A Landmark in the Middle of a Scandinavian Forest

October 28, 2021

A Landmark in the Middle of a Scandinavian Forest

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The stunning 45-metre observation tower at Camp Adventure designed by EFFEKT, research-based architecture and urban planning studio based in Copenhagen, is a unique nature experience, bringing visitors closer to nature and offering a new perspective on the Scandinavian boreal forest.

Set in the historic Gisselfeld Klosters Forest – a glacial woodland characterised by rolling hills, ephemeral streams, lakes, wetlands, and meadows – on its own a changeable landscape experience that is influenced by the rich birdlife and the seasons’ changes – the experience features a 900 meter elevated boardwalk zig-zagging in and out between the trees, culminating in a 45-metre tower with a 650 meter long inner spiraling ramp, which offers breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and nature. Inaugurated in 2013, Camp Adventure is currently the largest high rope course in Denmark offering a range of nature-based activities such as treetop climbing and aerial zip lines.

The idea behind the elevated boardwalk leading to the tower is to make the forest accessible to everyone without disrupting the natural environment – at habitat to a wide variety of species living in harmony with nature. To achieve this, the tower was constructed from weathered steel and locally sourced oak, to blend in subtly with the surrounding natural context.

“Nature provides the real experience. We just made it more accessible and offered a series of new and alternate perspectives.” says Tue Foged Partner at EFFEKT Architects, “The tower is shaped to enhance the experience of the visitor, shunning the typical cylindrical shape in favor of a curved profile with a slender waist and enlarged base and crown. This allows for better contact to the forest canopy moving up through the tower.”

The spiraling ramp to the observation deck also benefits from the hyperbolic shape. While keeping a fixed gradient, the geometry and spacing of the ramp fluctuate according to the changing curvature. The ramp becomes a sculptural element that makes the journey to the top a unique experience of shifting intimacy while offering step-free access to all visitors.

Camp Adventure’s Tower offers a unique nature experience, not found anywhere else in Scandinavia, according to the architects. The tower’s top platform is 140 meters above sea level and the highest accessible point in the whole of Zealand. In clear weather, there is an unobstructed view 50 km to Copenhagen and Malmo in the north and the rugged Southern Zealand manor landscape to the south and east.

Prior to its completion the Forest Tower won a host of awards including the German Design Council Award (winner of Best of Best in the Concept category), the 2017 ICONIC Award (Winner of the Visionary Architecture category), and South Coast Denmark’s Best Tourism Initiative in 2018.