The Forgotten Town

The Forgotten Town (Den glømda staden) is an artwork that exists as a “non-place” – a stage built for something that might have happened, but now stands empty, waiting for its future. At the heart of the work is a paradox of time. Stone, one of humanity’s oldest building materials, is shaped into a structure that resembles both a ruin and the foundation of a building yet to come.

The artwork is located at Oterstranda in Gildeskål and is part of Artscape Nordland (Skulpturlandskap Nordland). Signposts from County Road 17 (FV17) guide visitors to the site. From the parking area, it is a short walk of approximately 300 metres. When the trail splits, follow the path uphill to the left.

The sculpture is set within an open landscape, offering sweeping views of the fjord and sky, creating a powerful connection between art and nature.

The project generated significant engagement within the local community and remains one of the most discussed works in Artscape Nordland. You can learn more about The Forgotten Town, its creation process, and the other artworks in the collection through Artscape Nordland.

Artscape Nordland

Artscape Nordland is an internationally renowned collection of site-specific artworks located across 34 municipalities in Nordland County. The project is based on the idea that a work of art creates its own place through its presence, while also revealing and enhancing the surrounding landscape, giving it a new dimension.

Gildeskål’s contribution to the collection is located at Oterstranda, approximately 15 kilometres south of Inndyr along County Road 17. The Forgotten Town was created by Jan Håfström in collaboration with Johan Celsing.

Just a short distance away, you’ll also find another intriguing art project worth visiting: The Thai House and the Sami Hut at Kjellingvatnet.