Charming Norway attracts more than a million tourists every year who want to see with their own eyes ancient sights, protected fjords and polar nights. In order for your trip to this amazing country to be crowned with success, you should think in advance about what to see. In addition, a maximum of information about Norway will allow you to quickly navigate and create an individual travel itinerary.
Holiday season in Norway
Separately, it should be noted that traditionally in the tourism sector of the country there are several periods when one or another type of recreation is preferable. Separately, it is worth noting the following seasons throughout the year:
- season of excursions (May-end of September);
- season for viewing fjords and other natural beauties (April-October);
- fishing and yachting season (June-September);
- ski season (November-March);
- season of white nights (June-July).
In general, Norway can offer its fans a very varied leisure, despite the fact that the climatic conditions in the country are considered one of the most severe. Lovers of contrasts and unusual natural beauty will appreciate the time spent here.
Top 15 places of interest in Norway
Akershus
The castle is the main attraction of Oslo and a sample of medieval architecture. The building was erected in the 17th century, and it performed an important strategic function - the defense of the city from foreign invaders. Subsequently, the main building of the castle was rebuilt several times.
As a result, the external facades of Akershus were made in the Renaissance style, as evidenced by the gabled roofs and laconic finishes. Currently, the spacious halls are used for receptions of important statesmen. On free days, tourists come to the castle in order to get acquainted with one of the most interesting buildings of the Norwegian capital.
Viking Ship Museum
The Bygdø Peninsula is famous for its original museum, where the best exposition dedicated to the world-famous Scandinavian sailors, who were called "Vikings", is presented. The pride of the museum's collection are unique drakkars: the Gokstad boat, the Tyun ship and the Oseberg ship. Each of the ships has a separate room so that visitors have the opportunity to examine the boats in detail.
The rest of the museum is filled with exhibits dating back to different periods in the life of the Vikings. If you wish, qualified guides can take you through all the halls and tell you in detail about all the exhibits reflecting the life and culture of the Vikings.
Troll's Tongue
This natural object received such an unusual name for its original form. About five hundred years ago, a massive piece broke off from the Skjeggedal rock, frozen in a horizontal position. The shape of the fragment outwardly resembles a huge language symbolized in the minds of the Norwegians with the language of the famous Norwegian mythical character.
Trolltunga is located in a difficult area, and the nearest town is Odda. Many visitors first get to Ringedalsvatn Lake by car, after which they walk for 5-6 hours. Once on the cliff, tourists enjoy beautiful views and take many photos.
Royal Palace
The building was originally erected as a permanent summer residence for members of the royal dynasty. Therefore, a hilly hill was chosen as the site of construction in 1825, from where picturesque landscapes open up. The project was developed by the Norwegian architect G. D. Listov, whose style is distinguished by laconicism and restraint.
The last work on the interior decoration of the palace was completed in 1849. A garden and park area was created in front of the building for recreation and various cultural events. Today, the former interior and royal decoration have been preserved within the walls of the palace.
Justedalsbreen glacier
This unique formation of natural origin spreads over the territory of the Yustedal National Park. The area of the glacier is 488 square kilometers, and this fact gives the right to consider it the largest in the European part of the planet. Justedalsbreen is about 60 kilometers long. Experts note that the glacier does not melt all year round due to the fact that it is formed by the constant accumulation of snowfall.
Tours are organized to the foot of the glacier, including walks along the coast of a turquoise lake and viewing the local flora and fauna.
Lindesnes lighthouse
This landmark is the pride of Norway. Its geographic landmarks are the Skagerrak Strait, which connects the Baltic and North Seas. It was decided to build the lighthouse back in 1655 after the frequent shipwrecks near Cape Lindesnes. However, after its construction, the lighthouse did not function for more than 25 years. Only in 1725 did the seafarers see the light emanating from the stone building.
In 1993, the Norwegian authorities decided to completely renovate the building and improve its fog system. To this day, thousands of tourists watch the work of the lighthouse and visit the museum on the ground floor.
