Have you ever planned a road trip in a country and added stops for specific toilets? Not to take a break, but to see a certain toilet? Well, in Norway you should. These spectacular toilets in Norway are genuinely worth travelling for. It might sound funny, but Norway has managed to turn one of the most ordinary parts of everyday life into an unexpected tourist attraction. Think golden buildings beside Arctic beaches, futuristic structures overlooking dramatic fjords, toilets hidden in mountain landscapes and architectural masterpieces with views that rival some of Norway’s most famous viewpoints. In this post I share with you the most beautiful toilets in Norway.
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Most beautiful toilets in Norway
Norway is a stunning country, with incredible mountains, deep blue fjords, white sand beaches, scenic roads, and beautiful architecture. And now suddenly, the whole world is talking about Norwegian toilets.
After US President Donald Trump recently described Norway as a “s***house country”, locals (me included!) in social media responded with a wonderfully Norwegian sense of humour, showing off Norway’s beauty instead. Even the country’s tourism organisation joined in and decided to show the world some of its most spectacular public toilets, under the cheeky slogan: “Norway makes s***houses great again!” The response went viral, with international media picking up the story. My social media videos also went viral.
And honestly, Norway had a pretty good point.
These are not ordinary roadside restrooms. Many are designed by internationally recognised architects, carefully integrated into spectacular natural surroundings and built as part of Norway’s National Scenic Routes project.
I was planning to write this post for a while, and now it seems like a great time to do so! I’ve visited many of these unusual Norwegian public toilets myself, and I describe them below. The best part? They are free, clean, heated, with toilet paper and soap, and of course, amazing view, unusual location, or unique design!
So, whether you are planning a Norwegian road trip, looking for unusual places to visit, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, here are 13 spectacular toilets in Norway that deserve a place on your travel bucket list.
Norway’s best public toilets – unique toilets in Norway
1. Stegastein – a toilet with a million-dollar fjord view
Location: Aurland, Vestland
Scenic Route: Aurlandsfjellet
If there is one toilet that deserves celebrity status, it is the one at Stegastein.
Stegastein is already one of Norway’s most famous viewpoints. Its impressive viewing platform extends 30 metres out from the mountainside, sitting approximately 650 metres above the beautiful Aurlandsfjord, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Flam area.
But there is another reason to stop here.
The public toilet building is positioned to give visitors an extraordinary view of the fjord, even while they are taking care of business. Yes, you read that correctly. You can enjoy one of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes from the bathroom.
The building was designed by architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen. Its minimalist architecture complements the surrounding landscape, while its carefully positioned windows create an unusual connection between the interior and the scenery outside. The design also, of course, ensures privacy for people using the facilities.
The viewing platform itself is an architectural attraction. The wooden structure appears to float above the treetops, with a glass front that gives visitors an uninterrupted panorama of the fjord and surrounding mountains. It’s really a spectacular place to visit, and I’ve been there myself countless of times.
Stegastein has received international attention for its architecture and is one of the best-known examples of Norway’s approach to combining public infrastructure with landscape design.
Why visit: For the incredible fjord view, impressive architecture and the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most famous designer toilets.
Travel tip: The viewing platform is open all year, but the toilet facilities are seasonal, generally open from early May to late October. Check current conditions before travelling.
2. Ureddplassen – probably the most beautiful toilet by the Norwegian Sea
Location: Gildeskål, Nordland
Scenic Route: Helgelandskysten
Some toilets are designed to be discreet. Others become landmarks. Ureddplassen is definitely in the second category.
Located along the spectacular Helgeland coast in Northern Norway, at the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten, Ureddplassen is famous for its unusual architecture and extraordinary views towards the open sea.
The building and surrounding rest area were designed to create a natural connection with the coastal landscape. The distinctive toilet structure is complemented by a wide terrace and seating areas. It creates a striking contrast with the rugged coastline.
The location also has a deeply moving history. The site is named after the KNM Uredd, a Royal Norwegian Navy submarine that struck a German sea mine in the Fugløyfjorden and sank on February 24, 1943.
Today, visitors come for the architecture, the history and the incredible coastal scenery. From the terrace, you can look towards the open sea, Fugløya, and the distant Lofoten wall and the horizon.
