Trollstigen Tourist Route Project by Reiulf Ramstad Architects
Zig-zagging pathways lead to viewing platforms perched high in the Norwegian mountains in this visitor facility designed by Reiulf Ramstad Architects (+ slideshow).
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Above: photograph is by diephotodesigner
An angled concrete block at the entrance to the site contains waterside restaurant and gallery, while Corten steel pavilions are set in the ground alongside.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_4.jpg)
Above: photograph is by diephotodesigner
From here a footpath crosses the mountain river and leads to the lookout points, which are made of concrete, steel and glass.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_3.jpg)
The facility, which opened last month, is one of five architectural projects along the Geiranger-Trollstigen tourist route, a 66-mile scenic road across the Trollstigen Mountain Plateau in western Norway.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_9.jpg)
Trollstigen - or "troll's ladder" - is regarded as one of Norway's most spectacularly beautiful areas and the tourist route across it is one of the country's most popular attractions.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_15.jpg)
At the foot of the wall is a jagged glass restaurant, which Reiulf Ramstad Architects completed last summer.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_5.jpg)
Above: photograph is by diephotodesigner
See also our recent story about the architects' beachside walkway on the Havøysund trail, which is another of the 18 national tourist routes in Norway.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_8.jpg)
Stops on some of the other tourist routes that we've written about include public toilets in a rusty steel cabin and a memorial commemorating suspected witches.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_10.jpg)
See all our stories about the Norwegian National Tourist Routes »
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_11.jpg)
Photography is by the architects, apart from where otherwise stated.
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Here's some text from Reiulf Ramstad Architects:
Trollstigen National Tourist Route Project
Located on Norway’s west coast, Trollstigen is perched within a dramatic pass between the deep fjords that characterize the region.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_16.jpg)
This panoramic site can only be visited and constructed in summer, due to severe winter weather.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_18.jpg)
Despite—or perhaps because of—the inaccessible nature of the site, the project entails designing an entire visitor environment ranging from a mountain lodge with restaurant and gallery to flood barriers, water cascades, bridges, and paths to outdoor furniture and pavilions and platforms meant for viewing the scenery.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_20.jpg)
All of these elements are molded into the landscape so that the visitor’s experience of place seems even more intimate.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_21.jpg)
The architectural intervention is respectfully delicate, and was conceived as a thin thread that guides visitors from one stunning overlook to another.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_19.jpg)
The RRA project will enhance the experience of the Trollstigen plateau’s location and nature.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_22.jpg)
Thoughtfulness regarding features and materials will underscore the site’s temper and character, and well-adapted, functional facilities will augment the visitor’s experience.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_23.jpg)
Above: photograph is by diephotodesigner
The architecture is to be characterised by clear and precise transitions between planned zones and the natural landscape.
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Through the notion of water as a dynamic element – from snow, to running and then falling water- and rock as a static element, the project creates a series of prepositional relations that describe and magnify the unique spatiality of the site.
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_27.jpg)
Location: Romsdalen - Geiranger Fjord, Norway
Program: National tourist routes project
Client: The Norwegian public roads administration
Commision type: Invited Competition 1st prize in cooperation with Multiconsult 13.3 landscaping (2004)
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Architects: Reiulf Ramstad Architects, Oslo Norway (RRA)
Reiulf Ramstad, Christian Skram Fuglset, Espen Surnevik, Anja Strandskogen, Nok Nimakorn,
Atle Leira, (Christian Dahle, Lasse Halvorsen, Helge Lunder, Karen Selmer, Tia Ginard Adover)
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_24.jpg)
Civil Engineer: Structural Engineer: Dr Techn. Kristoffer Apeland AS, Oslo Norway
Design year: 2004-2011
Construction year: 2005-2012/ Official Opening 2012
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_site_plan_2.gif)
Building area: 800 m2 (Mountain Lodge with restaurant and gallery), 950 m2 (Flood Barrier House)
Site: Building Site 600,000 m2
Time to build: 6 years
Type of construction: Corten steel and poured-in-place concrete
![Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Trollstigen by Reiulf Ramstad Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/dezeen_Trollstigen-by-Reiulf-Ramstad-Architects_plan_service_building.gif)