Fortunately, there are still roads which are not simply designed to get you from A to B as quickly as possible. National Scenic Routes are beautiful driving tours that are a little out of the ordinary. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has created these routes for you to explore. They offer spectacular viewpoints, facilities, car parking, outdoor furniture, paths and artwork. Bold innovative architecture set in magnificent landscapes is a hallmark of all the National Scenic Routes.

Along the Scenic Route through Lofoten, these are some of the “attractions” you will encounter:

MOSKENES (Moskenes)

Rest area and wiew point close to the ferry port.

REINEHALSEN (Moskenes)

This is one of Norway’s most famous photo points and lies at the foot of the mountain Reinebringen. Here you get a good view of the village Reine, the mountain range and the entrance to Reinefjorden.

AKKARVIKODDEN (Moskenes)

The rest area has granite furniture, magnificent views over the sea to the south east and a toilet building which mimics the steep mountains of the raw Lofoten landscape.

RAMBERGSTRANDA (Flakstad)

Next to the beautiful beach surrounded by majestic mountains is a photographic viewpoint. A narrow path made from railway sleepers leads down to the beautiful beach.

NUSFJORD (Flakstad)

Nusfjord is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages. Today it is a museum with old-fashioned general store, cod liver oil factory, sawmill and smithy.

SKREDA (Vestvågøy)

Skreda rest area offers views over the fjord towards Gravdal, Offersøystraumen, Nappstraumen and the mountains to the south. A number of tables and benches allow for a longer stop.

EGGUM (Vestvågøy)

Facing the ocean is a rest area in the shape of an amphitheatre, with car parking and toilet facilities. Follow the gravel road along the lake to view the sculpture “Head”, by the artist Markus Raetz. The artwork is part of Artscape Nordland.

TORVDALSHALSEN (Vestvågøy)

This is a rest area that offers fantastic views over Vestvågøya. It is surrounded by long screens and benches that provide protection against the wind and weather.

GIMSØYSTRAUMEN (Vågan)

Gimsøystraumen is an 18 km long channel between Vestvågøy and Vågan. Next to the bridge is a youth house with parking and picnic area.

AUSTNESFJORDEN (Vågan)

The rest area is situated south of Sildpollen, and a wooden walkway has been built that floats on the landscape. It offers fantastic views across to the stunning mountains and Sildpollneset chapel.

GRUNNFØR (Vågan)

Along the outer side of Austvågøy, between Fiskebøl and Vestpollen is a house for cyclists. Here it is nice to enjoy the view towards the open sea and Vesterålen.

For more information on other spectacular viewing points, service buildings and rest areas in Lofoten, visit www.nasjonaleturistveger.no