Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm & Louise Toft-Hansen
Svinkløv Badehotel
- ArchitectPraksis Arkitekter
- Interior DesignerChris Liljenberg Halstrøm & Louise Toft-Hansen
- PhotographerJens Markus Lindhe
SØREN ROSE After the historic hotel burned down in 2016 the restauration of the interior was made by designer Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm and owner Louise Toft-Hansen. The idea was to recreate the summer house feel from before the fire but with a lighter expression.The nature of Jammerbugten has acted as inspiration for the color scale of the hotel. The dunes, the beach and the sea are drawn inside and represented in everything from curtains and rugs to furniture and paint. The soft palette of whites, greys, pale blues and yellows, gives everything a calm and breezy feel, while oak details and brass accents introduce warmth and tactility, softening the minimal aesthetic. This harmonious blend of natural materials and minimalist elements seamlessly brings the Nordic coast indoors and allows natural light to fill the space.
A Glimpse into the History of Svinkløv
The original Svinkløv Badehotel was designed in 1925 by Ejnar Packness, who served as Royal Building Inspector. At first, the hotel was quite modest in size, consisting only of what we now know as the Blue Room. As guest numbers grew, it was soon decided to expand the hotel in both directions and to add an annex directly connected to the main building. By 1934, Svinkløv Badehotel had taken on the form we remember today.
Since 1925, the hotel has had five owners. Over the years, each one has poured immense love and dedication into the place, united by a heartfelt wish to preserve both the building and the sense of peace, calm, and quiet that can only be found here among the dunes.
In September 2016, an unexpected and devastating fire became part of Svinkløv Badehotel’s history. It left many people with nothing but memories of a place that was far more than just Denmark’s longest wooden building. It had been a house filled with personal dedication, traditions, and friendships. That night marked a sad and final chapter—there will always be a “before” and an “after” the fire.
The present Svinkløv Badehotel, rebuilt by Praksis Arkitekter, stands as a respectful tribute to Packness’ iconic wooden structure. It strikes a perfect balance between the hotel we fondly remember and a “version 2.0” that now forms a unified whole—ready to hold new memories and traditions. The annex and ice cream house from 1934 were the only parts to survive the fire and remain integral to the hotel today.
Although Svinkløv Badehotel this year will celebrate its 100th anniversary, it is not a museum. The hotel has evolved over time, shaped by the different hosts who have welcomed guests here. Yet its core DNA remains intact, adapting naturally to change. The atmosphere is still defined by nature and the unique light cast by the North Sea, which fills the airy rooms. It has always been—and will always be—a place that leaves a lasting mark on those who spend time here. There is a special synergy between the building, the landscape, and the people, and it is nothing short of magical.
