Detour

During the last few years, various small but eye-catching architectural projects located along Norwegian tourist routes have attracted national and international attention. These viewing platforms, rest areas, service points and other stops are recognisable by their bold concepts and high quality workmanship. Their purpose is to add a new dimension to motorists’ experience of Norway’s natural landscape. The individual projects have been designed by a number of Norwegian and international architects, landscape architects and designers. The implementation phase started in 2005 and by year 2015 there will be 18 national tourist routes. Every individual route will have its own identity.

Stegastein, Aurlandsfjellet This spectacular platform towers 640 metres over Aurlandsvangen and juts out in space, providing a panorama view of the vast fjordscape, where the World Heritage Site in Nærøyfjord is also clearly visible. The scenic overlook is also a rest area, offering parking and an airy lavatory structure. Architects: Todd Saunders / Tommie Wilhelmsen.

Sohlbergplassen, Rondane This unique platform brings you through the pine forest and out to a stunning panorama over Atnsjøen and the Rondane mountains. This is the same view that the painter Harald Sohlberg immortalised in his painting Winter Night in Rondane. Architect: Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk.