Treetop Walk, Hamaren

Challenge: The desire to reach new heights 

With its universally designed waterside trail leading to barbecue huts and bonfire sites, and the wealth of activities for all ages, the Hamaren nature park was an immediate success for the Municipality of Fyresdal. They had produced a nature park with excellent trail options for both wheelers and walkers and plenty of places to sit and rest.  
 
Hamaren’s success simply gave a taste for more. Hamaren was originally envisioned as a recreational area for locals, but it turned out to be a magnet for visitors too. So much so that the municipality saw the possibility of local growth in the development of a new concept for the park. After extensive brainstorming with project partners, the idea of a treetop walkway was launched, promising a spectacular experience for all regardless of functional ability or the size of one’s wallet. Like Hamaren as a whole, it was to be a free attraction and would allow everyone – on foot or on wheels, young or old, outdoor types or hobby exercisers – to gain altitude and enjoy the beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and Fyresvatn Lake. 

Approach: Local user involvement and business support 

The development of the Treetop Walk prioritized user involvement and environmental care. Faun Naturforvaltning/HØGDE initiated and led the project on behalf of the Municipality of Fyresdal, attracting external financing and helping in the tendering process to bring in design expertise.  
 
Architects from Copenhagen were selected on the basis of other reference projects such as the Forest Tower at Camp Adventure in the Gisselfeld Klosters Forest in Danmark. 

The architects and local contractor Inge Aamlid collaborated remotely, using nature management technology to determine the optimal route with minimal environmental impact. The construction used small, prefabricated wooden elements, easily handled on-site to protect the natural landscape. This careful approach ensured that both accessibility and the integrity of the natural setting were preserved. 
 
The objective was to create a new, spectacular, inclusive experience that would put Fyresdal on the map. The route to the top needed to create a feeling of achievement for visitors and to ensure that no one got lost on the way. Innovative, creative solutions were needed. Faun/Høgde engaged local residents and people with disabilities to ensure the design met diverse needs.  Extensive feedback was gathered to create a pathway that would be inclusive for all users 
 
At an early stage they also reached out to the Norwegian Association of Disabled People and local rambling organisations, and entered into dialogue with Fyresdal Youth Council, local schools and kindergardens.  
 
Local businesses and individuals of all ages were equally engaged and enthusiastic about the treetop walkway project. The disabled people’s association gave the municipality important insight. The final destination was not so important as the actual trail – the experience of making it to the top oneself. There had to be one walkway that was suitable for all. 

Result: Norway’s first treetop trail 

The result is a one kilometer pinewood walkway that winds round and round, ever upwards, to the forest canopy. It starts by the lakeside trail and ends, via a series of spectacular viewpoints, at the summit of Klokkarhamaren.The entire route is surrounded by treetops and natural landscapes with views over Fyresvatn Lake.The sense of achievement is tremendous.  
 
Architects designed the wooden walkway with great sensitivity in order to nestle in its surroundings. Sometimes it follows the hillside’s ridges and slopes; at other times it curves outwards to provide viewpoints and the sensation of height where visitors can feel the wind through the treetops. The load-bearing structure, consisting of 17-metre posts, decking and railings, is constructed from locally harvested pine. All the construction work was carried out by master builder Inge Aamlid and his team of expert contractors. 
 
Universally designed with a gentle incline, the hiking trail offers all nature lovers, regardless of age, disability or physical limitations, the sensational feeling of walking among the treetops. The local resident Sveinung Nygård, 94, uses the walk regularly with his rollator, highlighting its accessibility for older adults. Families with disabled members also benefit, as the design enables everyone, including those in wheelchairs, to participate in nature activities together. 

Benefits: Public health and innovation in architecture 

Since its opening in June 2023, the Treetop Walk in Hamaren has attracted over 120,000 visitors, which is pretty impressive considering Fyresdal’s total population of 1,253. It quickly became a must-see destination and instantly earned a spot on Visit Norway's list of top places to visit in 2023, thanks to its stunning and design and accessibility.  
 
The Treetop Walk, along with Hamaren Activity Park, has become an important contributor to public health. Coverage in Norwegian and foreign media had added to the success by bringing more visitors to the municipality and the nature park.  
 
The Treetop Walk was partly financed through sponsorship agreements and support from local companies. The local business community saw that the Treetop Walk could encourage growth and become an important part of the municipality’s identity. 
 
The walkway’s inclusive design, suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and people of all abilities, has made it a symbol of innovation in architecture.