the National Tourist Routes in Norway

A great example of progressive government policy is 2005 Norway’s launch of The National Tourist Routes ; a vast 15-year campaign re-evaluating the concept of tourism by turning it into a culturally active product. The government turned to a stellar congregation of designers & architects like Margrete Friis, Peter Zumthor, PUSHAK arkitekter, Code Arkitektur, Manthey Kula, Snøhetta, and Jensen and Skodvin to name only a few, with a request to create their own stunning yet nature-aware rest stops, observation decks and other small-scale architectural jewels to give the face of the planned tourist routes spanning from the southern town of Jaeren to the northern city of Varenger. Hopefully, a move that will not only generate greater tourist activity for beautiful Norway but will also inspire other governments to follow in these footsteps. It is a fact worth noting, the launch of the National Tourist Routes government initiative has been followed up by a number of equally inspiring and nature-regarding commissions by foundations, national parks and private investors in Norway.

National Tourist Routes in Norway

from the website :

“There are still roads that are not merely designed to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. National Tourist Routes are beautiful drives with that little bit extra. The routes are carefully selected by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, and each of the 18 routes has its own history and character. Our job is to make sure the routes are adapted to travellers' needs. We do so by building spectacular viewpoints with service buildings, car parks, furniture, paths and art.”

[Ref.] http://knstrct.com/2011/03/01/travel-norway-the-architectural-way/

[Ref.] http://openbuildings.com/collections/beautiful-norway-collection-48674