The open landscape also makes this a wonderful place to experience the midnight sun during summer or, with the right conditions, the Northern Lights during the darker months.
Why visit: A combination of beautiful architecture, dramatic ocean views and Norwegian wartime history.
Travel tip: Ureddplassen is accessible throughout the year, and its toilet facilities are listed as open year-round. Bring a camera, especially if you are visiting during the midnight sun or Northern Lights season.
And if you read my post about Helgeland, you should know that I fell in love with that part of Norway, so if you don’t go there for the toilet, just go there for the views and the islands (like Trena and Lovund).
3. The Golden Toilet at Ersfjordstranda – Norway’s most glamorous bathroom
Location: Senja, Troms
Scenic Route: Senja
Who said public toilets have to be boring?
On the beautiful island of Senja, you can find what might be Norway’s most glamorous public bathroom: the famous Golden Toilet (Gulldassen).
This triangular building, covered in golden cladding, looks almost surreal against the dramatic mountains and white sandy beach of Ersfjordstranda. The contrast is spectacular. One moment you are looking at a seemingly tropical beach with turquoise (cold!) water and soft sand, the next, you notice a golden geometric building standing proudly in the landscape.
The toilet was designed by Tupelo Arkitektur and opened in 2014. It quickly became one of Senja’s most photographed roadside attractions. The building’s angular shape and striking colour make it look more like a piece of contemporary art than a public convenience.
Visiting the beach itself is one of the best things to do on Senja, and the unusual toilets adds to it’s appeal. Ersfjordstranda is surrounded by steep mountain peaks and offers a beautiful beach experience in the heart of Northern Norway. It is a wonderful place to stop, stretch your legs and enjoy the landscape.
In 2026, the site received another architectural addition: a new silver-coloured service building, inspired by traditional Norwegian coastal boathouses. It includes additional toilet facilities and a kiosk. So now you have both gold and silver at the same beach. Not many places can offer that!
Why visit: The unusual golden architecture, beautiful beach and spectacular mountain surroundings.
Travel tip: The original Golden Toilet facilities are generally open from early May to early October. The beach itself is worth visiting outside the summer season too, provided the weather and road conditions allow it.
4. Bukkekjerka – a toilet hidden in a dramatic Arctic landscape
Location: Andøya, Nordland
Scenic Route: Andøya
If you enjoy architecture that feels like it belongs to the landscape, Bukkekjerka is one of the most interesting places to discover. I remember the first time I saw it, I thought “is this really a toilet or some fancy building in the middle of nowhere?!“.
Located on the island of Andøya in Vesterålen, along the Andøya Scenic Route, this rest area sits in a spectacular coastal setting where steep rocky mountains meet the open Norwegian Sea. The facility was designed by Morfeus Arkitekter, a Norwegian architecture studio known for creating buildings that interact with their surroundings.
The design is particularly striking because the structures are integrated into the rocky terrain rather than simply placed on top of it. Glass, concrete and carefully positioned architectural elements create a subtle contrast with the rugged landscape. The site is believed to have been an old Sami sacrificial place, giving the location an additional layer of cultural history.
There is much more to see here than the toilet itself. The whole island is worth visiting, and is much less busy than Lofoten. Walking paths lead visitors towards viewpoints overlooking the ocean, the surrounding mountain peaks and the wide Arctic horizon.
It is also an excellent place to experience the midnight sun and Northern Lights. During summer, the sun can remain above the horizon through the night, illuminating the coastline in beautiful golden light.
Why visit: For the distinctive architecture, dramatic coastal scenery and Arctic atmosphere.
Travel tip: The official Norwegian Scenic Routes website currently lists the Bukkekjerka facility as closed until further notice for security reasons. Bukkekjerka is included here as an architectural attraction, not a currently available toilet stop.
5. Brunstranda – toilet beside a spectacular Lofoten beach
Location: Flakstadøya, Lofoten, Nordland
Scenic Route: Lofoten
Lofoten is famous for its dramatic mountains, fishing villages, white beaches and turquoise water. Brunstranda is one of the places that brings all these elements together. Located on the north side of Flakstadøya along the E10, Brunstranda is a beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by impressive mountain ranges.
