At the southernmost point of the Norwegian coast, Under is a unique architectural attraction that not only is Europe’s first underwater restaurant, but it is also a stunning example of the fusion of groundbreaking design, cutting-edge dining and marine science research.
Under is the brainchild of the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, which has made its mark with the Oslo Opera House and the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York. The 34-meter-long structure is designed as a semi-submersible structure, with the bottom submerged 5 meters below the water surface. The half-meter-thick concrete structure not only ensures long-term resistance to the impact of the marine environment but is also expected to become an artificial coral reef, attracting the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Under Restaurant, located at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coast, is the first underwater restaurant in Europe.
This place not only serves cuisine but is also a research center for marine life.
The construction process for Under was equally unique. The massive structure was initially built on a barge near the shore, then floated on its own. To get Under into place, engineers used cranes and tugboats to position it precisely, then “screwed” the bottom onto a giant concrete block that was securely anchored to bedrock on the seabed.
Unique restaurant space attracts tourists' curiosity
Under Restaurant is located in Lindesnes, a small town in southern Norway. Interestingly, this restaurant is located at a unique confluence at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coast.
When entering Under, visitors will experience a special journey from the sea surface to the ocean floor. The mezzanine area and the main bar are the transition points between the space above and below the water surface, creating the feeling of "touching" the ocean. Deeper is the main restaurant area, with a capacity of about 40 guests. Here, a giant glass panel acts as a vivid picture, opening up a panoramic view of the underwater world.
In particular, the space at Under gives visitors the feeling of going from the sea surface to the bottom of the sea with large glass panels allowing people inside to observe the underwater landscape.
The view through this glass changes constantly with the time of day and the seasons. In winter, the water can appear a cool sapphire blue, while in summer it turns a brilliant emerald green as the seaweed blooms.
Spacious space but contains many meanings of the construction team
To enhance the viewing experience, a lighting system is installed around the giant glass windows, attracting and illuminating marine life, providing an unforgettable visual feast for diners. The combination of enjoying exquisite cuisine and admiring the deep blue ocean has turned Under into an enchanting destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
What sets Under apart is not just its architecture or cuisine. It also serves as an important research center for marine biology and ecosystems. With its unique location and direct observation capabilities, Under provides an ideal platform for scientists to study the behavior and diversity of underwater species, contributing to the conservation of the marine environment.
The cuisine here is also a big reason to keep diners coming back.
The underwater restaurant model is still quite rare in the world, mainly appearing in tropical seas such as Maldives. The successful construction and operation of Under in the cold sea of Norway is not only an architectural achievement but also affirms the unlimited creativity of humans in exploring and connecting with nature.
