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Visiting Norway

Pure and untarnished natural beauty, a colorful past, enchanted structures – these are some of the best things that Norway has in store for every guest. Located at the northern tip of Europe, the country is known as one of the wealthiest in the world and has experienced much economic growth over the past decades. The country’s name was believed to have been derived from a term in the North Germanic language that means “the northern route”. Norway is known by other names depending on the native language. It is Norga in Northern Sami, Lule Sami calls it Vuodna and it is Norja in Finnish.

Historical profile

Norway’s history dates back to the tenth millennium BC or over twelve thousand years ago when the land was inhabited by Scandinavians who were said to have come from Germany. From then, the country has gone through several periods of expansion and unification until it came to be the land that it is known today. It has gone through periods of rapid dissent, social and economic downfall until finally after the Second World War it has started establishing a reputation of wealth and prosperity mainly attributed to its rich oil reserves.

Culture

It is said that a nation’s culture is shaped by its environment. If this is the case, Norway’s culture is a product of scarce resources and a harsh climate that is typical of the country during its early years. Over the centuries, its culture has developed to adopt to changing environments as well as through the influences of its neighboring countries. It now managed to establish an identity that is unique to its people and this is reflected in the country’s music, architecture, art and literature. Norwegians believe in egalitarianism – that is, that all people are created equal at birth.

Common Christian holidays are celebrated in Norway, since a great majority of its people practices this faith. The country is known for its various holidays that are celebrated through various festivals and expos. On Norwegian Constitution Day, it is a common practice in the country to come out garbed in the traditional costume called bunad.

The country has also produced many Nobel Prize awardees for Literature. Some of the most prominent ones include Bjonstjerne Bjornson and Sigrid Udset who wrote Kristin Lavransdatter.

If you want to sample a taste of Norway, you are in for quite a treat. The country’s culinary specialties have a variety of seafood in its menu. From cured salmon to pickled herring and other seafood combined with various cheeses, eating the local delicacy is certainly a palatable adventure.

Attractions

Norway also features several different tourist attractions, seven of which are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. These are Bryggen, Urnes Stave Church, the Rock Drawings at Alta and the Vega Archipelago among others. The country also has quite a number of national parks and hiking destinations for sports enthusiasts.

Museums and art galleries are also quite common in a country that has a rich culture to portray. On your next visit to Norway make sure to drop by at any of these destinations.

Hotels in Norway

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