The Scandinavian region is known for its breathtaking nature, friendly people, and stylish, minimalistic architecture. And nobody does minimalism better than Norway, as one particularly stunning building shows.
Norway may very well have built the most astoundingly beautiful public toilet in the world. And, I’m pretty sure, in the Solar System as well. What looks like a painstakingly crafted art installation or part of some high-tech laboratory is, in fact, nothing other than a restroom, designed by architects Marit Justine Haugen and Dan Zohar from Oslo. It just goes to show that you can find beauty anywhere.
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: 69_feet_under
It’s not just cathedrals, operas and parliaments that can look astounding; public restrooms can look magnificent as well. After all, who wants to go to a loo that looks dark and depressing? Everyone would rather go somewhere where the view was worth the visit. Somewhere they can relax. Somewhere they can ponder the mysteries of the universe and marvel at how incredibly deep and complex life is.
Image credits: britthafsmo
Image credits: tommiver
Image credits: iamstraneus
Hence why the public loo is located at the Uredd rest area (Or Ureddplassen), which is surrounded by the sea and fjords. What’s more, you can even watch the northern lights from there in the winter, and see the midnight sun in the summer.
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
The toilet can be found on road Fv17, not far from the town of Gildeskål. The 433 km long Helgelandskysten scenic route, which the restroom is officially a part of, recently underwent a massive renovation to the tune of over 1.5 million euro. Part of that renovation included creating the toilet that looks like a work of art.
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
“The view from the steps is unique and there is ample seating well protected from traffic noise,” explained Steinar Skaar, who is the Helgelandskysten route manager.
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
However, the beautiful lavatory isn’t the only thing worth attention at Ureddplassen. The rest area is also home to a memorial for the 42 mariners who died in February 1943 when the Royal Norwegian Navy submarine HNoMS Uredd (‘Fearless’) hit a German mine and sank. History, nature, and minimalism, Ureddplassen sounds like worth visiting. But what do you think? Would you travel to Norway just to visit this one scenic route? Have you seen public restrooms that can match (or even beat) the one at Ureddplassen? Let us know in the comments.
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: HZA
Image credits: Lars Grimsby/Statensvegvesen
Image credits: Nasjonale turistveger