It is particularly popular with surfers and cyclists, but it is also a wonderful stop for anyone exploring the islands by car.
The rest area has been upgraded with a modern building containing public toilets and a lounge where visitors can take shelter from the wind and weather. This is especially useful in Lofoten, where the weather can change quickly and even a sunny day can become surprisingly cold and windy.
The building is designed to fit into the coastal surroundings while providing a comfortable place to stop. The surrounding facilities include improved walking areas, parking and picnic furniture, with beautiful views towards the sea. What makes Brunstranda particularly interesting is the combination of functionality and scenery. It is not necessarily the most extravagant toilet in Norway, but it is a very good example of how thoughtfully designed public facilities can improve a travel experience.
The beach itself is worth exploring. White sand, turquoise water and dramatic mountain peaks make it look almost tropical, although the Arctic temperatures are a reminder that you are still in Northern Norway.
If you are driving the Lofoten Scenic Route, Brunstranda is an excellent place to stop, enjoy the views and take a break.
Why visit: For the beautiful white sandy beach, surrounding mountains, modern service building and sheltered lounge.
Travel tip: Unlike many Norwegian Scenic Routes facilities, Brunstranda’s toilets are open all year. It is a particularly useful stop during winter, when the coastal weather can be harsh.
6. Eggum – a toilet hidden in an architectural amphitheatre
Location: Vestvågøy, Lofoten
Scenic Route: Lofoten
Eggum, is probably one of the most unusual toilets in Norway, and is located in Lofoten. The rest area is designed as an amphitheatre, with the service facilities incorporated into a larger architectural structure.
The design was created by Snøhetta, one of Norway’s most internationally recognised architecture firms. The location is particularly interesting because of its historical surroundings. The structure sits beneath the remains of a German radar station from the Second World War, creating an unusual meeting between contemporary architecture and wartime history.
Eggum is also a fantastic place to experience the midnight sun. Its position on the western side of Vestvågøy provides open views towards the Norwegian Sea, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.
There is also an interesting artwork nearby: a sculpture by Swiss artist Marcus Raetz called Hode (Head). Depending on where you stand, the sculpture appears to change its orientation. The entire area feels more like an outdoor art and architecture exhibition than a normal roadside rest stop.
Why visit: For the Snøhetta architecture, historical atmosphere, outdoor artwork and beautiful coastal scenery.
Travel tip: Eggum is a particularly good stop during the summer midnight sun season. The toilet facilities are seasonal, generally open from early May to early October.
7. Selvika – a toilet that looks like a futuristic sculpture
Location: Havøysund, Finnmark
Scenic Route: Havøysund
If you enjoy unusual architecture, Selvika toilet in Norway should definitely be on your list.
Located along one of Norway’s northernmost scenic routes, this rest area is unlike almost anything else you will encounter on a road trip. Designed by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, the facility is a striking example of architecture that interacts with the landscape rather than simply occupying it.
The design features a long, sculptural concrete walkway that winds through the terrain towards the sea. Its flowing form creates a sense of movement and encourages visitors to explore the area on foot.
The service building is integrated into the overall architectural concept, making the entire facility feel like one continuous sculpture. The winding walkway is particularly interesting. Instead of taking a straight route from the parking area towards the coast, it creates a series of curves and changes in direction, revealing different perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
The Havøysund route takes you through a remote part of Finnmark, with dramatic coastal scenery, open landscapes and a sense of being far away from everyday life.
This is one of those places where the journey itself is the attraction. You will pass small fishing communities, rugged coastline and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. The toilet is an unexpectedly impressive bonus.
Why visit: For the futuristic architecture, sculptural walkway and remote Arctic coastal scenery.
Travel tip: Combine Selvika with a longer drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route Havøysund. Check road and weather conditions before setting off, particularly outside summer.
8. Skjervsfossen – a toilet beside a spectacular double waterfall
Location: Granvin, Vestland
Scenic Route: Hardanger
Imagine taking a bathroom break with the sound of a powerful waterfall in the background. At Skjervsfossen, this is exactly what you can experience.
