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Ryfylke – official opening of Juvo rest area

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On Tuesday 11 November, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) opened a new rest area in Brattlandsdalen along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke.

Juvo rest area is a place for experiences close to dramatic nature. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen

On National Road 13 (Rv 13), just north of Nesflaten in Suldal Municipality, lies Juvo rest area – a small stopping point in a dramatic landscape. The rest area includes two viewpoints and is connected to a historic road section running through the old Kvelven Tunnel along the mountainside in Brattlandsdalen and through the old Kvelven tunnel.

A man stands on a viewpoint and looks at the gorge and the river flowing past.
From the viewpoint, the public can see the gorge and the river flowing past. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen

Juvo rest area has a simple, discreet design that blends naturally in with the vegetation and the existing terrain. The aim of the project is to enable more people to experience the historic road and the steep landscape in a safe manner. From two separate viewpoints, visitors can admire the gorge and its potholes, as well as the spectacular river rushing by. Robust, site-appropriate oak seating furniture has been placed in the terrain, inviting visitors to take a break. A short walk along the old road will take visitors to the Kvelven tunnel, one of the first road tunnels that were built in Norway. The rest area has room for for five cars, including one disabled parking space.

Six people stand together, mayor cuts the ribbon.
Official opening. From left, Thor Herman Larsen (Landskapsentreprenørene AS), landscape architect Anne Truelsen Schultz (ATSITE AS), deputy mayor of Suldal municipality Torbjørn Indrebø, Fredrik Fløgstad (Norwegian Public Roads Administration), landscape architect Imke Wajonowski (ATSITE AS) and Egil Johansen (Landskapsentreprenørene AS). Photo: Frid-Jorun Stabel, Statens vegvesen

Torbjørn Indrebø, Deputy Mayor of Suldal Municipality, performed the official opening and thanked the NPRA's Norwegian Scenic Routes section, the landscape architects and the contractor for their excellent work.

“ A rest area is a place where travellers can safely stop to rest and/or eat. Juvo rest area is a rest area that offers a lot more. Here, old elements have been preserved and seamlessly combined with new ones. This place is an attraction in itself. A fantastic rest area”, said Torbjørn Indrebø, Deputy Mayor of Suldal Municipality.

“I am certain that the rest area itself will lead to an increase in the number of visitors. This is beneficial for Nesflaten and for the municipality, which will see increased sales as a result. Soon we will see magical photos from here on social media, and I wouldn't rule out the possibility of seeing wedding photos from here, or of the Mayor or I having to come here to perform the ceremony”, Indrebø said.

Aerial photo of the picnic area, which is located close to a gorge and river.
The picnic area is designed with simple, discreet touches. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen

“We are very pleased that the Juvo rest area is now open! This is yet another attraction along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, an investment that has had a major impact on tourism in this region. The Scenic Route attracts attention and adds stopping power, and our work involves developing products and experiences that will boost sales along the entire route, said Liv Jorunn Tjelmeland, Director of Tourism at Visit Ryfylke.

Previous Scenic Route projects established along this Norwegian Scenic Route include Allmannajuvet, Svandalsfossen, Ropeid, Ostasteidn, Flesefossen, Høse Bridge, Lovra and Høllesli.

Contracting client: NPRA
Landscape architect: ATSITE AS
Contractor: Landskapsentreprenørene AS