Most tourism campaigns promise a room with a view. Norway has taken that promise to the bathroom. After Donald Trump called the country a 'shithouse country', Visit Norway answered with photographs of public restrooms that could make your next gas-station stop feel deeply disappointing.
The joke works because the architecture delivers.
Why Visit Norway Put Toilets in the Spotlight
In late October 2026, Norway's tourism agency responded to Trump's insult with a cheeky slogan: 'Norway makes shithouses great again.'
Trump had linked his criticism to missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize. The independent Norwegian Nobel Committee selects that prize, rather than Norway's government.
Visit Norway kept its response light. It directed attention toward Norway's designer toilets, where concrete curves, thoughtful seating and fjord views give an everyday necessity architectural ambition.
These buildings existed before the political spat. The campaign simply gave people another reason to look.
Three Public Restrooms Worth a Second Look
Along the Norwegian Scenic Routes, architects have given roadside facilities the attention usually reserved for museums and private homes.
| Stop | Location | Design detail |
|---|---|---|
| Ureddplassen | Helgeland coast | Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter's wave-shaped concrete restroom, glass walls and nearby marble benches |
| Ostasteidn | Ryfylke | KAP's tall concrete restroom, with a rough exterior intended to support moss |
| Ersfjordstranda | Senja | Tupelo Arkitektur's triangular, gold-colored service building beside a sandy beach |
Ureddplassen offers a particularly useful lesson in public-space planning. Broad steps provide seating toward the water, away from traffic noise. Its viewing terrace spans roughly 30 feet (9 meters).
The site also honors those who died aboard the Norwegian submarine Uredd during WWII. Visitors should give the memorial the same attention as the camera-friendly building.
What Can You Borrow for a Small Bathroom?
You probably lack a fjord outside your powder room. Fair enough. The design principles still travel well.
- Choose one strong feature. A curved wall, distinctive tile or striking light can give a compact bathroom character.
- Plan the view. Position a mirror or window to draw attention toward daylight or greenery while protecting privacy.
- Think about the whole space. Doors, lighting, storage and circulation deserve as much attention as the sink.
Start With Function
A photogenic bathroom still needs durable surfaces, sensible ventilation and easy cleaning. Use these Norwegian projects as visual inspiration, then select products that suit your room, budget and maintenance habits.
Skip the moss indoors. Your exhaust fan already has enough responsibility.
Before You Plan a Stop
Check opening dates before adding these buildings to a road trip. Ureddplassen and Ostasteidn list year-round restroom access; Ersfjordstranda lists early May through early October. Road conditions require a separate check.
For your own bathroom, start smaller: identify its biggest practical weakness, fix that first, then add one design feature you love. Good architecture earns its applause through daily use.
@ Visit Norway.
