Norway gets Europe’s first underwater restaurant — with a dramatic descent into the water

▲ Norway is set to build Europe's first underwater restaurant. (Photo/Snøhetta fan page, same below)

By Rita

With underwater restaurants already in the Maldives, Dubai, and Berlin, Europe is now getting its very first one too. Located in Norway, the structure is truly unique—half on land, then gradually descending from the water's surface into the sea.

▲ Norway’s underwater restaurant extends five meters beneath the seabed. (Photo/Snøhetta fan page)

▲ Interior concept of Norway’s underwater restaurant. (Photo/Snøhetta fan page)

According to CNN,the European underwater restaurant, designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, will break ground in 2018.The restaurant is situated along the southernmost coast of Norway and blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. It will gradually extend from the land down to a depth of five meters on the seabed, with 10-meter-wide transparent glass walls allowing visitors to fully experience the underwater scenery.

"This building connects the land and nature, enabling visitors to 'dramatically' enter the water—an entirely new experience," said Rune Grasdal, director of the architecture firm. The restaurant is expected to accommodate 100 people. Of course, many may feel uneasy, questioning its safety. But Grasdal explained that the design team has placed strong emphasis on safety. Snøhetta has a portfolio of renowned projects, including the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, as well as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina library in Egypt.