Set just outside central Varberg on Sweden’s west coast, Våga stands as a symbol of the city’s deep connection to the sea – and to the life-sustaining force of drinking water. Designed by White Arkitekter, the tower – 187 metres long and just 9 metres wide – departs from convention in both shape and spirit: a striking horizontal form, wave-like and elongated, that pays tribute to the coastal identity of Varberg.
Våga inaugurated – a new landmark for Varberg
The world-unique water tower Våga has now been officially inaugurated. This past sun-drenched Sunday, residents of Varberg, families, and project collaborators gathered at Bastekullen to celebrate the completion of the new tower – a bold technical investment and an architectural landmark that firmly places Varberg on the map.
Varberg is growing rapidly – the population has increased by around 30% since 2000 – and with continued urban development, a new and more modern water tower was needed. Våga is not only a response to this growth, but also a clear statement of intent: to invest in infrastructure with vision and integrity.
During the inauguration, Henrik Petzäll (CEO of Vivab), Ann-Charlotte Stenkil (Chair of the Municipal Executive Board), and Peter Sjöholm (Chair of the Board at Vivab) spoke about Våga’s importance – both as vital infrastructure and as a powerful symbol. The well-attended event welcomed a large crowd, with many families enjoying the sun-soaked afternoon and settling in for picnics beside – and even beneath – the tower.
A young oak tree was also planted nearby, chosen to mirror Våga’s expected functional lifespan of 100 years – two new lives beginning side by side.
It was a meaningful moment – not only to see the tower completed, but also to reconnect with several collaborators I hadn’t met in years. To now stand together beneath this bold structure we once envisioned on paper was both moving and surreal.
Per Hultcrantz, lead architect for Våga, who succeeded Mattias Lind in the role
A bronze plaque, designed by lead architect Per Hultcrantz (who succeeded Mattias Lind in the role) in collaboration with Vivab, honours the detailed and collaborative design process behind the project.
Våga now stands in full operation – a new silhouette on the Varberg skyline, holding both water and vision.
Client: Vivab (Water & Environment in the West)
Contractor: Veidekke
Location: Bastekullen, Varberg
Status: Completed in 2024
Timeline: 2018–2024
Reservoir Capacity: 10,000 cubic metres
Delivery Model: Design-and-build collaboration
Photography: Anna Kristinsdóttir and Per Hultcrantz
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