The Architectural Route has the best collection of architectural works in fjord Norway and is the only tourist route in Norway highlighting both modern and historic architecture in a day trip format.
Highlights of the route include Allmannajuvet in Sauda by Peter Zumthor and Geir Grungs architecture for Røldal Suldal Kraft in Nesflaten.
The route also has several historic architectural sites with the oldest, the Røldal Stave Church, dating back to the 1200s. The area has long farming traditions and there are several prime examples of traditional farm buildings, such as Kolbeinstveit from 1850, along the route. Industrial architecture in the area includes the housing for workers of the smelting plant in Sauda from the 1920s.
Allmannajuvet
Allmannajuvet zinc mines were in operation from 1881 to 1899. During these years a total of 12,000 tonnes of zinc ore were extracted. Today, the mining area is a museum. Designed by Peter Zumthor and opened in 2016. The buildings in the gorge are designed in an industrial construction style to embody the story of the mines. The installation consists of a gallery, a café building, toilet and parking facilities, paths and stairs. For opening hours saudaferie.no
Grung architecture in Nesflaten
Geir Grung (1926 – 1989) designed the hydro power station, which opened in 1965, housing, and the hotel, Energihotellet, which is located beside the hydro power development plant in Røldal - Suldal. The area is one of the best-preserved examples of the functionalistic style in Norway. Park your car at Energihotellet and take a stroll down to the power station and residental area. For more information or questions about the architecture, contact Energihotellet.
Høsebrua
Høsebrua lies in the village of Sand in Suldal. The bridge is a footbridge over the Suldalslågen salmon river. It lights up beautifully on dark autumn and winter nights and leads to the recreational area across the river. The bridge won Bridge of the Year from Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2014. Architect: Rintala Eggertsson Architects in collaboration with Ivan Kroupa.
Ostasteidn
On the north side of the Sandsfjord Bridge in Suldal, Ryfylke, there is a new spectacular rest area, Ostateidn, inspired by Lars Hertervig's dramatic paintings of Ryfylke. A walkway leads to seating facilities facing north with a beautiful view of Sandsfjorden, or to a bench by the rock, offering natural shelter from northwestern winds. Architect: KAP - Kontor for Arkitektur og Plan
Venterommet
Located in Ropeid, a peninsula in Suldal, Venterommet, which translates to the waiting room is a waiting room for travelers with the express boats to Sauda and Stavanger. The building has large glass panes that make for close contact with both the fjord and the mountainside. Venterommet was opened in 2004. Architect: Jensen & Skodvin.
At the quay there are also stools and tables in different sizes made of materials from recycled plastic boats from Ryfylke. They look like mushrooms, and in the evenings, they light up the area.
Svandalsfossen
The Svandalsfossen waterfall is a mighty spectacle when the river runs high. The 540 steps, completed in 2006, bring visitors into close proximity with the powerful waterfall and the lush, magical vegetation that characterizes the area. Architect: Haga & Grov Sivilarkitekter.
Total driving time 2 ½ -3 hours (not including time spent at stops along the route)