The characteristic building, covering 9,000 square metres, consists of four contiguous cylinders that rise to a height of 28 metres above sea level and create an architectural connection between the waters of the inlet and the city itself. Art and design merge in this innovative building that engages in constant dialogue with the surrounding sea, as was the intention of its creator, Studio Olafur Eliasson. Depending on your location in the building, you can experience many different architectural angles and views of the inlet and the harbour, all framed by the building’s arched openings and windows. Water flows through two of the ground floor rooms, and a whirling metal sculpture expands from the ceiling to form a drooping tip. A reflector also mirrors the constant interaction between light, water and wind. You can even drift through the building in a kayak.
On the first floor lies the exclusive gourmet restaurant, Restaurant Lyst, with its interior and service designed by Olafur Eliasson's Studio. Read more about the Michelin restaurant here.
Kirk Kapital's offices are located on the top two floors. Atop the building, there's a green roof with vegetation and solar panels. At night, Fjordenhus is illuminated from within, resembling a lighthouse.
Fjordenhus, a name combining "fjord" and "house," refers to the building's placement in the water off Havneøen in Vejle Fjord, named by the artist himself.
Fjordenhus was inaugurated on Saturday, June 9, 2018.
Opening Hours and Guided Tours
There is public access to Olafur Eliasson's artworks on the ground floor. Access is via the bridge from Havneøen. Vejle Museums also offers guided tours of the Fjordenhus several times a week. Groups are advised to purchase all tickets for one of the offered tours. See opening hours and book your tour on the Vejle Museums website (in Danish).
All tours include Olafur Eliasson's artworks on the ground floor and the exhibition in the basement, which is normally not open to the public. Note that the guided tours are not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as access to the basement is via stairs. Likewise, it is not possible to bring strollers and pushchairs.
All tours last about 60 minutes and start at the bridge, before the transition to Fjordenhus.
Parking at Fjordenhus
There is 2 hours of free parking on parts of the top deck of the parking house right by the bridge to Havneøen. Additionally, there are several public parking spaces in the area. Follow the signs carefully and check that you have parked in the correct section.
Buses are allowed to drop off and pick up passengers in front of the parking house or Fjordenhus. Moreover, there are two bus parking spaces on Strandgade.
