These toilets are worth a visit, both when you really have to go – and when you don’t.
Some restrooms along the Norwegian Scenic Routes actually invite you to take your time and enjoy the scenery – even if you don’t have any business to take care of.
The loos at the Stegastein viewpoint in the Sognefjord region is one of the world’s 10 best public toilets according to DesignCurial.
And if the queue is unusually slow, it’s most likely someone taking pictures of the Aurlandsfjord from the window.
Totally worth the wait when it’s your turn. Just don’t drop your phone.
“Norway has opened what might be the most idyllic public convenience in the world. ”
The Telegraph
A lot of people agree with The Telegraph, as the wave-shaped Ureddplassen on the Helgeland coast has been featured in several publications.
“Ureddplassen” means “the place of the fearless.” Quite fitting, as a nearby memorial pays tribute to those who lost their lives when the Norwegian submarine “Uredd” sank right off the coast during the Second World War.
Another restroom with war history is the one at Eggum in Lofoten. It is built like an amphitheatre underneath the ruins of a German radar station.
If you are a mere mortal like us and can’t afford a gold-plated toilet seat, the Golden loo on the island Senja is the next best thing.
Fun fact: It’s so popular that several other (more low-key) toilets will be built nearby.
Can you spot the restroom here?
At Utsikten viewpoint along the Scenic Route Gaularfjellet in the Sognefjord area, the loo might not be the visual highlight.
But even though it’s discreet, it’s still pretty cool. You see, this restroom runs on solar power.
The Norwegian Scenic Routes are essentially all about the connection between architecture and nature.
At Ostasteidn in Ryfylke, the restroom is designed so that moss will start to grow on the outer walls, like camouflage. Discover more along the Scenic Route Ryfylke.
Tyrvefjøra is a great stop on the Scenic Route Hardanger in the Hardangerfjord region. The building consists of two separate toilets built of pine logs with a big roof that "floats" over the landscape.
Designer restrooms
The toilets along the Norwegian Scenic Routes are architectural masterpieces. All except one are designed by well-known or up and coming Norwegian architecture firms.
The Eggum pit stop in Lofoten is the smallest design created by the internationally acclaimed Snøhetta, while the loo in Selvika along Scenic Route Havøysund is signed Reiulf Ramstad.
Some are located above the Arctic circle in Northern Norway, others by the popular fjords in the west. You can also find sleek restrooms in remote areas on mountain plateaus in Fjord Norway. Note that many of them are only reachable during summer, as some roads are closed in winter.
The weather can be really harsh that time of the year, and at Oscarshaug along Scenic Route Sognefjellet they even had to reinforce the loo with a steel construction. But it looks cool, right? Almost like a Viking helmet.
More to come
Norway’s portfolio of spectacular toilets is, as you can see, filled with great examples of how something as boring as a loo can become a tourist attraction. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is responsible for developing the Norwegian Scenic Routes and their conveniences, and they still have an ace or two up their sleeve.
They can, for instance, share that they’ve started the work on a forest-inspired restroom, which uses dried wood from around 60 to 70 trees. When completed, it will look like an upside-down tree trunk with roots holding the roof. Just look at this architectural drawing!
Before you start planning a road trip with pit stops at stylish lavatories, however, please remember this: Don’t be that person. You know, the one who leaves a mess, ruining the experience for others.
Make sure you “hit goal” as you take care of business, flush when you’re done, and throw paper towels in the bin after washing your hands.
Get ready for the pit stop of your life and we’ll see you soon. Toodeloo!
The video in the top of the article shows the restrooms at Selvika at Scenic Route Havøysund (architect: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter), Allmannajuvet at Scenic Route Ryfylke (architect: Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner), Utsikten at Scenic Route Gaularfjellet (architect: Code arkitektur) and Bukkekjerka at Scenic Route Andøya (architect: Morfeus Arkitekter).
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