Scenic routes Norway

The scenic routes in Norway are legendary. In 2022, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration will complete a total of eleven new architectural projects. By the end of 2022, there will be 172 completed projects on the Norwegian Scenic Routes. Here you can find an overview of all the new projects.

They are known far beyond the country’s borders. And attract millions of tourists every year. Over the past 30 years, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has succeeded in turning the Norwegian Scenic Routes into an international attraction. These are 18 selected stretches of road that pass coastlines, fjords, mountains and waterfalls. Both architecture and art can be found along the roadside. Against the backdrop of the impressive Norwegian landscape. Instead of taking the fastest route via the main roads, drivers here choose the road as their destination.

The journey therefore becomes a real experience. The installations stretch from Jæren in the south up to Varanger in the north. And span a road network with a total length of 1,850 kilometers. The aim of the initiative was to make the journey along the routes exciting and inspiring. The tourism industry has succeeded in doing this with the projects over the last few years. In 2022, eleven more projects will be added to the existing 161.

The project was launched in 1994 and was originally limited to a few roads. Four years later, however, the Norwegian parliament decided to expand the project. As a result, municipalities were able to submit their own proposals. From the pre-nominated routes, the 18 routes known today as the Norwegian Scenic Routes were selected.

The projects along the routes include parking and rest areas, viewpoints and concepts for landscape conservation. Furthermore, several authorities are cooperating to maintain service facilities. Accommodation, restaurants and small stores selling local handicrafts can be found along the routes as an extension of the tourist offer. Norwegian artists and architects were the main designers of the attractions built. With the exception of the Steilneset Memorial project in Vardø. This was created in memory of 91 victims who were accused of witchcraft here and subsequently burned at the stake. The French-American artist Louise Bourgeois and the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor developed an atmospheric space in memory of this gruesome history.

They designed a burning chair surrounded by seven mirrors, which stands in a 125-metre-long memorial hall made of canvas. It is a special design in an equally significant location. Behind this lies the ambition of the landscape routes to capture the cultural history and spirit of the place and to stage it accordingly through architecture. The eleven new projects also have potential. The planners involved include well-known names.

Snøhetta designed a rest area bordering the sea in Trælvikosen, Helgelandskysten. 55 stepping stones lead from the mainland to a small island and then provide a view back to the coast. At low tide, the stones are visible and can be walked on. At high tide, however, they are completely submerged. Snøhetta thus plays with the tides and allows the landscape conditions to become part of the design. An engagement with nature is essential for the Norwegian Landscape Routes. Per Ritzner, press spokesman for the Landscape Routes, puts it this way: “Norwegian nature inspires respect. And you have to approach it responsibly.”

The other eleven new projects also take a variety of approaches. Architects Helen&Hard designed a medical building in Tyrvefjøra, Hardanger. They used tree trunks and roots, among other things, as building materials. The functional room program is intended to blend in with the mysterious atmosphere of the fjord. The Espenes, Hardanger project by Code Arkitektur is also located in the fjord landscape.

They span a roof construction over 64 m on twelve steel modules. Underneath are seating and toilet facilities – with a view over the Sørfjord. Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter also designed sanitary facilities in Flesefossen, Ryfylke, which are integrated into a structure made of wood and steel. This is connected to a concrete platform that towers over the Flesefossen waterfall, providing a spectacular view of the natural spectacle. Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter are represented with two projects. In Madland hamn, Jæren, they designed an illuminated shelter on a small hill overlooking the North Sea. It is reminiscent of the boat huts in the harbor.

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In Sluppen, Aurlandsfjellet, a small rest area is being built on the winding road based on a concept by Østengen og Bergo AS. Steps made of natural stone lead to the Erdalselvi waterfall. Meanwhile, a new viewing platform is being built at the Vøringsfossen waterfall on Hardangervidda. From the Fossetromma rock plateau, steps and bridges lead over the precipice, designed by Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk AS.

Another impressive bridge construction is the stone arch bridge in Måbø bru, Hardangervidda, built in 1910 over the River Borelo. When a newer route was built in 1986 with trunk road 7, the bridge fell out of use and was placed under a preservation order. 3RW designed new seating and a viewpoint in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, from which the river and bridge can be seen. The view is also a key design feature of the Brunstranda, Lofoten project by Studio Vatn & Jørgen Tandberg Arkitektur. Their sanitary building stands directly by the sea. In the warm interior, visitors can enjoy the view of the stormy waves.

Architecture along the Norwegian Scenic Routes as an attraction

The birdwatching huts on the coast in Hamningberg, Varanger, are more original. The architects at Biotope designed huts with a weatherproof, flame-treated outer façade and interior cladding made of driftwood collected locally. Hamningberg is an important stopover for migratory birds on their route.

In the future, the site should also become a magnet for bird lovers. The redevelopment in Sundshopen, Helgelandskysten, should also attract visitors. Here, Rever & Drage are building a 65-metre-long jetty from the Helgeland coast into the water. And are relying on traditional stone craftsmanship. The eleven new projects are diverse in their design. However, they always attempt to combine travel-related functions with the special features of the landscape in some way. Partly as a strong architectural contrast in the untouched nature. Sometimes as an element subtly woven into the landscape. When the construction work is completed, they will complement the Norwegian Scenic Routes as further attractions. And will also be able to attract more visitors in the future.

You can find out more about the Norwegian Scenic Routes on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s official website.