Norway unveils king Harald’s sarcophagus made of CO2-absorbing stone
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The Royal House of Norway revealed details of the sarcophagus built to hold the remains of King Harald V, who died on August 28 at age 89.
The sarcophagus is shaped like a round ship, referencing the king’s connection to the sea and ancient Viking funeral traditions where the deceased were sent on a final voyage. Norwegian studio Snøhetta designed the sarcophagus in 2024, following the wishes of the king and Queen Sonia.
The double sarcophagus, intended to eventually hold Queen Sonia as well, is constructed from olivine, a stone formed deep within the earth. This material was chosen not only for its geological connection to Norway but also for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, reflecting the royal couple’s commitment to environmental concerns. The lid of the sarcophagus displays symbols of the Norwegian royal insignia, the royal crown, orb, and scepter.
The sarcophagus resides in the royal crypt at Akershus Castle in Oslo, alongside the tombs of previous monarchs dating back to 1905, when Norway gained independence from Sweden. The Norwegian government allocated approximately 20 million Norwegian kroner (two million euros) to fund the sarcophagus’s construction. King Harald V was interred on September 9 in a ceremony attended by royalty and leaders from around the world.