Located between Granvin and Voss, Skjervsfossen is one of the picturesque waterfalls in the Hardanger region. The twin waterfalls plunge down from a height of approximately 150 metres, creating a dramatic landscape of rushing water, steep rock faces and lush vegetation.
The rest area has been carefully designed to allow visitors to experience the waterfall from several different viewpoints. There are paths, stairs, viewpoints, picnic areas and parking facilities, all arranged to make the natural attraction accessible to visitors. The toilet building is part of this larger architectural and landscape project, designed by Fortunen AS, with landscape architecture by Østengen & Bergo. When you enter the toilet, you can see an open window in the front, where you can watch rushing river going past you. You can’t see the waterfall from the toilet, but the view of the river is special enough.
One of the most interesting features of the waterfall viewpoint area is the opportunity to get very close to the waterfall itself. At the bottom, there is an area known as The Shower, where visitors can experience the immense force of the falling water. Yes, I did get soaked over there. After heavy rainfall or during periods of high water flow, the spray can be quite powerful. It is an unforgettable way to experience the waterfall, although you may want to keep your camera protected.
Skjervsfossen is a particularly beautiful stop during spring and early summer, when snowmelt and rainfall can make the waterfall especially impressive. It is also a great example of how Norway combines practical roadside facilities with nature experiences that encourage visitors to explore beyond the car park.
Why visit: For the impressive double waterfall, beautiful walking paths, dramatic scenery and well-designed public facilities.
Travel tip: The toilet facilities are generally open from early May to late October. The road to Skjervsfossen is closed during winter, so check access conditions before visiting.
9. Tyrvefjøra – a fairytale toilet in Hardanger
Location: Ålvik, Vestland
Scenic Route: Hardanger
This toilet in Norway looks as if it belongs in a Scandinavian fairytale. At Tyrvefjøra, near the village of Ålvik in Hardanger, you will find a beautiful service building constructed from pine trunks and concrete.
The most striking feature is its enormous roof, which appears to float above the structure. Designed by Helen & Hard, the building creates an interesting contrast between natural materials and contemporary architectural forms. The use of timber gives it a warm, organic appearance, while the concrete elements provide a more modern character.
The building consists of two separate toilet structures, made from pine trunks and concrete, with the impressive roof uniting them into one architectural composition. Situated in a small bay beside the Hardangerfjord, the rest area offers visitors a peaceful place to stop and enjoy the surrounding fjord landscape.
There are seating areas and walking spaces, and the nearby shoreline provides beautiful views across the water.
Hardanger is already famous for its orchards, waterfalls, mountains, hikes (like Trolltunga, or Queen’s Trail) and fjord scenery. It is one of the most beautiful regions in Western Norway, particularly during spring when the fruit trees blossom.
Why visit: For the fairytale-inspired design, beautiful use of natural materials and peaceful fjord setting.
Travel tip: Tyrvefjøra is located along the Hardanger Scenic Route and is generally open from early May to late October.
10. Ostasteidn – a toilet designed to disappear into nature
Location: Ryfylke, Rogaland
Scenic Route: Ryfylke
Ostasteidn is an unusual public toilet in Norway, located high above Sandsfjorden along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. It is a concrete structure, almost six metres tall, with a rough exterior designed to allow moss to grow over time. Rather than maintaining a pristine, polished facade, the building is intended to gradually become part of its natural surroundings.
The architects, KAP – Kontor for Arkitektur og Plan, took inspiration from the landscape and the work of Norwegian artist Lars Hertervig, who found artistic inspiration in this part of the country. The rough concrete surface is one of the most interesting details. As the building weathers and moss gradually develops, its appearance changes with the surrounding environment. The result is architecture that is not intended to remain completely unchanged. Instead, nature becomes part of the design process.
The surrounding rest area also has carefully designed seating and walking spaces, allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the views of Sandsfjorden. It is a good example of how even a relatively small building can contribute to the experience of a place. It makes you wonder – can architecture become more beautiful as nature slowly takes it over? I love this about Norwegian architecture, that it often blends into the landscape around it.
Why visit: For its unusual moss-inspired facade, thoughtful architecture and beautiful fjord views.
