At a rally in Michigan, US President Donald Trump harshly criticized Norway, explaining his dissatisfaction with not having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. During his speech, the American leader stated that he would no longer accept migrants from the Scandinavian country and referred to Norway as a "shithole country." These remarks sparked widespread resonance in international media and prompted several official and unofficial reactions in Oslo.
The Ironic Response from Visit Norway
The national tourist board, Visit Norway, chose a non-standard format to respond to Trump's offensive words, fully in line with Scandinavian humor. The agency published a selection of photographs featuring unusual public toilets located in the most picturesque spots across the country, accompanied by the ironic caption: "Norway is making toilets great again!" Visit Norway emphasized that these facilities deserve travelers' attention regardless of whether they have an immediate need to use them.
Stegastein: Minimalism on the Edge of a Precipice
Among the most famous examples in the selection is the restroom at the Stegastein viewpoint in the Sognefjord region of western Norway. The structure features strict minimalist architecture and large tinted panoramic windows offering views of the fjord and mountain ranges. Due to its special design, visitors can admire the landscape while remaining invisible from the outside. This facility was previously included in a list of the top ten public restrooms in the world by international publications.
Wave-like Restroom and the "Gold Toilet"
Another facility included in the selection is the wave-like Ureddplassen restroom on the wild Helgeland coast. Its shape reflects the maritime landscape, and the viewing area opens up to the Norwegian Sea. Some international publications previously named it one of the most picturesque public restrooms in the world. The list also includes a modernist toilet near the Utsikten viewpoint, the Tungeneset facility on Senja island—which looks especially striking against the backdrop of the northern lights—and a triangular structure known as the "gold toilet." All these facilities are located amidst Norwegian natural landscapes, close to rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views.
The Position of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Nobel Prize
In parallel with the tourism initiative, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official clarification aimed at correcting a widespread misconception. The agency reminded the public that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded neither by the Norwegian government nor by the state as such, but by an independent Nobel Committee operating in accordance with Alfred Nobel's will. Thus, the decision on awarding or not awarding the prize is not a subject of Oslo's state policy.
Tourism as a Tool of Soft Diplomacy
Visit Norway notes that such architectural structures allow travelers to slow down and enjoy nature, and sometimes the architecture of the toilets itself becomes just as interesting a part of the journey as the main tourist routes. The public campaign launched in response to Trump's remarks has become yet another example of how Scandinavian countries use cultural and tourist capital as a tool of soft diplomacy and to build a positive image on the international stage.
