THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAUNA OPEN FOR THE SUMMER – ON A BEACH, IN THE ARCTIC
SALT, a unique cultural project located in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, has opened the World’s largest public sauna, on a remote beach on an island in the Norwegian Arctic Circle. Holding over 100 people and with its own bar, the beautifully designed, glassfronted ‘Agora’ Sauna looks out onto the Arctic Sea, offering extraordinary views of the mountainous seascape.
The acclaimed Norwegian musician / recording artist Biosphere has also created a specially commissioned, ambient soundtrack called Polar Low, which is installed in the Sauna. Biosphere is well known for his ambient techno and arctic ambient styles, use of music loops and striking sound-sampling from sci-fi sources. The amphi-theatre style seating of the Agora Sauna space is also used for a programme of events including talks and performances. SALT’s spectacular site also houses a live performance auditorium, a largescale gallery structure and group of small, mobile lodges with glass celings and wood-burning stoves, in which guests can stay in on the beach. Each of the structures has a stunning architectural design, inspired by traditional Norwegian fiskehjeller (fish racks), used by the nomadic communities of the Arctic. The Naustet & Lanternen building houses a restaurant and bar, offering a delicious menu based on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
SALT’s unique setting – a white sand Arctic beach, encompassed by high mountains and the turquoise ocean – is a beautiful, breath-taking stage for the ambitious cultural project. With a cultural programme of arts and music closely linked to the astonishing location and surroundings, visitors gain an increased awareness of the landscape, its history, present circumstances and future. SALT is a unique cultural platform – creative, historical, environmental and communal – that brings together art, architecture, music and food in the Arctic landscape. Launching in Norway in 2014, SALT will spend the next few years travelling across the northernmost part of our planet, making stops in Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Scotland, Spitsbergen, and Alaska. An ambitious and inspiring concept designed to stir the imagination using the nature and history of the Arctic as the framework for strong arts and cultural experiences.
