Norway It is one of the greenest countries in Europe and its inhabitants are among the most committed to the environment in Europe. Such is their environmental zeal that some of them have even covered their houses with grass: some are bright green and almost velvety; others are golden in color and it looks like wheat or oats are growing on them. There are also grass roofs that combine herbs and flowers, and even some that have small trees.
It may sound like a joke, but it's true: grass roofs in Norway are a tradition, although not exactly motivated by environmental awareness, but by its practical advantages since these green roofs help stabilize the house, provide good insulation and are very resistant.
Experts say that the custom of covering the roofs of houses in Scandinavia dates back to prehistory. Birch grass and bark. Tile roofs, which appeared much earlier in towns and rural mansions, gradually replaced grass roofs. But just before the final extinction, the national romantics recovered this old tradition, so iconic, at the end of the last century.
A new market opened motivated by the demand for mountain huts and vacation homes. At the same time, open-air museums and the preservation movement created a preserve for ancient building traditions. Thanks to these reserves, grass roofs have today become an alternative to modern materials.
And to show that Norwegians are serious, every year since 2000, the Scandinavian Green Roof Association awards an award to the best green roof project in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
More information - Travel to Northern Norway
Images: greenroof.se