Are These The Best Designed Toilets On Earth?

The side of a waterfall might not be the obvious place for a bathroom, nor does this striking building look like a restroom, but Nordic firm Fortunen went all out to create an award-winning design that blends into its jaw-dropping surroundings.

Perched close by to the beautiful Skjervsfossen waterfall, the building – which consists of two bathrooms and a compact technical room – is designed to offer not just a convenient pitstop for passing travellers, but to create a ‘unique and surprising experience’, according to the Norwegian architects.

The focal point of the breathtaking landscape near Voss is the river Storelvi, which runs through rolling hills and dramatically drops 150 metres into the waterfall.

Once inside the service building, the landscape still takes centre stage, with huge floor-to-ceiling panes of glass offering spectacular views of the dramatic mountainous landscape, lush-green forests and skyline beyond, plus part of the floor is glazed, so you can watch the river flow beneath your feet.

As a distinct contrast to the dark, rocky exterior, the internal spaces have been clad in a rich, warm plywood, offering temporary respite from the elements.

The landscape design of the surrounding area was expertly curated by Østengen & Bergo, which made the awkward, steep terrain accessible to visitors by creating a discreet and winding trail of natural stone which connects the major pinpoints of the area surrounding Skjervsfossen.

Fortunen has managed to master the perfect blend of contemporary sculptural design and thoughtful sensitivity, ensuring that the building sits harmoniously in its natural habitat without competing with it. As a result, the company won the World Architecture News Small Spaces Award 2016 for the design.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.