Norway landmarks, culture, food and visit places

Norway's

Norways • Norway (Listeni/ˈnɔːrweɪ/ nawr-way; Norwegian: About this sound Norge (Bokmål) or About this sound Noreg (Nynorsk)), officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a sovereign and unitary monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula plus the island Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard.[note 1] The Antarctic Peter I Island and the sub-Antarctic Bouvet Island are dependent territories and thus not considered part of the Kingdom. Norway also lays claim to a section of Antarctica known as Queen Maud Land. Until 1814, the Kingdom included the Faroe Islands (since 1035), Greenland (1261), and Iceland (1262). It also included Shetland and Orkney until 1468.

NorwaysNorway has a total area of 385,252 square kilometres (148,747 sq mi) and a population of 5,213,985 (May 2016).[16] The country shares a long eastern border with Sweden (1,619 km or 1,006 mi long). Norway is bordered by Finland and Russia to the north-east, and the Skagerrak Strait to the south, with Denmark on the other side. Norway has an extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea.

Landscapes

Lofoten Archipelago.

The Lofoten archipelago is a photographer’s dream. Sharp mountains loom over fjords; frozen lakes, hidden beaches, traditional red cabins and unbeatable light

Landscapes

Trolltunga.

Trolltunga is situated about 1100 meters above sea level, sitting 700 metres above lake Ringedalsvatnet in Skjeggedal. The hike goes through high mountains, takes 8-10 hours in total (to Trolltunga and return) but it’s worth it for the view.

Landscapes

Reinevågen.

Reinevågen is a small inlet in Nordland, situated between Skjånakken and Vestervalen.

Landscapes Hamnoy.

The small fishing village of Hamnøy sits in the Moskenes region in Nordland county. The village was previously only accessible via the ferry but connection to the mainland via the highway, part of the Lofoten Mainland connection, has made hamlet easier to reach.

Landscapes Trollstigen.

Trollstigen is a famous mountain road in Rauma Municipality, More og Romsdal county. The road stretches 106 kilometers and is carved steep mountainsides from Trollstigfoten to Stigerøra

Landscapes Senja Island.

Senja is the second largest island in Norway. The island is often referred to as “Norway in miniature”, as the island’s varied terrain emulates almost the entire span of Norwegian landscape.

Landscapes Hardangervidda.

Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau and is one of the largest of it’s kind in Europe. With a cold climate all year round it homes one of Norway’s most spectacular glaciers.

Landscapes

Narvik.

Narvik is the third-largest city in Norway. However the region of Narvik covers a large landscape outside of the city itself. It homes a climbing area where you can enjoy the terrain of the Arctic Circle.

Landscapes Hoven, Gimsøya.

Hoven hill sits 368 meters and is one of the easiest ‘mountain’ hikes on the Lofoten Islands. It is famous for it’s 360 degree views over the islands of Vesterålen. The hike popular with families and groups of friends, a perfect place to enjoy of a clear summer evening.

Norway's Food

Norway's FoodKlippfisk – Green pea soup with dried cod and bacon

Add dryed cod or ‘Klippfisk’ as we call it to the simmering soup, alternatively fry until golden, place in a bowl and pour the pea soup over. garnish with crisp bacon, fresh parsley and ground pepper.

Norway's Food

Lapskaus – Norwegian stew

Lapskaus is a very traditional Norwegian dish made of meat and vegetables, diced together and cooked into a stew. The meat is usually roasted or boiled beef or pork, often left-over from a Sunday Roast.

Norway's FoodNorwegian Meatballs

Mums meatballs or ‘Mors Kjøttkaker’ as we call them is arguably the most traditional dish of Norway. It’s a healthy and hearty meal; meatballs, cabbage stew, mushed peas, boiled potatoes and gravy.

Norway's Food

Sourcream Porridge

1/2 Liter Sour-cream 1/2 Liter Milk 2 dl All purpose white flour 1/2 ts Salt Sugar Cinnamon Butter makes a sublime porridge. Traditionally served on special occasions, together with cured meat, crisp bread and a cup of homemade squash

Norway's FoodNorwgain Waffles

Scandinavian style waffles are thin and heart-shaped with a buttery taste, fantastically delicious when served together with a dash of Crème fraîche, strawberry jam and a slice of brown cheese.

Norway Tourist Attraction

Norway Tourist AttractionRoros

Roros is a good place to learn about copper mining as it occurred a few centuries ago. Copper mining started there in the 17th century and continued for more than 300 years, until 1977. The town has about 2,000 wooden houses that have been preserved in their blackened state, suggesting a medieval look. The town itself was established in 1646 by the Roros Copper Works.

Norway Tourist AttractionUrnes Stave Church

The Urnes Stavkyrkje, or Urnes Stave Church, blends several architectural styles into a medieval church that is still standing after 900 years. What is remarkable about this church, however, is the building material used: wood, instead of the traditional stone

Norway Tourist AttractionVoringfossen

Vøringfossen is Norway’s most famous waterfall, cascading down 180 meters (600 feet) in a series of drops, though it ranks only 83rd on the list of Norway’s highest waterfalls.

Norway Tourist AttractionNidaros Cathedral

While William the Conqueror was busy invading Great Britain in 1066, the Vikings were occupied with building Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Nearly 1,000 years later, the cathedral is Norway’s most important church and Scandinavia’s largest medieval building.


