Feskekôrka in Gothenburg

In central Gothenburg, poised elegantly by the canal’s edge, lies Feskekôrka. In collaboration with Higab and Skeppsviken, we have undertaken the careful restoration—and sensitively modernised renewal—of this iconic fish and seafood hall. In 2024, as the building celebrated its 150th anniversary, Feskekôrka proudly reopened its doors to the public.

Norse Inspiration

Originally designed by Victor von Gegerfelt, Feskekôrka draws its inspiration from Norse stave churches and neo-Gothic aesthetics. These architectural influences gave rise to the building’s colloquial name, “Feskekôrka” (“Fish Church”). When it opened in 1874, Gothenburg’s residents quickly christened it with this affectionate moniker, recognising in its dramatic arches and spired silhouette a striking resemblance to ecclesiastical architecture.

By 2018, however, Feskekôrka’s owners, Higab, recognised the need for a comprehensive renovation. Our four-year collaboration commenced, bringing together contractors, heritage specialists, and technical consultants, with the shared goal of revitalising this much-loved landmark for generations to come.

Client: Higab
Place: Gothenburg
Status: Completed 2024
Photo: Kalle Sanner, White Arkitekter and Gothenburg City Museum archive.

The shared vision was clear: to restore the architectural and heritage values that had been eroded over decades of renovations, while securing Feskekôrka’s future as Gothenburg’s premier marketplace for fish and seafood.

Magnus Bunner, Lead architect

A Building Full of Secrets

Parts of the building’s intricate timber-frame structure had been encased in concrete, while the grand natural light of its original design was obscured by counters, refrigeration units, and heavy-duty kitchen equipment. The critical connection to the canal, once the lifeline for unloading fish, had also been lost over the years.

In the 1960s, Feskekôrka’s substantial timber framework—resting on brick buttresses—was partially removed and replaced with concrete foundations. Removing this concrete became essential to reveal the lower structure’s original form. Detailed inspections uncovered that the roof beams had initially rested on granite plinths. Through careful study, the intricate system of buttresses and timber framing could be faithfully and safely restored.

Skilled carpenters replaced worn rafters and beams with new Swedish pine, crafting traditional joinery and securing older timber with wooden pegs and cast-iron bolts, employing techniques that honoured the building’s original construction methods.

By restoring the physical connection and reestablishing a visual link to the water, we hope to rekindle Gothenburgers' awareness of Feskekôrka's original bond with the waterways that flow through the city.

Viktor Göthe, Architect

Feskekôrka proved to be a building brimming with secrets. Beneath its layers lay a remarkably intricate structure, hidden from view for decades. Feskekôrka had been in a slumber, like Sleeping Beauty, and as she awakens, a remarkable treasure is returned to the people of Gothenburg.

Magnus Bunner, Lead architect

Placing the Technology Underground

A crucial step in restoring the spaciousness of the fish hall—one of the most culturally significant values to preserve—was the excavation of a technical basement beneath the building. This allowed for the relocation of equipment that once obstructed natural light and large portions of the interior, now discreetly concealed below ground.

In the tiled kitchen stations, essential equipment for restaurant kitchens, cold storage, and the fish hall’s ventilation systems is housed. The design pays homage to Feskekôrka’s history, recalling the era of tiled stalls with rounded edges that once segmented the hall. The format and tilework, with wide grout lines, echo the building’s masonry façades. Throughout, we have aimed to achieve a robustness and simplicity in the additions that harmonise with the original architecture.

As a listed building, any alterations to Feskekôrka require approval from the County Administrative Board. Thanks to the close collaboration with main contractor Skeppsviken, heritage specialists, and Higab as the client, the project team has remained true to the initial vision—to restore, adapt, and open up Feskekôrka for public enjoyment.

The collaboration with White has been exceptionally successful—in a project as complex as this, it’s crucial to bring in the right people with the right mindset, and that’s exactly what we’ve had. Everyone involved has needed to be both insightful and attentive, balancing diverse perspectives and navigating forward when unexpected challenges arise.

Kajsa Wide, Project manager at Higab