 |
| Stegastein lookout, National Tourist Route Aurlandsfjellet. Architect: Todd Saunders, Saunders Wilhelmsen. ©Photo: Todd Saunders |
Eighteen scenic routes around Norway's countryside allow visitors to explore the country's beautiful landscapes from north to south. Along many of the routes, isolated houses and architectural vantage points emphasise the contrast between the manmade environment and its natural predecessor. In advance of WGSN-homebuildlife's A/W 12/13 macrotrend,
Eco Hedonism, the routes embody "the pleasure that the tactile beauty of
nature brings".
 |
| Hereiane rest area and toilet facilities, National Tourist Route Hardanger. Architect: Asplan Viak - Knut Hellås / 3 RW - Susanne Pushberger. ©Photo: Hege Lysholm |
The project, called National Tourist Routes, began in 2005, and will launch as a complete attraction this autumn. So far, six roads have been granted full status as official National Tourist Routes, and more than one hundred rest areas have been installed along the routes. The project is expected to complete in 2020, with each route receiving a check once every five years to keep quality and enjoyment high.
 |
| Stegastein lookout, National Tourist Route Aurlandsfjellet. Architect: Todd Saunders, Saunders Wilhelmsen. ©Photo: Vegar Moen |
Read more about the project
here. All photos courtesy of National Tourist Routes.
 |
| Liasanden rest area, National Tourist Route Sognefjellet. Architect: Jensen Skodvin. ©Photo: Werner Harstad |
|
 |
| Varhaug old cemetery and chapel near the North Sea, National Tourist Route Jæren. ©Photo: Helge Stikbakke |
 |
| Sohlbergplassen lookout, National Tourist Route Rondane. Architect: Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk. ©Photo: Jiri Havran |
 |
| Hereiane rest area and toilet facilities, National Tourist Route Hardanger. Architect: Asplan Viak - Knut Hellås / 3 RW - Susanne Pushberger. © Photo: Jiri Havran |
 |
| Likholefossen, bridge over waterfall, National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet. Architect: Nordplan - Arild Waage ©Photo: Bjorn Andresen |