Kon-Tiki Museum
The museum is based on the biographical data of the Norwegian traveler Thor Heyerdahl. The seeker of new sensations has long been obsessed with the dream of crossing the Pacific Ocean on an ordinary raft. The Tour carried out his plan in 1947 and overnight became famous throughout Europe. One of the traveler's followers founded a museum dedicated to the exploits of Heyerdahl.
The opening of the main exhibition took place in Oslo in 1950. The central place among the exhibits is occupied by a raft, and in other halls you can see an exhibition of caves and models of ships.
National Gallery
In the central part of the Norwegian capital rises a monumental building that is included in the list of the country's cultural heritage. Most of the gallery's collection consists of works of art by Norwegian masters who lived in Oslo at different periods of its history. Several rooms have been allocated for the exposition of Russian icon painters who adopted the style of the Novgorod school.
The second floor of the gallery is occupied by paintings by such famous artists as Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Picasso, Matisse, etc. On Sundays, the doors of the gallery are open to visitors absolutely free of charge.
Rondane National Park
The Rondane mountain range is popular for its huge park, which spreads among picturesque expanses. The park was founded in 1962 and is still the oldest, holding a leading position among the best natural attractions in the country. The area of Rondane was expanded in 2003 and is 964 square kilometers.
There are more than 10 mountain peaks on the territory of the park, the height of which exceeds the mark of 2000 meters. A huge plateau stretches between the mountains, where herds of wild deer graze. Tourists are allowed to move around Rondane only on specially paved paths.
Edward Grieg Estate Museum
The Norwegian composer all his life dreamed of building a house on the seashore. His desire came true when he visited near Bergen and decided on the place of construction of the future dwelling. After the death of E. Grieg, the estate gradually turned into a cult landmark and a museum complex.
The tour of the museum begins with a walk to the small hut where the composer got his inspiration. Further, visitors can get acquainted with the exhibition of personal belongings of E. Grieg and his family. In the evenings, classical music concerts are held in the manor's concert hall.
Bergenhus fortress
Those who come to cozy Bergen must include a trip to the Bergenhus fortress in their program. The luxurious castle was erected in 1247 on the site of the Church of Christ, where the first king of Norway was crowned. The reason for the creation of the building was the fact that Bergen was proclaimed the new capital. Representatives of the royal dynasty ordered the creation of a project for the complex, including:
- the cathedral;
- temples;
- residence for the king and bishop.
Today the attraction belongs to the city museum and is considered the most visited. Particularly noteworthy is the Haakon Hall, where chamber music concerts are held every day.
Rosencrantz Tower
In 1270, one of the symbols of the city, the Rosencrantz Tower, was erected in Bergen. After 300 years, the commandant of the city, Eric Rosencrantz, decided to reconstruct the building with his own savings. To do this, he gathered the best architects of the time and paid them to develop a Renaissance project.
Rosencrantz's idea was to build a building that combined strategic and residential functions. The upper part of the building was occupied by halls with artillery, and in the lower part there were the governor's chambers.
Geiranger fjord
Norway cannot be imagined without magnificent fjords - a paradise of nature surrounded by cliffs. Geiranger is located in the Sunnmør area and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which gives this site an important status.
Boat and boat excursions are organized around the fjord. Additional services include fishing, rafting, kayaking and horse riding. At the request of tourists, boats make a stop in the villages along the coast. Hospitable residents not only hold master classes on the manufacture of handicrafts, but also treat them to national cuisine.
Munch Museum
In 1963, a museum was opened in Oslo, timed to coincide with the centenary of the birth of the great Norwegian graphic artist E. Munch. For several decades of its existence, the collection of the museum has expanded significantly. In numerous halls you can see about 1, 9 thousand of various engravings, sculptures and more than 4000 drawings painted by E. Munch.
Each of the exhibits is an individual piece of art created by a master of expressionism. The museum has an art school and a small shop selling souvenirs.
Opera theatre
In 2008, the official opening of the country's national theater took place in Oslo. According to the idea of the architects, the building is made in accordance with the most modern design trends. Spacious rooms, mirrored facades, curved wall lines that create an unusual visual effect - all this distinguishes the building from other Oslo attractions.
World opera celebrities perform on the stage of the theater, who celebrate the excellent acoustic characteristics that allow them to achieve the deepest sound possible.
