Natural Playground in Brønndalen, Bergen: From Worn Sports Court to Vibrant Community Space

In Brønndalen, Olsvik, Bergen, a previously underused recreational area has been transformed into a modern and inclusive playground and community activity space. Commissioned by the Agency for Urban Environment at the City of Bergen, Høyt & Lavt Adventure Concepts has developed and delivered a unique natural playground. It combines play, physical activity and experiences in nature.

In collaboration with Boasson and Norconsult, Høyt & Lavt Adventure Concepts has helped transform the area into a popular local meeting place and activity space.

A Natural Playground Built Around Nature

The Brønndalen project is a great example of how a natural playground can be developed with minimal intervention. At the same time, the design creates maximum value for play and activity.

The playground features climbing courses with treehouses, balance elements, climbing nets and a zipline. Several of these elements are built directly into the existing trees, several metres above the ground. They give children and young people opportunities for challenge, achievement and excitement in a safe environment.

Because of this the courses offer different levels of difficulty and are designed for a wide range of users. Sustainable solutions have also been prioritised throughout the project. Natural materials, such as bark, are used instead of plastic-based impact-absorbing surfaces. The design also preserves and respects the existing vegetation.

Read more about the background and results of the project from the City of Bergen.

This approach reflects the philosophy of Høyt & Lavt Adventure Concepts: creating playgrounds that are closely integrated with nature – visually, functionally and environmentally.

From a Worn-Out Sports Court to an Attractive Natural Playground

Before the redevelopment, the area consisted mainly of a worn-out sports court that was rarely used. As a result of targeted development, it has been transformed into an attractive playground and natural play environment with high levels of activity and significant value for the local community.

Construction began in January, and the new facility opened in spring 2025. With a total project budget of approximately NOK 13 million, the development was prioritised partly because of its proximity to schools and kindergartens, as well as good public transport connections.

Today, the area is in constant use. Local residents describe it as a place where “there are always people”, and it has become a natural meeting place for children, parents and grandparents alike.

Read more about the project in Bergens Tidende.

A Community Activity Space That Brings People Together

The Brønndalen natural playground in Bergen is more than a playground – it is a complete community activity space designed to encourage physical activity, recreation and social interaction.

Area includes:

• Climbing courses with a zipline and treehouses
• Sand play areas, playhouses and balance logs
• Cycling features and activity areas
• A barbecue area with long tables and social spaces
• A sensory garden with plants for both people and pollinating insects
• Universally designed and accessible meeting spaces

The facility has been developed to be accessible to a broad range of users and supports both organised and spontaneous physical activity within the local community.

An Active Outdoor Space with High Use and Local Value

One of the clearest signs of the project’s success is how much the area is being used. Since opening, it has quickly become a popular gathering place, attracting visitors throughout the day.

The new playground and natural play environment serve not only as a place for physical activity. It is also a social arena that strengthens people’s connection to their neighbourhood and encourages greater use of local outdoor spaces.

At the same time, the project demonstrates how investment in high-quality community activity spaces can deliver immediate benefits. This covers both increased physical activity, improved public health and stronger local communities.

Community Involvement and Local Ownership

Community involvement has been an important part of the development process. Input from children, young people and local stakeholders helped shape both the design and the activities included in the facility.

This has helped ensure that the solution is not only architecturally and functionally successful, but also relevant to the people who live nearby – and, most importantly, actively used.

A Sustainable Model for the Playgrounds of the Future

The Brønndalen project demonstrates how the playgrounds and community activity spaces of the future can be developed:

• With nature as the starting point
• With sustainable material choices
• With a focus on physical activity, achievement and play
• With a high degree of adaptation to the local environment
• With solutions that create lasting meeting places

Høyt & Lavt Adventure Concepts has delivered a facility that not only encourages play, but also promotes greater use of nature and helps strengthen the local community.

Learn more about our playground solutions

---

Summary

Brønndalen in Bergen is an inspiring example of how a natural playground can transform an underused area into a vibrant community space.

From a rarely used sports court to an active meeting place featuring a zipline, climbing courses and social areas, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design and nature-based solutions can create lasting value for local communities.

Looking to Develop a Playground or Natural Playground?

Høyt & Lavt Adventure Concepts supports clients throughout the entire process – from the initial idea and design to a completed playground and community activity space.

Get in touch to discover how we can create a playground tailored to both its surroundings and the people who will use it.