Travel tip: The toilet building is listed as open all year round, making it a useful stop if you are exploring Ryfylke outside the main summer season.
13. Tungeneset – a toilet with a front-row view to the Arctic landscape
Location: Senja, Troms
Scenic Route: Senja
Senja is often called Norway in miniature because it offers such an incredible variety of landscapes – dramatic mountains, white beaches, fishing villages, turquoise water and rugged coastline. And it also has some seriously impressive public toilets.
At Tungeneset, the rest area sits on a promontory between Steinfjorden and Ersfjorden. A beautiful wooden walkway, constructed from Siberian larch, extends out over the rocks and provides spectacular views towards the open sea and the sharp mountain peaks of Okshornan. The toilet facilities are part of this carefully designed rest area. While the architecture is more discreet than the Golden Toilet nearby, the location makes it a memorable stop.
The walkway itself is one of the highlights. It leads visitors across the rocky shoreline, allowing them to experience the coastal landscape without having to walk directly over the uneven rocks. The views towards Okshornan are particularly impressive. These sharp mountain peaks are among Senja’s most recognisable natural landmarks and create a dramatic backdrop for photographs.
It’s a perfect place to watch Northern Lights dancing above your head, or hike in the midnight sun.
Why visit: For the spectacular Arctic coastline, wooden viewing walkway and beautiful mountain scenery.
Travel tip: Combine Tungeneset with Ersfjordstranda and the Golden Toilet. They are relatively close to each other, making it easy to visit both during the same Senja road trip. The toilet facilities generally operate from early May to early October.
12. Utsikten – a spectacular mountain viewpoint with designer toilets
Location: Gaularfjellet, Vestland
Scenic Route: Gaularfjellet
At Utsikten, the architecture of toilet is relatively understated, but the overall setting makes this a particularly memorable stop.
Located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet, Utsikten is known for its impressive viewpoint and dramatic mountain scenery. The viewpoint itself is an architectural attraction, with a distinctive viewing platform that extends out into the landscape and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The viewpoint is especially impressive because of its position high above the surrounding terrain. From here, you can look across the mountains and enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by the vast Norwegian landscape.
The building was designed by Code arkitektur, and its geometric forms create an interesting contrast with the natural landscape. What makes Utsikten particularly interesting is the way the architects have approached the relationship between architecture and nature. Rather than creating a building that dominates the landscape, the design is intended to complement the dramatic surroundings.
The surrounding road is also worth exploring. Gaularfjellet is famous for its winding mountain roads, beautiful valleys and waterfalls, making it an excellent destination for a scenic drive.
Why visit: For the impressive mountain viewpoint, modern architecture and beautiful mountain road.
Travel tip: Make Utsikten part of a road trip across Gaularfjellet. Mountain roads in this region can be affected by winter closures and changing weather conditions.
13. Allmannajuvet – an architectural toilet in an old mining landscape
Location: Sauda, Rogaland
Scenic Route: Ryfylke
This might be one of the most unusual settings for a public toilet in Norway. At Allmannajuvet, the facilities are part of an architectural installation created in an old mining area.
The site has a fascinating industrial history. Zinc mining took place here between 1881 and 1899, during which approximately 12,000 tonnes of zinc ore were extracted. Today, the old mining area has been transformed into a museum and visitor attraction.
The architectural installation was designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, who created a series of buildings inspired by the area’s industrial past. The structures are dark, dramatic and deliberately raw-looking, making them feel like a natural extension of the mining landscape. The result is an unusual combination of cultural heritage, contemporary architecture and nature.
It is also a good reminder that Norway’s scenic roadside attractions are not limited to beautiful viewpoints. Some offer a much deeper experience, connecting visitors with the history of the places they travel through.
If you enjoy architecture, industrial heritage and slightly unusual destinations, Allmannajuvet is worth a detour.
Why visit: For the extraordinary Peter Zumthor architecture, mining history and dramatic setting.
Travel tip: The toilet facilities are generally open from March to December. The café and gallery have a shorter opening season, so check their schedule if you want to explore the museum as well.
Why does Norway have such spectacular public toilets?
