New attractions along Norwegian Scenic Routes

Through determined efforts for more than 30 years, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) has developed Norwegian Scenic Routes into a unique tourist attraction. The 18 selected routes, from Jæren in the south to Varanger in the north, are inspiring more people to choose Norway as their holiday destination. This contributes to value creation, in line with the purpose of the Scenic Routes initiative.

“In 2026, we will continue our work to facilitate great travel experiences. In addition to completing five new facilities featuring site-specific art and architecture, we will prioritise operation, maintenance and upgrades to maintain the quality and unique character of our Scenic Routes,” says Silje Myhre Amundsen, Project Director of Norwegian Scenic Routes in the NPRA.

Here are this year's new projects: 

Skallnes, Varanger

Halfway along the Varanger Peninsula, in the municipality of Vadsø, lies the small village of Skallnes. The landscape is both fragile and powerful, shaped by long geological processes and a harsh climate close to the Barents Sea.

This Scenic Routes project is located at the site of a former quarry and includes a discovery trail that leads visitors from the car park out to the viewpoints. Sculptural railings follow the course of the path, guiding visitors through the landscape and providing protection in exposed areas. Site-adapted benches are integrated into the most sheltered areas, inviting visitors to stop for a short while.

The facility provides a safe and focused nature experience, concentrating visitor traffic and thus reducing wear and tear on the surrounding landscape. A car park with space for 12 cars is also being built at Skallnes.

Architect: BOGL Norge AS
Contractor: To be decided.

Ersfjordstranda (Phase 2), Senja

Ersfjordstranda on Senja is a government-protected outdoor recreation area that has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers in recent years. Increased use of the area has led to an ongoing project led by Senja Municipality in cooperation with Norwegian Scenic Routes. The final phase is now being completed, and a new service building will open at Ersfjordstranda in August. The new building will accommodate three toilets, a technical room and a kiosk for selling snacks and providing information to visitors.

In 2014, the NPRA built another well-known attraction at Ersfjordstranda. The project included a car park and a toilet building with a triangular shape, also known as the “Golden Toilet”.

As part of the work to improve infrastructure and service facilities at Ersfjordstranda (Phase 1), the parking area was expanded in 2025. Capacity was increased, and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists were improved, including footpaths, bicycle parking and outdoor furniture.

Architect: Nordic Office of Architecture
Contractor: MT Byggteknikk AS

Sjonfjellet, Helgelandskysten

The new Scenic Route project is being established at a widely used rest area on County Road 17, 16 km north of Nesna and about 50 km west of Mo i Rana.

The rest area will now receive a long-awaited upgrade, with an exciting new toilet building made of glass, a larger parking area and a viewpoint where visitors can experience the panorama of the Sjona fjord and the islands of Lovund and Træna at outer Helgeland. The aim is to provide a safe stop where travellers can take a pleasant break in the beautiful landscape along County Road 17.  

The project includes a toilet building with a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a technical room, improved entry and exit from the road to the rest area, and a larger car park with capacity for eight passenger cars, one disabled parking space, and three motorhomes. From the car park to the viewpoint, there will be a universally designed path with railings. Picnic furniture will also be provided. Along the county road, there will be room for a bus lay-by.

With this upgrade, Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten gains another attraction that will further enrich the adventure that a drive through this landscape represents. 

Architect: Atelier Oslo AS
Contractor: Øijord & Aanes Entreprenørforretning AS

Røyrnes, Aurlandsfjellet

Røyrnes is an attractive stopping place along County Road 5627, beautifully located by Lærdalsfjorden about four km west of Lærdalsøyri. The aim of the project is to make the existing rest area safer by regulating entry and exit from the county road. The rest area will have a new toilet building and accessible seating areas with picnic furniture.

The toilet building will have one wheelchair-accessible toilet and two unisex toilets, as well as a technical room. The rest area will have improved access to the fjord, with landscaped steps where visitors may sit and enjoy the view or go for a swim. The new rest area has parking space for 11 passenger cars, five motorhomes (RVs) and one disabled parking space, as well as good capacity for waste management.

Architect: Jensen and Skodvin Arkitektkontor AS v/ Jan Olav Jensen
Contractor: Brun Bygg AS

Vardafletta, Ryfylke

In addition to its architecture programme, the Norwegian Scenic Routes initiative has a long-term ambition to install site-specific art along each of the 18 Scenic Routes. Completed artworks include works by Norwegian and international contemporary artists who are among the leading figures in their fields.

Along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, an artwork will be established at Vardavika in Jøsenfjorden. A rectangular stone block, ten metres long, will be cut directly from the mountain. The piece will then be chiselled, ground and polished, until the surface appears as a braided pattern carved out in the mountain itself.

Distinctive structures, veins and mineral elements in the gneiss will give the artwork a rich range of colours and movement. In connection with this project, a car park and a footpath leading to the artwork will be established.

Artist: Ann Cathrin November Høibo
Contractor artwork and footpath: Johansen Monumenthuggeri AS
Contractor parking lot: Jostein Myge A/S