A New Arctic Landmark Breaks Ground in Northern Norway
On the island of Andøya in Vesterålen, just north of the Arctic Circle, construction has officially begun on one of the region’s most anticipated new visitor attractions. The Whale, located in the coastal town of Andenes, is set to open to the public on 3 June 2027, offering year-round insight into whales, ocean science, art, and Arctic nature.
Internationally recognised as one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild, Andenes provides a natural setting for an attraction designed to connect visitors with the marine world. The Whale will combine architecture, storytelling and science to deepen our understanding of the marine world, and inspire care for the oceans we share.
– The Whale will offer experiences that have the power to change perceptions and attitudes towards whales, the oceans, and our shared responsibility to protect this vital part of nature. This year-round destination will add entirely new dimensions to travelling in Arctic Norway, says Børre Berglund, CEO of The Whale AS.
A Ceremony Rooted in Place, History and Hope
To mark this milestone, a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony was held today in Fyrvika, near the construction site. Instead of a traditional cornerstone, participants prepared a foundation bone, inspired by a 2021 archaeological discovery of a whale bone beneath a historic structure on site. This rare find, believed to have once supported a building, is now revived as a symbol of continuity and future vision, and will in time be placed into the foundation of The Whale.
The ceremony also gave voice to the next generation. Children from Andøy and the Azores had written down their hopes for the ocean’s future. These messages were placed in a Box of Hope, sealed within the whale bone, and will be lowered into the ground when the floor is poured, making children’s dreams and concerns part of the very foundation of The Whale.
A striking visual centrepiece was The Flying Whale, a sculpture crafted from a sperm whale bone and silver by local artist Silvia Renlund. Inspired by a 2017 community event that mobilised public support for The Whale, the sculpture has now been digitally replicated and will "travel the world" as a virtual ambassador. Carrying messages from children, it will visit key partners across Europe and beyond, inviting them to the grand opening in 2027.
Designed for the Arctic, Built for the World
The Whale is developed by The Whale AS, with architecture by the internationally acclaimed Danish firm Dorte Mandrup. The building will rise from the coastal landscape, mimicking the form of a giant marine creature surfacing from the sea. Inside, visitors will find exhibitions, immersive storytelling, scientific insight and artistic interpretation, all centred on the lives of whales and the health of our oceans.
As construction begins, The Whale stands as a symbol of Northern Norway’s deep connection to the ocean, its commitment to sustainable tourism, and Arctic identity.
For more information, visit thewhale.no and download images here.
Rigmor Myhre, Communication Manager B2C
E-mail: rigmor@nordnorge.com
Phone: +47 95855320
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