Norway Travel Information | Trip to Norway | Norway Holidays

The Kingdom of Norway is located in Western Europe, with Oslo as its capital. Archaeologists believe that some of the earliest settlements in Norway can be traced back to the 10th millennium BC. Today, Norway has come a long way in terms of economical development.  The discovery of many oil and gas reserves off the coast has helped shape the economy to a huge extent. The neutral stand that Norway took during the two World Wars says a lot about the peaceful attitude of the people. It is no wonder then that, Norway is ranked one of the most peaceful countries in the world, even today, in many surveys.

Ethnic Norwegians make up the majority of the population here. However, over the past few years in particular, there have been many foreigners who have entered the country too, especially from other parts of Europe, Pakistan and even Africa. Significant contributions have been made to literature by eminent writers especially from the 15th century onwards. Writers used plays and drama to speak about society, and speak about romance. Such plays found a huge audience particularly among the middle class. One such dramatist Henrik Ibsen, is well known worldwide for his works.

Tourists visit Norway more for the scenery and the many activities that one can do there. Norway is divided into five regions- Southern Norway (including Oslo), Fjordland and the Southwest regions; the uplands of Oppland and Hedmark; Central Norway; and the Arctic Northern region. However, Oslo, has many cultural and historical attractions for tourists to enjoy-

Oslo – Oslo is famed for the many cultural activities that take place here be it music,
art, science or sports. It is home to many world famous museums and galleries. The National Gallery, which features many Nordic, Norwegian, and international art, is popular with tourists. The Natural History Museum, which is a botanical garden, has many varieties of fauna on display. There is even a Viking Ship Museum, which has on display many Viking tombs. Two well-preserved 9th century Viking ships, can be seen here. The Vigeland Sculpture Park, is a famous attraction, with more than 200 sculptures on display. The works of Gustav Vigeland are on display here. The ruins of a 12th century monastery can be seen at Hovedoya. Oslo is home to places of cultural fame such as the Norwegian National Theater, the Norwegian Opera House and Lillestrom, where exhibitions are held. Oslo has a very active and fun filled nightlife too.

The Southern Norway, is famous other attractions too. Kristiansand, has a famous zoo and is the second largest city in Southern Norway. The inland areas here are famous for hiking, mountaineering and canoeing. A visit to the villages here, will give you a taste of daily life. Museums here proudly exhibit Norwegian art, music and architecture. Mogedal, often called ‘the cradle of skiing’, is a must visit.
Fjordland and the Southwest regions- The scenery here makes it a very popular tourist destination. Sognefjorden, Hardanger Fjord and Nordfjord is a must see. At Urnes, one can see a wooden stave built church, which is a World Heritage Site. North of Sognefjorden, is Jostedalsbreen, which is Europe’s biggest glacier, and there is a National Park too. Bergen has many buildings, which date back to the 17th century, and the Hanseatic Bryggen harbor-side district is a World Heritage site. Stavanger is famed for the many wooden buildings one can see here. Besides that there is a Fish Cannery Museum, and the Rogaland Art gallery, which draws huge crowds.

Uplands of Oppland and Hedmark – The Central Southern part of Norway, is famous for the mountains and the glacial valleys one can see here. Gudbrandsdal, is one of the longest valleys in Norway. The Dovrefjell National Park, holds a place in mythology as being the home of the mountain king, and musk oxen sometimes roam the land. Lillehammer, is the biggest skiing and winter sports centre in the country. One can also visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum. Many historic buildings can be seen in the Maihaugen Open Air Museum. In Hamar, there is a museum dedicated to the medieval period. A cathedral here dating back to the 11th century can be seen too.

Central Norway – This area is also known as Trondelag, and is known for the variations in scenery. The river Namsen is famous for the salmon catch. In Trondheim, one can see the Nidarosdomen Cathedral, a 11th century building, visited by pilgrims. One can see rare historical musical instruments, at the Ringve Museum. The Stiftsgarden, which is the palace of the Norwegian Royal Family, is an 18th century building. Roros is a World Heritage Site, which used to have many copper mines. The wooden church and the Mining Museum are a must see.

Artic Northern region – The landscape here ranges from alpine mountains to lots of fauna and wilderness. The Svalbard Islands are famous for the huge numbers of birds that can be seen here. The Svalbard Reindeer, arctic fox and polar bears are a few of the animals that are often spotted here. Tromso is the biggest town in Northern Norway and is famous for the brewery located here. Many archaeological and historic artefacts can be seen at the Tromso Museum. Bodo too has much to offer a tourist. The Norwegian National Aviation Center, is a favourite tourist spot. It is a challenge to climb the Ronvikfjell Mountain, in order to get a good view of the surroundings. Tourists who are keener on merely exploring the coastline, mountains and other glaciers, can do so at Mo-i-rana, which is the third largest town in North Norway. Alta, is a World heritage site primarily for the prehistoric cave carvings that are found here. If you wish to observe the Midnight Sun like many other tourists, then the North Cape is the perfect place to get the experience of a lifetime.

Every region of Norway, has much to offer a tourist, mainly because of the differences in culture and natural beauty. One is sure to have lovely memories of this country.

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