Arctura, Water tower in Östersund Municipality, Sweden
Arctura is a water tower with distinctive architecture in Östersund, rising 65 meters (215 feet) above ground and wrapped in an almond-shaped exterior of shiny steel mesh with LED lighting. Inside, the structure stores water for regional heating systems, while a restaurant occupies the top level.
Construction of this water tower was completed in 2017, marking a turning point in Östersund's urban growth. Its completion brought the city a modern infrastructure facility that merged practical function with contemporary design.
The tower takes its name from Arcturus, a star that holds significance in the Jämtland region. Its lighting shifts throughout the year, creating a link between the structure and the night sky above.
The restaurant at the top offers wide views across the surrounding city and landscape, making clear weather ideal for a visit. The tower is easily accessible and visitors can experience both its functional purpose and dining facilities.
The outer layer uses Tigris metal fabric held by round rods and eyebolts, a specialized assembly that both retains heat and allows light to pass through. This combination of fabric and metal components is unusual and shows how engineering and aesthetics work together.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
