Who said it was impossible to beautify a toilet? This is what two architects from Oslo did. Marit Justine Haugen and Dan Zohar have combined their talents to create these out-of-the-ordinary public toilets that look more like pieces of art than a utility space.

Beyond the practical aspect of this architectural marvel located along the road (and even by the sea), there is a very special story behind its construction. Ureddplassen is also a memorial to 42 Norwegian soldiers who died during the Second World War. Their submarine collided with a missile sent by a German ship. It was almost half a century later when the wreck of this submarine was finally discovered.

Today, the terrace surrounding this wave-shaped toilet offers breathtaking views of the Norwegian Sea. In winter, it is not uncommon to see onlookers taking time to contemplate the sky to see the aurora borealis. This public building underwent a renovation for the impressive sum of 1.6 million euros last year. The glass facade has been redone and small steps leading to the sea have been created so that people can wait while dreaming in front of the horizon.

These pink marble toilets, similar to the one used for the United Nations building in New York, illuminate at night and adjoin a rest area.

“Ureddplassen is a place for a short break, a good rest and a picnic, or for long nights where you can admire the midnight sun or the aurora borealis”, explains the Nasjonale turistveger, the Tourist Office for the Norwegian Helgelandskysten Route.