NORWEGIAN NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE – TURIST VEGAR:

My last post in August  (The Steilneset Monument), described an inspiring visit to Vardo which I discovered while following my first Norwegian Tourist Route in Varanger, NE Norway. Impressed with this project and keen to experience as many of the designated routes as possible (during this first trip to Norway), I have followed a few others which have included: Awe inspiring landscapes; climbs to remote mountain plateaus; stunning ocean views and often ‘white knuckle rides’ along single track roads with multiple hairpin bends.

Along the Tourist Routes there are many view points and service buildings with innovative modern architecture and art which certainly enriches the travelling experience. The routes encourage visitors to explore out of the way places and learn something of the local history and culture. I wanted to share some other of my highlights with you.

THE ISLAND OF SENJA – ROAD NO 862 – (LAUKVIK TO GRYLLEFJORDEN)

Walkways enable all visitors to access the edge of the coastline with long views to the mountains, there are designated parking area and state of the art toilets. Disability access is fundamental with wide paths leading to projecting architectural platforms, hanging over huge drops with stunning views.

THE ISLAND OF ANDOYA – (ANDENES TO STRANDA)

We followed one tourist route across the Islands of Senja, catching a ferry across to a second route on Andoya, then linked with another route across the Lofoten Islands.

GEIRANGER / TROLLSTIGEN – ROAD ROUTE 63 – (ANDALSNES TO LANGUATNET)

The visitors centre at the top of the Trollstigen / The Trolls Ladder. Each element site-specific and inspired by the surrounding natural context, a light touch on the surrounding landscape. On top of the visitors centre the first shard has a roof terrace accessed from the second.

THE NORWEGIAN PUBLIC ROADS ADMINISTRATION – NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTES

“There are still roads that are not merely designed to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. The National Tourist Routes are beautiful drives (or cycle rides), with that little bit extra. The routes are carefully selected by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and each route has its own history and character. Our job is to make sure the routes are adapted to travellers needs. We do so by building car parks, furniture, paths and service buildings (WC). Bold, innovative art and architecture is a unique feature of the National Tourist Routes of Norway. This is a long term project, we are currently working on both large and small scale projects from Varanger in the north to Jaeren in the south. Welcome to memorable journeys”.   See www.nasjonaleturistveger.no for more information and an e-book with all the background and route details.

SOGNEFJELLET – ROAD ROUTE 55 – (LOM TO NES)

This route climbs over a spectacular mountain plateau which is often covered in snow.  Snow poles Norwegian style.

AURLANDSFJELLET – ROAD ROUTE 245 – (LAERDAL TO STEGASTEIN)

Some of this route is closed at the moment but I managed to see the first section which takes you up to a high view point. We camped our van for the night in a parking area next to some great facilities, loos with large windows overlooking the fiord. A van arrived at 8am with staff to clean the loos, water the flowers and empty the bins – Impressive.