The Norwegian Scenic Routes project celebrates its 30-year anniversary

This year marks the 30-year anniversary of the Norwegian Scenic Routes project, which encompasses 18 selected roads running throughout Norwegian landscapes with unique natural qualities. We are proud to have created two unique buildings as part of this initiative: the Selvika National Tourist Route, which leads visitors from the roadway down to the magical seaside of Sandbukta; and the renowned Trollstigen visitor center, which we created in 2012 at the top of this iconic mountain road.

Over the past decade, Trollstigen has become a prime example of a successful architectural project that harmoniously blends tourism and nature preservation. Meaning "Troll's Path" in Norwegian, it stretches through the majestic mountains of western Norway, offering breathtaking landscapes and hairpin bends that have become a favorite among adventure-seeking tourists. Our design for the state-of-the-art visitor center was developed, as always, with sustainability in mind: juxtaposing the dynamic flow of fluid elements like running water and snow, and the static, grounded nature of stone, the center seamlessly integrates into the natural surroundings, leaving a minimal ecological footprint.

Created to embody our environmentally conscious approach to architectural design and to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding environment, the project set a benchmark for future tourism developments in Norway and beyond.

Since its debut, Trollstigen has witnessed a remarkable increase in visitor numbers, offering a testament to the stunning success of thoughtfully conceived, sustainable projects with natural destinations at their core. In 2005, prior to the project's construction, the road welcomed approximately 550,000 visitors annually. Within just one year after its completion in 2014, the numbers soared to 853,000 visitors, indicating the instant appeal of the newly developed attraction. The positive trend has continued, with 2019 recording a staggering 1.16 million visitors flocking witness the unrivaled beauty of this architectural legacy.

As the road has its seasonal limitations, Trollstigen has been closed every year from October to May. However with the arrival of summer, Trollstigen recently reopened, welcoming visitors for another awe-inspiring season. Working with our local partners, we remain committed to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area. We hope Trollstigen will continue to enthrall visitors for generations to come, acting as a beacon for sustainable tourism and an enduring testament to Norway's awe-inspiring landscapes.

Read more about Trollstigen

all photography by Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST.

Discover our project for Selvika

photography by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter & Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen