A new architectural landmark has emerged at the historic Viking Fortress Borgring in Køge, Denmark, where LOOP Architects has completed an innovative experience center that brings ancient history to life through contemporary design. The 2,000-square-meter facility, completed in 2025, draws direct inspiration from the characteristic longhouses and royal halls of the Viking Age, creating a bridge between Denmark's medieval past and its architectural future.
The experience center represents a collaborative effort between multiple Danish firms, with LOOP Architects leading the design team while working alongside LYTT Architecture for landscape design and engineering firm Viggo Madsen for technical consulting. The project was constructed by Enemærke & Petersen, utilizing materials from several specialized manufacturers including DAMPA, Troldtekt, Areco, Burntwood, DS Stålprofil, Give Elementer, and Velfac.
Architecturally, the building serves as both a functional visitor center and a symbolic representation of Viking heritage. The design team carefully studied historical Viking construction methods and spatial arrangements, translating these ancient building traditions into a modern museum and exhibition space that can accommodate contemporary visitor needs while honoring the site's archaeological significance.
The project's integration with the surrounding landscape was a crucial consideration, with LYTT Architecture developing a comprehensive approach that respects the historic fortress grounds while providing necessary modern amenities. The building's positioning and materials were selected to complement rather than compete with the ancient earthworks and archaeological features of the original Viking fortress.
Wood plays a central role in the construction, reflecting both sustainable building practices and historical authenticity, as timber was a primary building material during the Viking era. The architectural team incorporated various wood species and treatments to create spaces that evoke the atmosphere of ancient Nordic halls while meeting contemporary standards for accessibility, climate control, and visitor safety.
The Borgring fortress itself dates back to the Viking Age and represents one of Denmark's most significant archaeological sites. The new experience center is designed to enhance visitor understanding of this historical period through immersive exhibits and educational programs, while the building itself serves as an interpretive tool that demonstrates how Viking architectural principles can inform contemporary design.
This project represents a growing trend in cultural architecture where new buildings at historic sites are designed not merely as neutral containers for exhibits, but as active participants in the storytelling process. By embodying Viking architectural principles in its form and materials, the LOOP Architects design creates an authentic connection between visitors and the historical period they are exploring, making the experience center an integral part of the site's cultural narrative rather than an external addition.