You might be wondering why Norway puts so much effort into designing roadside toilets. The answer is connected to the country’s National Scenic Routes project. Norway has 18 designated National Scenic Routes, selected for their exceptional landscapes and unique travel experiences. Together, they cover some of the country’s most beautiful coastal, mountain and fjord regions.
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has spent years developing these routes, including viewpoints, rest areas, walking paths and service buildings. They wanted to make the journey itself an experience, not just help travelers get from one place to another. That is why architects have been commissioned to design buildings that respond to their surroundings, use interesting materials and create memorable places to stop.
Some facilities are minimalist. Others are dramatic sculptures. Some use unusual materials, while others are designed to weather naturally and blend into the landscape.
The result is a collection of roadside architecture that has attracted attention from architecture enthusiasts and travellers around the world.
And that’s the story of famous Norwegian toilets, that made the news all around the world!
Planning a road trip to Norway’s most spectacular toilets
If you want to visit several of these places, it is worth planning your trip geographically. They are spread across the country, so visiting all thirteen in one trip would require considerable driving, and a long trip.
Below, I share with you two ways you can organise your journey.
1. The Helgeland and Senja and Lofoten road trip
This is a long trip, but in this post I explain how I combined Helgeland with Lofoten in 10 days roadtrip, so if you have more time, you can also add Senja to it.
You can visit Ureddplassen as part of a longer journey along part of Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten, where I also recommend you to stop by other landmarks along the route, including Svartisen Glacier, Seven sisters hike, and the marble castle (needs a detour). And of course, leave your car on land, and take a boat to explore islands, such as Lovund or Traena. If you want to drive the whole route, and add Senja and Lofoten to it, you need more time – at least 3 weeks, but even that would be rushed.
For Senja, you can visit the Golden Toilet at Ersfjordstranda and Tungeneset, and then continue towards Lofoten to visit Brunstranda and Eggum. Then, you can continue north towards Andøya and admire the architecture at Bukkekjerka. This is a fantastic option if you want dramatic Arctic scenery, beautiful beaches, fishing villages and some of Norway’s most unusual roadside architecture.
2. The Western Norway architecture road trip
In the Western Norway, you can explore Stegastein, Utsikten, Tyrvefjøra, Skjervsfossen, Ostasteidn and Allmannajuvet.
This route combines fjords, mountain roads, waterfalls and some of the most interesting architectural projects along Norway’s scenic routes. You can also see Hardanger’s famous fruit orchards, visit small fjord villages, do some incredible hikes, and enjoy some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.
A few practical things to know when planning a roadtrip – Norway’s public toilet map
Before setting off on your toilet adventure, keep these things in mind:
- Check seasonal opening dates. Many facilities are closed during winter, even when the surrounding viewpoint remains accessible.
- Check road conditions. Some mountain routes have seasonal closures, and weather can change quickly. You can check it on vegvesen.
- Check temporary closures.
- Respect the facilities. These are public spaces shared by locals and travellers. Leave them clean for the next visitor.
- Allow time for photographs. Many of these locations have excellent viewpoints and walking areas.
- Do not make a special detour without checking access. A beautiful toilet is less impressive if you arrive to find it closed!
You can find updated information about the facilities and routes on the official Norwegian Scenic Routes website.
Norway proves that even a toilet can be a tourist attraction
The recent attention surrounding Norway’s spectacular toilets might have started with an unexpected political insult, but it has highlighted something genuinely special about the country, and something that I so love in a place where I call home.
Norway has managed to turn ordinary roadside infrastructure into a collection of architectural experiences, often in locations where the natural surroundings are already extraordinary. From the golden building on Senja to the fjord-facing toilet at Stegastein, the dramatic waterfall at Skjervsfossen and the striking architecture at Bukkekjerka, these places show that thoughtful design does not have to be reserved for museums, hotels or expensive architectural landmarks, it can be done for something so simple like toilets, that can still be beautiful and interesting.
So the next time you plan a trip to Norway, perhaps add a few unusual stops to your itinerary. You might come for the fjords, mountains and Northern Lights. But you could end up telling your friends about the toilets.
And that is a very Norwegian travel story, I guarantee it! :)
Which of these spectacular Norwegian toilets would you most like to visit?
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