Among the trees: the iconic Forest Tower by EFFEKT Architects
An immersive experience above the Scandinavian landscape, designed by EFFEKT Architects.
Sensory architecture, natural connection, and a new way to explore Copenhagen and its surroundings
Just one hour south of Copenhagen, in the heart of the historic Gisselfeld Klosters Forest, rises an iconic structure that seems to have emerged from the landscape itself. This is the Camp Adventure Forest Tower, a 45-metre-high observation tower that spirals up through the trees as a contemporary tribute to Denmark’s natural beauty.
Designed by the renowned Danish firm EFFEKT Architects, the project has become a benchmark in both experiential and ecological architecture, attracting nature lovers and cultural travellers from across the globe.
“This project has become a benchmark in experiential and ecological architecture.”
A 360º Scandinavian experience
Camp Adventure is not just another attraction. It is a destination. A sensory journey through the forest that culminates at an observation point 140 metres above sea level — the highest accessible spot on the island of Zealand. On clear days, the panoramic views stretch up to 50 kilometres, embracing Copenhagen, Malmö, and the southern Danish manor landscapes.
“This project fuses design, sustainability and emotion.”
The experience begins at ground level, with a 900-metre-long elevated boardwalk that weaves between trees, streams, wetlands and gently rolling hills. The walkway is fully accessible and has been carefully integrated into the surrounding ecosystem: built with corten steel and locally sourced oak, it blends seamlessly with the natural environment without disrupting it.
The Tower: a habitable sculpture in the heart of the forest
The heart of the project is the tower itself. But this is no ordinary viewing platform. The Forest Tower is a habitable spiral, a monumental sculpture of organic curves that leads visitors slowly and gently to the top — no stairs, no rush, just the promise of a transformative perspective.
Unlike traditional cylindrical observation towers, this one adopts a hyperbolic shape — wide at the base and crown, slender at the centre. The result is not merely aesthetic: it enables a closer relationship with the forest canopy during the ascent, revealing shifting views, patterns of light and shadow, and an immersive, almost meditative sensation.
The 650-metre-long inner ramp maintains a consistent gradient, ensuring universal access. Each stretch reveals a new scene, a new scent, a new texture of the forest. The structure itself becomes part of the journey — walking it feels like traversing a living piece of land art.
Beyond design: architecture that moves
“The forest is the real protagonist. We simply made it accessible and offered new perspectives.” explains Tue Foged, partner at EFFEKT.
That philosophy is present in every detail: from the materials selected to the tower’s silhouette, everything has been designed to honour the landscape, not dominate it. The Forest Tower was conceived to integrate with the natural lifecycle of its environment. Built using durable, natural materials, its ecological footprint is minimal. No trees were felled during construction and the natural topography remained untouched. It stands as an example of regenerative architecture — not merely respectful of nature, but actively enriching it.
A tourism landmark that redefines ecotourism in Denmark
Since its public opening in March 2019, Camp Adventure has welcomed thousands of visitors — more than 2,500 on its first day alone. Unsurprisingly, the tower has quickly become a Scandinavian tourism icon, celebrated for both its innovation and beauty.
The project has received several major awards, including:
– German Design Council Award – Best of Best in the Concept category.
– ICONIC Award 2017 – Winner in Visionary Architecture.
– South Coast Denmark’s Best Tourism Initiative 2018.
Even Denmark’s former Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, attended the opening ceremony and praised the project for its potential to boost sustainable tourism in the region.
Camp Adventure: much more than a tower
The Forest Tower is part of a broader concept: Camp Adventure, an outdoor activity centre offering ziplines, treetop walks, and immersive nature experiences. Inaugurated in 2013, the park has become Denmark’s largest high ropes and adventure centre.
Its mission is clear: to attract global travellers in search of authentic, active, and sustainable experiences. It’s a commitment to responsible tourism, well-being, and reconnecting with what truly matters.
“The Forest Tower is part of a wider concept: Camp Adventure, an outdoor experience centre.”
A must-visit for design and nature lovers
For those living in or visiting Copenhagen, a trip to Camp Adventure is unmissable.
The drive itself is part of the magic — crossing through fields, forests and small villages before arriving at this contemporary sanctuary in the middle of nowhere (and yet, in the heart of everything).
The experience can fill a morning or a full afternoon. It’s suitable for all ages and levels of mobility. Best of all, it offers the rare chance to see the world from a new perspective — both physically and emotionally.
Danish architecture at its finest
Copenhagen-based EFFEKT Architects has earned international recognition for its unique ability to fuse innovation, sustainability and beauty. With more than 60 professionals, the firm is behind acclaimed projects such as Living Places, GAME Streetmekka Viborg, and the visionary ReGen Villages concept.
The Forest Tower captures their ethos perfectly: architecture that transforms places, improves lives, and celebrates the natural world.
Why this project is more than a trend
In an overstimulated, hyperconnected world, projects like Camp Adventure remind us of something essential: the need to slow down, reconnect with nature, and look at the world with fresh eyes.
This project is not just relevant because of its form or aesthetics, but because of what it represents: a new way of inhabiting the landscape, of doing tourism, and of designing meaningful experiences.
“Camp Adventure represents a new way of inhabiting the landscape, of doing tourism, and of designing meaningful experiences.”
At a time when design and sustainability are no longer optional but critical, Camp Adventure stands tall — a beacon of inspiration for architects, travellers and dreamers alike.
A journey that stays with you
Visiting Camp Adventure is not just about climbing a tower. It’s about letting yourself be enveloped by the murmur of the forest, watching the light shift through the leaves, feeling the wind at the top — and descending with a smile, lungs full of air and a soul a little lighter.
It’s an invitation to look upwards — but also inwards. And undoubtedly, one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have near Copenhagen.
(*) Photos by Rasmus Hjortshoj, courtesy of EFFEKT Architects.
