The development of the highways in Norway left the vernacular routes that ran along national roads in disuse. This circumstance is common to the rest of Europe, but was especially dramatic in the Nordic country because of the extraordinary landscapes that were being left behind. The project launched in 1993, and still in progress today, set out to recover 18 of theses routes with the addition of architectural, artistic, or landscaping projects that equip the roads with the necessary services and establish natural milestones. This initiative helps to support far-off towns that are disconnected from the main roads while developing a completely innovative program that becomes a touristic and cultural magnet.
The 18 routes and more than 1.600 kilometers that cross the country from north to south will have around 250 resting areas, parking lots, and viewpoints in 2024, spaces carefully designed by different architecture and design studios. Today 60% of the facilities have already been completed, in most cases by Norwegian firms, among which Snøhetta or Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, but also by international studios like that of Peter Zumthor.
