Siljustøl

Norwegian composer Harald Sigurd Johan Sæverud (1897–1992) is best known for his music to Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt and the piano pieces Rondo Amoroso and the Ballad of Revolt. Sæverud wrote nine symphonies and a large number of pieces for solo piano. He was a frequent guest conductor of his own works with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. The beautiful estate and money to build Siljustøl was a wedding gift to Sæverud and his wife-to-be when they married in 1934. The name refers to the sallow or willow (selje or silju) and a small mountain farm (støl). Instead of a mountain farm, Sæverud ended up with something more like a castle, which people also soon gave the name ‘The Tone Castle’. The Bergen International Festival has arranged concerts at Siljustøl since 1994.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access
Difficult access with several steep climbs. Access to upper floor concert hall is possible though awkward for small wheelchairs; motorised wheelchairs have access to the ground floor only.

Handicap toilet
On the ground floor

Facilities for reduced hearing
None

Transport and parking
Bus from central Bergen is included in ticket price, but buses do not take motorised wheelchairs, and stop approx 1km from the house. Cars may be driven to the door to drop off or fetch mobility impaired passengers by prior arrangement with Siljustøl (tel +47 55 13 60 00), but must be parked in the car park.