Norway makes shithouses great again

This week a remark about Norway went around the world, and Visit Norway decided to answer it with a smile. Visit Norway's light-hearted and humoristic reply has gone viral and put Norway's award-winning roadside architecture in front of a global audience.

“We heard some noise about the s+++house country”. Well, what we can say, we do have some of the most spectacular toilets in the world. The post showed public toilets set against fjords, rivers and mountain views, under the headline "Meet the world's most beautiful (s++t h++++s) toilets." The post quickly spread online and has been picked up by international media across several continents.

The joke rests on something real. Along Norwegian Scenic Routes, leading architects have designed rest stops, viewpoints and public toilets that fit into some of Europe's most dramatic landscapes. Many have won international architecture awards, and several have become attractions in their own right. Travellers come to see them, photograph them and, yes, use them!

We always welcome attention to Norway, wherever it comes from. Our answer is simple: come and see for yourself. You'll find clean air, open landscapes, warm hospitality and some of the most beautiful places in the world to take a break. Everyone is welcome.

The world’s best toilets | Norwegian Scenic Routes

Here are five worth making a detour for:

1. Ureddplassen, Helgeland

On the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten, Ureddplassen looks across the fjord towards the open sea, Fugløya and the Lofoten Wall. The nine-metre-wide terrace and toilet facility were designed by Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter, with landscape architecture by Inge Dahlman of Asplan Viak. The site is also a memorial to those who died when the Norwegian submarine Uredd struck a mine during the Second World War. 

Scenic Route Helgelandskysten and Kystriksveien

2. Tungeneset, Senja

At the outer edge of Senja, Tungeneset lies between Steinfjorden and Ersfjorden. A walkway made from Siberian larch leads across the rocks towards dramatic views of the sea and the sharp peaks of the Oksen mountain. The facility was designed by Code arkitektur. Norwegian Scenic Route Senja

3. Eggum, Lofoten

Between mountains and the open ocean on Vestvågøy lies Eggum, a favourite spot for experiencing the midnight sun. Snøhetta designed the rest area as an amphitheatre, integrating the service building, kiosk and toilets into the landscape. Local stone and driftwood were incorporated into the project. 

Scenic Route Lofoten

4. Espenes, Hardanger

At Espenes, overlooking the Sørfjord between Kinsarvik and Odda, even a toilet stop becomes an architectural experience. Designed by Code Arkitektur, the striking 64-metre-long structure is made from stainless steel, with 12 sweeping roof modules sheltering toilets and seating areas overlooking the fjord.

Scenic Route Hardanger – Norwegian Scenic Routes

5. Ostasteidn, Ryfylke

High above the Sandsfjord stands one of Norway's most unexpected pieces of architecture: an almost six-metre-tall concrete toilet by the architects, KAP. Its rough facade is designed to grow moss, and slowly become part of the landscape.

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

6. Madland harbour, Jæren

Some toilets hide in the landscape. This one lights it up. On the weather-beaten coast of Jæren, Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter's toilet building at Madland harbour glows like a lantern after dark, wrapped in green façade elements made specially for it.

Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren

Yes, Norway really does have a golden toilet. At Ersfjordstranda along Norwegian Scenic Route at Senja, a triangular toilet building clad in golden material has become an attraction in its own right. Designed by Tupelo Arkitektur and built in 2014, it is affectionately known as “Gulldassen”, the Golden Toilet. In August 2026, a new silver-coloured service building also opened at Ersfjordstranda, creating an unusually glamorous pairing of roadside facilities. 

So yes, Norway has some spectacular scenery. It just happens to have some pretty spectacular toilets, too.

With love,

Visit Norway


*All images in this press release may be used with photo credits