Trollstigen Plateau: 500,000 Sq. Feet of Gorgeous Pathways Overlooking Norway

Trollstigen Plateau in Romsdalen is one of the dreamiest, most magical landscapes along the <a href="http://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en">National Tourist Route of Norway</a>, and <a href="http://www.reiulframstadarkitekter.no/projects.asp?menu=projects&amp;category=landscape&amp;submenu=&amp;IDwork=79&amp;page=19&amp;IDimage=768#">Reiulf Romastad Architects</a> won the daunting task of making it even more dramatic with a series of minimalist pathways and platforms. The only way that design can triumph over nature in a setting like this is to take a step back and let the mountains and the waterfalls do all the talking, which is exactly the approach the designers took for this enormous project. More deets and some of the prettiest pictures we've ever seen right after the jump.

Reiulf Ramstad Architects won a design competition in 2004 to design 500,000 square feet of bridges, walkways, pathways, and platforms.

These facilities were commissioned by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for Norway's Tourist Route

The pathways and a visitor center were designed to highlight the majestic Trollstigen Plateau in Romsdalen

It was important that design take a step back so that nature could do the talking

It was also important to only use the most sustainable materials for the project

Water features play a big role in the project, as does rock

The designers chose weathered Cor-ten steel and glass panes in some cases

Some of the platforms have been tucked into the hillside to reduce their visual impact

Others seem to dangle on the precipice

Reiulf Ramstad has done a superb job of highlighting this beautiful landscape and capturing its incredible drama

The project was slated to finish this year

This is not the first time we've highlighted this designer's incredible work

A visitor center at the foot of Troll Cliff has many of the same characteristics of this mammoth project