Beautiful Norway

A great example of progressive government policy: In 2005 Norway launched The National Tourist Routes: a vast 15-year campaign re-evaluating the concept of tourism by turning it into a culturally active product. The government turned to a stellar congregation of designers & architects like Margrete Friis, Peter Zumthor, PUSHAK arkitekter, Code Arkitektur, Manthey Kula, Snøhetta, and Jensen and Skodvin to name only a few, with a request to create their own stunning yet nature-aware rest stops, observation decks and other small-scale architectural jewels to give the face of the planned tourist routes spanning from the southern town of Jaeren to the northern city of Varenger. Hopefully, a move that will not only generate greater tourist activity for beautiful Norway but will also inspire other governments to follow in these footsteps. It is a fact worth noting, the launch of the National Tourist Routes government initiative has been followed up by a number of equally inspiring and nature-regarding commissions by foundations, national parks and private investors in Norway.