Rebuild Hasselbakken
Oslo's historic dragon-style restaurant at St. Hanshaugen burned down in 1936. We're fighting to bring it back.
The History of Hasselbakken
From proud national romantic landmark to ashes — and the dream of rebuilding it.
Hasselbakken is built
Architect Holm Hansen Munthe designs a magnificent dragon-style restaurant at St. Hanshaugen. With thick granite foundations and timber construction, Hasselbakken became one of Oslo's (then Kristiania) finest and most distinctive buildings.
The Kaiser is impressed
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany is so taken with Hasselbakken that he commissions a copy — Kongsnæs — at Jungfernsee in Potsdam. Architect Munthe reuses the blueprints from Hasselbakken.
46 years as the people's restaurant
For four decades, Hasselbakken is one of Oslo's most beloved restaurants and gathering places, with a view across the entire city from St. Hanshaugen park. The building embodies the national awakening leading to the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905.
The fire
Fire ravages parts of Hasselbakken. Although only parts of the building were destroyed, the remains are demolished. The surviving structure is moved to Fåberg near Lillehammer, where it later also burns down.
Kongsnæs is also destroyed
The twin building Kongsnæs in Potsdam burns down during fighting at the end of World War II. The ruins are later removed during the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
The twin project
The mayor of Potsdam reaches out to Oslo's mayor about a partnership to rebuild both buildings — a cultural collaboration between Norway and Germany.
INTBAU Norway is founded
Audun Engh and architect Arne Sødal found INTBAU Norway, taking up the fight to rebuild Hasselbakken.
Friends of Hasselbakken
Audun Engh establishes 'Hasselbakkens Venner' (Friends of Hasselbakken) — a growing group of engaged citizens championing the reconstruction.
Kongsnæs rebuilt in Potsdam
While the Oslo project has stalled, the reconstruction of Kongsnæs in Potsdam is completed. The building now functions as a popular restaurant and tourist attraction.
The Willy Brandt Prize
Förderverein Kongsnæs in Potsdam wins the prestigious Willy Brandt Prize. The association offers Oslo all the Kongsnæs blueprints free of charge as a basis for rebuilding.
We lose Audun Engh
Audun Engh, one of the most dedicated champions of Hasselbakken and co-founder of the Architecture Uprising, passes away. The work continues in his spirit.
Political breakthrough
Oslo's new city council endorses a public/private partnership for year-round dining in St. Hanshaugen park. Architect Arne Sødal and INTBAU Norway present concrete plans. A team of architects, carpenters, and woodcarvers with experience from the Holmenkollen Chapel reconstruction is in place.
Investors wanted
INTBAU Norway estimates that for 60 million NOK, Hasselbakken can be rebuilt almost identically to the original. Investors and financing are now being sought. The City Antiquarian requires an accurate reconstruction.
Project status
Progress
- ●Oslo city council supports a public/private partnership
- ●City Antiquarian has approved reconstruction (accuracy required)
- ●City Environment Agency is supportive
- ●Complete team of architects, carpenters, and woodcarvers ready
- ●Detailed blueprints from Kongsnæs available free of charge
- ●Cost estimate: approx. 60 million NOK (~$5.5M USD)
What we need
- ●Investors and financing partners
- ●Political pressure to prioritize the project
- ●Public engagement and visibility
- ●Support from local businesses
- ●Volunteers for outreach
Where we're stuck
- ●Financing is the biggest challenge — 60M NOK must be raised
- ●Need political will to formalize agreement with the municipality
- ●Clarification of land-use and zoning in the park
- ●Balancing accurate reconstruction with modern requirements (accessibility, fire safety, etc.)
St. Hanshaugen: The Heart of Oslo
— A park with history, soul, and a view.
St. Hanshaugen is one of Oslo's oldest and most beloved parks. Established in the 19th century, it has since been a natural gathering place for the city's inhabitants. The park is known for its steep paths, beautiful fountains, and spectacular views of the city and the fjord.
The Lost Dragon Style
Hasselbakken was the crown jewel of the park. Its absence has left a gap in St. Hanshaugen's historical profile for nearly 90 years.
A Vibrant Community
The reconstruction will not only restore the park's landmark but also create a new, year-round meeting place for the neighborhood and visitors.
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Hasselbakken belongs to Oslo. Help us bring it back.