What to See In: Norway: Oslo Bergen Trondheim ...

Visiting Norway

Norway is the westernmost country of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering Sweden all along the eastern border and also touching Finland and Russia.  All things considered, though, Norway is probably most know for being the land of the fjords all along the Atlantic border.  The country is full of amazing scenery and views, and is well worth the visit in the summer for the amazing sights alone.

In addition to the solidification of Norway, the Viking Age also brought a time of expansion for the Norwegians who settled places on Iceland, Greenland, Britain, Ireland, and even visited Canada.  Norse traditions were slowly replaced by Christian ones in the ninth and tenth centuries and Christianity seeped into the kingdom. 

Pacts with the Swedish and Danish crowns united these three countries under Danish control for over four hundred years, although Sweden declared independence from Denmark long before Norway did.  Norway was actually ceded to the king of Sweden in 1814, and the country took the opportunity to once again declare their independence and set up a constitution based on French and American models. 

You can learn a lot more about the fascinating history of this kingdom by visiting some of the many museums that dot the country, or by touring historical sites on your next visit.  Of course, you may be too busy skiing for more than a quick museum trip…

The Lans and climate

Norway is a winter destination for many skiers and snowboarders every year, and for a good reason.  Allow yourself the excitement of the terrain parks of the country, tearing it up on some of the hottest runs in this wild land before retiring to your hotel for hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.  If even that is not hardcore enough for you, try snowkiting.  Imagine being pulled along by a parachute-like kite, and then imagine the stunts that you can pull.  Amazing stuff!

Of course, you could always just let the dogs do the work.  Dog sledding is incredibly popular in the winter in Norway, and provides hours of fun for anyone who wants to give it a go.  You can also head to some of the most popular tourist destinations of the winter, like Holmenkollen, which is home to an amazing ski jump, the world’s oldest ski museum, and an awesome ski simulator.  Don’t forget about North Cape, either, which is as close as you can get to the North Pole on mainland Europe. 

In the summer, you are treated to beautiful weather by which to explore the fjords of Norway.  Enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes and fall in love with the scenery from the cabin of a train as you take a tour up and down the land.  Enjoy the sights of waterfalls pouring down the mountains and still, glassy fjords as you enjoy the ride through the kingdom. 

Norway is full of natural wonders to explore that will have you so delighted, you might just forget that there are cities and towns to visit, explore, and learn about as well.  And with activities like skiing in the summer, taking a fjord cruise, or even hiking on a glacier, there is certainly plenty to do in this amazing country. 

Norway's Major Cities

• Oslo (capital)
• Bergen
• Trondheim
• ...