Nordkapp

Nordkapp, or North Cape, is a must for travelers who want to frolic under the midnight sun, since the sun never sets between May 14 and July 29. It is the northernmost point in Europe connected with the international road network.

Norway Tourist AttractionJostedalsbreen Glacier

Icy and scenic is perhaps the best way to describe Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Situated in southern Norway, the glacier is surrounded by Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park. Many, many years ago, locals could cross the glacier on foot, perhaps herding animals on their way to market, but this isn’t possible today as the glacier has shrunk significantly.

Norway Tourist AttractionViking Ship Museum

Many centuries ago, the Vikings sailed the northern seas, striking fear in the hearts of the region these fierce warriors were about to invade. Today, visitors can view, unafraid, some of these terror-causing vessels as the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo showcases some of these great ninth century ships.


Heddal Stave Church

The Heddal Stave Church is Norway’s largest stave church, with triple naves that stand proudly against the sky. The church, made entirely of wood, was built in the 13th century; according to local legend, it was built in three days by five farmers.


BryggenTravelers who get “museumed” out may enjoy a visit to the Bryggen waterfront, an informal museum that doesn’t seem like a museum. Traditional buildings line the waterfront with boats tied just feet away on Bergen’s seaside.


Geirangerfjord

The most famous tourist attractions in Norway are probably it fjords. Among the most beautiful of these fjords is Geirangerfjord, located in southwestern Norway near the coastal town of Ålesund.

Norway Tourist Attraction Scenic Rail Routes

There's no better way to see Norway's stunning countryside than by train. Perhaps surprisingly for such a mountainous country, Norway's rail lines stretch more than 2,000 miles, encountering along the way some 775 tunnels and over 3,000 bridges. The best scenic routes begin in Oslo, including the Bergen Railway, which runs over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

Norway Tourist AttractionHurtigruten

A way of life since its establishment in 1893, the incredible Hurtigruten ferry system continues to be a vital connection between the country's far-flung corners. Although nostalgically referred to as coastal steamers, the modern ships of the Hurtigruten carry freight and passengers on regular services that have become increasingly popular amongst tourists.

Norway Tourist AttractionArctic Circle

A sizable section of northern Norway is located within the Arctic Circle, a fact that provides the country with two of its most popular tourist attractions. The first, the Midnight Sun, is an impressive sight and experience. During the summer months, surrounding the summer solstice, these latitudes see endless days when the sun doesn't set.


National Day

Held each May 17th, Norway's Constitution Day - usually referred to as National Day - marks the country's independence from Denmark in 1814.


LillehammerLocated above Lake Mjøsa at the south end of the Gudbrandsdal valley, Lillehammer is one of Norway's best-known year-round tourist destinations. In summer, it's all about attractions such as Malhaugen Park, an open-air museum consisting of more than 100 historic buildings, including 18th Century farmhouses, workshops and a stave church.

Norway Tourist AttractionAtlantic Ocean Road

The Atlantic Ocean Road - one of 18 National Tourist Routes in Norway - is not only a vital connection for the maze of tiny islands it serves, it's also a lure for anglers, diving enthusiasts and visitors wanting to get as close as possible to the sea.


Jotunheimen

The largest Alpine region on the Norwegian high plateau, the Jotunheimen covers an area of 1,351 square miles and includes Scandinavia's highest mountains

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS


National Music Day, Oslo

It's free, and there are so many great up-and-coming artists and bands in this area right now.”


By:Larm, Oslo

It’s like the Austin, Texas festival South of Southwest, but in a colder climate."

FESTIVALS AND EVENTSwinter

Winter sports, ice music, black metal and rotten fish, Norway has a festival to celebrate them all. Attend one of these events on your next trip, and experience a new and authentic side to the country.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTSIce Music Geilo

Ice Music Geilo: an alternative music festival where the instruments, the stage and the concert area are all carved out of local ice and snow. The brainchild of Norwegian Terje Isungset, the man who ‘invented’ ice music (and still performs every year in Geilo), the Ice Music Festival is the oldest festival of its kind in the world.


Riddu RidduThis festival is one of the largest Sami gatherings in Scandinavia, celebrating Sami culture but also acting as a platform for various indigenous and non-indigenous people to exchange experiences and ideas.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTSHolmenkollen Ski FestivalNorwegians notoriously go bonkers for winter sports, and their craze is given free rein over a few days each winter during the Holmenkollen Ski Festival, proudly billed as ‘the world’s largest ski party.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTSMidnight Sun Marathon

The world’s northernmost marathon takes place in the city of Tromsø, far above the Arctic Circle. It is a popular event that attracts runners from over 50 countries.


Rakfisk FestivalA challenge for your tastebuds, rakfisk is a Norwegian speciality that’s not for the squeamish. Rakfisk is fish, usually trout, that has been salted and left to ferment in brine for two to three months.


Rørosmartnanit all started with a royal decree in 1853. Ever since, every February, Røros has upheld the tradition, and this quaint little town (one of only eight UNESCO world heritage sites in Norway) turns into one of the country’s largest marketplaces, attracting over 70,000 visitors and some 250 exhibitors over five days.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTSSt Olav FestivalSt Olav Festival is a celebration of Norway’s patron saint and his crucial role in bringing Christianity to Norway. St Olav, who was king of Norway from 1015 to 1028, famously died at the Battle of Stiklestad on 29 July 1030. Today his remains are buried in Nidarosdomen, Trondheim’s cathedral, and Norway’s most important church.