Official opening of rest areas Ørteren and Vardestopp
On Thursday 12 June, the The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) will be opening two new rest areas along Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda.
The rest areas Vardestopp and Ørteren can be found along National Road 7 (Rv 7) in Hol municipality in the county of Buskerud, beautifully situated with a good view of Hardangerjøkulen on clear days. The two rest areas were both designed by landscape architects Bjørbekk & Lindheim and have now been given a necessary makeover for the benefit of travellers across the Hardangervidda plateau.
Design inspired by the landscape
The rest areas Vardestopp and Ørteren have been designed in the same mould, softly expressing the motto "LET IT BE" – i.e. made with as little impact on the environment as possible, says Landscape Architect Nuno Almeida at Bjørbekk & Lindheim Landskapsarkitekter MNLA.
The idea for the design of the rest areas came from landscape forms and from traditional and local art and culture. The main element of the concept is a "collar" inspired by old peasant culture and Hardanger embroidery.
“The concrete collar is straight and tight on the side of the man-made road structure, while meandering in an organic soft line towards the natural landscape, creating a variety of unique little places to hang out”, he says.
Winner of design competition
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration held a restricted planning and design competition for three rest areas along Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda in 2021. Bjørbekk & Lindheim won the competition with their concept "LA VERE" (“Let it be”).
According to the jury, the winning concept "LA VERE" showed the right understanding of and respect for the characteristic landscape at Hardangervidda. The landscape architects reminded us that untouched nature is under great pressure and that we have no more wilderness to lose.
Norwegian Scenic Routes
In June 2025, it has been 32 years since the Norwegian Parliament requested a closer look at the combination of roads and tourism in order to strengthen Norway as a travel destination. This became the start of a targeted investment in Norwegian Scenic Routes, with the NPRA as the driving force.
The result is an attraction with international appeal. Along 18 Scenic Routes from Jæren in the south to Varanger in the north, travellers get to experience coastal landscapes, mountains, fiords and waterfalls. The experience is enhanced by innovative architecture and thought-provoking works of art at designated viewpoints and rest areas.
Landscape architect: Bjørbekk & Lindheim AS
Contractor: GTS AS
Contracting client: NPRA
Completed: 2025