beach. Right away we found out that you must love water to live here. So, we decided that everything about this project has to be about water.” The True Blue project is fundamentally about celebrating the love story between the city and water, accommodating the Scandinavian culture of enjoying the sea all year round.
The attraction is expected to draw significant interest from both tourists and locals, who will enjoy the opportunity to relax and unwind by the water. The project will include a coastal hiking trail, two sandy beaches, three playgrounds, a floating stage for performances, scenic bridges, a dog park, and sheltered spaces. Additionally, the initiative aims to exemplify how sustainability can be meaningfully integrated into innovative and functional urban designs.
