You'll Never Believe What's Inside This Giant Egg in Sweden
![Bigert & Bergström, Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_pink_clouds-copy.webp)
Created to commemorate the regeneration of Sweden’s iron ore city of Kiruna, Solar Egg by the Swedish artistic duo Bigert & Bergström is a unique art installation that doubles as a sauna.
As the urban transformation of Kiruna gets underway, locals and visitors will be able to partake in some typical Scandinavian relaxation inside the unusually-designed sauna.
![Bigert & Bergström, Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_hill-copy.webp)
Commissioned by the Swedish housing cooperative, Riksbyggen – who are undertaking the mammoth task of relocating entire districts due to ‘ground subsidence caused by decades of iron ore mining’ – the prizewinning duo took inspiration from Kiruna’s Artic climate for their very community-engaged artwork.
![Bigert & Bergström, Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_smoke.webp)
‘Saunas are places that fascinate. When Riksbyggen asked us to interpret Kiruna, we felt it was natural to explore a space that unites and encourages conversation,” said artists Mats Bigert and Lars Bergström. ‘Saunas are sacrosanct places where you can discuss all manner of things – from the big to the small.’
![Bigert & Bergström, Interior of Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_heart_wood-copy.webp)
At five metres high, Solar Egg can accommodate up to eight people. While the gold-plated steel outer shell reflects the surrounding mountains and wilderness, the interior is heated by a heart-shaped wood-fired burner.
![Bigert & Bergström, Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_bigert_bergtrom_blue_sky-copy.webp)
Intrigued by our relationship with nature, technology and energy, Bigert & Bergström have created a symbol of collaborative rebirth that uses the region’s changing light conditions for a practical yet unique purpose.
![Bigert & Bergström, Interior of Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_heart_pano-copy.webp)
If you’re not planning a trip to Kiruna, you’ll be able to experience Solar Egg at the end of the year when it travels to the Swedish Institute in Paris.
![Bigert & Bergström, Solar Egg, 2017](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/solaregg_cloudy_wide-copy-2.webp)
Solar Egg is open Thursday to Saturday until May 20 and again from June 1 to June 17, 2017 at specific times. You can book your sauna slot here. The sauna is free, though towels and other services provided by Riksbyggen will incur a fee.
Missed this amazing experience in Sweden? Then make sure you don’t miss the ultimate Sauna Experience in Paris this Winter.