The architecture

At specially prepared stops along 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes, travellers are offered rest, great views, safe paths, toilets and information. In a few places, food or snacks are also available.

These practical needs and everyday challenges are solved as architectural tasks, with respect for the individual site and based on the atmosphere of the place.

In Norway, we have a long tradition of fitting buildings into demanding landscapes and terrain. This tradition has been continued by designers in their work on the many projects that have been built along Norwegian Scenic Routes.

The architecture aims to facilitate and enhance the tourist’s experience of the diverse Norwegian scenery. At the same time, the architecture should be an attraction in itself.

The willingness to innovate, to challenge established views and to explore new opportunities runs like a common thread through the entire Scenic Routes initiative.

The Scenic Routes Section of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has so far engaged 50 architects and landscape architects, both young and established ones, to design the stops along the routes.

In our work, we have emphasised the designers’ creativity and ability to innovate. This has resulted in a rare creative force, and a number of young architects have received great recognition for their Scenic Route projects. Virtually all of them are Norwegian. The exception is the world renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.